Chapter 2: The Marriage Contract
365 Words
Amelia stared at the document on the table as if it were written in another language.
“A marriage?” she repeated.
The lawyer nodded. “A temporary marriage. One year.”
She let out a nervous laugh. “You cannot be serious.”
“I wish I were joking.”
Her father remained silent, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Amelia picked up the contract and began reading. Adrian Black would pay off Carter Industries’ debts and prevent the company from being taken over by the bank. In return, Amelia would become his wife for exactly one year.
There was one condition that caught her attention.
Neither party was allowed to fall in love.
She looked up. “This is insane.”
Her father finally spoke. “I know.”
“Then why are we even considering it?”
“Because without help, we lose everything.”
Amelia’s anger disappeared when she saw the exhaustion on her father’s face.
“This company is your life,” she whispered.
“It is,” he admitted. “But I never wanted you to sacrifice your future for it.”
Amelia looked back at the contract.
She had always dreamed of a normal life. A husband she loved. A home filled with laughter. Children someday.
None of that included marrying a billionaire stranger.
Before she could say anything else, the door opened.
A tall man stepped into the room.
Amelia immediately knew who he was.
Adrian Black.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, and his expression was calm and unreadable. His eyes met Amelia’s, and for a moment neither of them spoke.
“I assume you’ve read the contract,” Adrian said.
Amelia swallowed.
“Yes.”
“And?”
She placed the papers down.
“I have questions.”
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“Good. I prefer a woman who asks questions.”
Amelia crossed her arms.
“Why me?”
Adrian's expression changed slightly.
“Because I need a wife.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
He stepped closer.
“No, Amelia. It doesn't.”
His eyes held hers.
“And I think you'll understand the reason soon enough.
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