A week after Isabella signed the contract she stood at the church in an elegant white gown waiting to walk down the aisle to be married to her boss Adrian Blackwood. Camera flashes sparked here and there, though Adrian had been firm about keeping the ceremony private.
Isabella smoothed her hands over the white gown Mrs. Blackwood had insisted she wear.
Her chest tightened. This isn't real. Remember that. It's just six months.
The door creaked open, and a small voice piped up.
"Bella?"
Sophie stood in her flower-girl dress, tiny hands clutching her basket of petals.
"Yes, sweetheart?" Isabella crouched, forcing a smile.
"Are we going to be a family now?" Sophie's eyes were wide, innocent.
"Yes, darling," Isabella whispered, brushing a curl from her forehead. "We're going to be a family now."
Sophie grinned, wrapping her arms around Isabella's neck. "I love you."
Her knees wobbled as she rose, taking her place at the entrance. The organ swelled, the doors opened, and every head turned.
Adrian was waiting at the altar, sharp in his tailored black suit.
When she finally reached him, Adrian extended his hand.
When it came time for the vows, Adrian spoke smoothly. "I, Adrian Blackwood, take you, Isabella Hart, to be my lawfully wedded wife…"
Her turn came. Isabella's tongue felt heavy. "I… Isabella Hart… take you, Adrian Blackwood…"
The minister smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
Adrian didn't hesitate. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, sealing the deal before the crowd. Applause broke out. Sophie clapped louder than anyone, squealing, "Yay, Mommy Bella!"
The reception was brief. Mrs. Blackwood looking like the queen who had orchestrated the perfect move on a chessboard. Adrian kept Isabella close to his side, his hand resting on her lower back.
By the time they returned to the mansion that evening, Isabella felt exhausted.
Sophie dashed inside first, still buzzing with energy. "This was the best day ever! I have a new mommy!"
Adrian pulled out his phone before Isabella could escape to her room. "One more thing."
Her brows furrowed. "What now?"
He typed swiftly, and within seconds, her own phone buzzed with a bank notification.
Her eyes widened. "Adrian…"
"Check it," he said simply.
With shaking hands, she opened the app. Her jaw dropped. "One hundred million dollars?"
"The first installment," he confirmed coolly. "The rest will come when the contract ends."
Her chest tightened. "I… I don't even know what to say."
"Say nothing," he replied. "Just remember the terms. You're mine for six months."
Later that night, Isabella tried to retreat to the safety of her guest room. She had just changed into her nightgown when Sophie walked in, rubbing her eyes.
"Mommy Bella?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
Sophie climbed onto her bed with serious eyes. "Why don't you and Daddy sleep together? My friend Emily at school said married people always sleep in the same room."
Isabella's mouth went dry. "Well… sometimes grown-ups."
Adrian's deep voice cut in from the doorway. "Because, princess, Daddy and Mommy Bella wanted you to have time to get used to everything first."
Both turned to look at him.
"But now," he continued smoothly, "you're right. Married people should sleep in the same room. From tonight, Isabella will be with me."
Isabella whipped her head toward him. "What?"
Sophie beamed. "Really? Like a real family?"
Adrian stepped forward and brushed a hand over his daughter's hair. "Exactly. Like a real family."
Sophie yawned and hugged Isabella. "I love you, Mommy Bella."
The next morning started like any other. Isabella was still processing the awkward half-night she'd spent lying stiffly in Adrian's bed.
She had just gathered Sophie's backpack and walked her toward the car when a sleek red convertible came to a stop at the mansion gates.
Vanessa.
Her stilettos clicked furiously against the driveway as she stormed up. "Adrian!" she shouted. "Are you out of your goddamn mind?"
Sophie shrank against Isabella.
Adrian appeared from the front steps. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"You married her?" Vanessa pointed a finger at Isabella. "Her? The nanny? I don't want my child to be around her."
Adrian's voice came out cold. "What I do with my life stopped being your business the moment you spread your legs for my best friend."
Vanessa's face flushed scarlet. "Adrian…"
"Get off my property," he cut her off. "And if you ever show up uninvited again, I'll make sure security escorts you out permanently."
Vanessa's mouth opened, then snapped shut. She shot Isabella a glare so venomous it burned, then turned and walked back to her car, driving out.
Isabella took Sophie to school and by the time she got back Mrs Blackwood was seated at the dining table with Adrian.
"Welcome back, my dear daughter-in-law," Mrs. Blackwood said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood," Isabella replied softly.
Mrs. Blackwood motioned to the seat beside Adrian. "Come, sit. Join us. We were just having a…family discussion."
Adrian arched one brow, clearly already irritated. "Mother."
"What?" Mrs. Blackwood sipped her tea. "A wedding is done, the marriage is sealed. Naturally, the next topic is children."
Isabella nearly choked. "I….I'm sorry?"
Adrian's jaw flexed. "Mother…."
Mrs. Blackwood ignored him completely. "Children. More children. Sophie needs siblings. A child should not grow up alone, Adrian. She deserves brothers and sisters to play with. Don't you agree, Isabella?"
Heat rushed to Isabella's cheeks. "I…well….I…."
"She's not answering that," Adrian cut in. "And you are overstepping."
"Overstepping?" Mrs. Blackwood's eyes narrowed. "Darling, I'm merely pointing out the obvious. A family is not complete until there are more children running through these halls. Surely you don't expect Isabella to play wife and not also give you another heir?"
Adrian stood suddenly "This conversation is over."
But Mrs. Blackwood only rose with quiet grace. She fixed her son with a gaze that brooked no argument.
"You will listen to me, Adrian," she said coldly. "This family does not survive on stubbornness alone. I will give you one year, twelve months, to conceive another child. If, by then, Isabella is not carrying your heir, I will reconsider Your inheritance, your company shares and your position as CEO. And I might just have to give it to your cousin."
Isabella's mouth fell open. Adrian's fists clenched at his sides.
Mrs. Blackwood's lips curved into a smile. "One year," she repeated. "Don't disappoint me."
Then she walked out of the dining room.
Isabella turned slowly toward Adrian.
And for the first time since signing that contract, she realized, six months might not be the end of this after all.