MY CONTRACT HUSBAND IS A RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 2 - The Rules of Our Fake Marriage

The gala ended at 2AM.

The moment we got inside his penthouse, the "perfect husband" disappeared.

Alexander loosened his tie and walked straight to the bar. He didn't even look at me.

"The rules." He poured himself whiskey. "We need to go over them again."

I kicked off my heels. My feet were killing me. "I know the rules, Mr. Virel."

"Alexander."

"Fine. Alexander." I crossed my arms. "Rule 1: Be his wife in public. Rule 2: Stay away from him in private. Rule 3: No falling in love. 6 months, 3 million pesos. End of story."

He finally turned to me. Gray eyes scanning me from head to toe. Still in that 2 million peso gown.

"Close." He took a sip. "It's 1 year. Not 6 months."

My heart stopped. "What? The contract said 6 months!"

"The merger got delayed." He shrugged like it was nothing. "Board decided. 1 year. If you don't agree, the deal is off. And your mother's ICU bill is due next week."

The room suddenly felt cold.

1 year. 365 days of pretending. Of touching. Of lying.

"I... I need to think."

"No." He set his glass down. "You need to decide now. Because tomorrow we fly to Paris for a business trip. As husband and wife."

Paris? Alone? With him?

My phone buzzed. Hospital.

`URGENT: Payment for Maria Santos due in 5 days.`

I looked at Alexander. At his cold face. At the contract that was supposed to save my mother.

"Fine." My voice shook. "1 year."

A slow smirk appeared on his lips. Like he knew I had no choice.

"Good girl." He walked past me toward his room. "Pack a bag. Flight is at 8AM."

"And Alexander?" I called out.

He stopped but didn't turn.

"Rule 2... staying away from you in private. Does that include sharing a hotel room in Paris?"

Now he turned. That cold mask cracked for half a second.

"That," he said quietly, "is rule 4."

And he disappeared into his room, leaving me alone with a contract... and a racing heart.