Chapter:1 The Contract
Rain poured heavily outside the glass building of Knight Corporation.
Arisha Rahman stood at the entrance, her fingers trembling slightly as she held the umbrella tighter. She had never stepped into a place this luxurious before.
Marble floors. Golden lights. Cold atmosphere.
Just like the man inside.
Adrian Knight.
The youngest billionaire in the country. Ruthless in business. Emotionless in life.
And today… he wanted to marry her.
She swallowed nervously and walked toward the reception.
"I have a meeting with Mr. Knight," she said softly.The receptionist looked at her simple cotton dress and worn-out handbag before picking up the phone.
"Sir, she's here."
She.
Not even her name.
Arisha's jaw tightened.
A few minutes later, she was escorted to the top floor. Each step felt heavier than the last.
When the elevator doors opened, she saw him.
Adrian Knight stood near the largeglass window, his back facing her. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit. His presence alone made the air feel suffocating.
"You're five minutes late," he said without turning around.
Her cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry. The traffic—"
"I don't like excuses."
His voice was deep. Calm. Dangerous.
He finally turned.
Sharp jawline. Cold grey eyes. No emotion.
Arisha felt her heartbeat skip.
He walked toward the desk and placed a file in front of her.
"A one-year contract marriage," he said. "You will live in my house. Attend events with me. Act like a loving wife in public."
"And after one year?" she asked quietly.
"We divorce. You receive fifty million."
Her breath caught.
Fifty million.
Enough to save herfather's failing business. Enough to stop the bank case. Enough to protect her family.
"But there are conditions," Adrian continued.
"No falling in love."
The words felt like ice.
"No interfering in my personal matters."
"And you will obey the rules of my house."
Arisha clenched her fists.
She needed the money.
But she hated his tone.
"Why me?" she finally asked.
Out of all women… why choose someone like her?
Adrian's eyes darkened slightly.
"That," he said slowly, "is none of your concern."
Silence filled the room.
Outside, thunder roared.
Arisha looked at the pen on the table.
If she signed, her life would never be the same.
she didn't… her father would lose everything.
She closed her eyes.
And signed.
When she looked up, Adrian was watching her intensely.
"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Knight."
For the first time, Arisha felt fear.
Because something in his eyes told her…
This marriage was not just a contract.
It was a trap.