Chapter 1: The Contract Marriage
Rain poured heavily outside the glass windows, mirroring the storm in her heart.
Amara sat nervously at the long mahogany table, her hands trembling as she clutched the pen. Across from her sat Adrian Blackwood, the cold, unreadable CEO whose sharp eyes seemed to pierce through her soul.
"This is not a real marriage," Adrian's voice was calm, deep, and ruthless.
"You will be my wife only on paper. No emotions, no expectations."
Amara swallowed hard, her heart aching at his words. She knew this was the only way to save her family from ruin. Signing the contract meant sacrificing her freedom, her happiness, and perhaps… her heart.
Her eyes flickered to his dark, distant, yet dangerously captivating.
With one final breath, she pressed the pen to the paper.
The contract marriage had begun.