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Chapter 1: The Contract
The rain poured heavily as I stood outside the glass doors of Blackwood Enterprises, my hands trembling around the thin folder I carried. The building towered above me, cold and intimidating—just like the man I was about to meet.
Ethan Blackwood.
The name alone made my chest tighten.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The lobby was silent, polished marble reflecting the bright lights above. Everyone here looked important, confident—like they belonged. I didn't. Not with my worn shoes, not with the fear crawling under my skin.
"Miss Hart?" the receptionist called.
"Yes," I answered quickly.
"Mr. Blackwood is expecting you."
Expecting me.
Those words echoed in my mind as I followed her into the elevator. My heart pounded harder with every floor we passed. This was it. The decision that would change everything.
The elevator doors opened to a private office floor. I was led to a large door, and the receptionist knocked once before leaving me alone.
I swallowed and pushed the door open.
Ethan Blackwood stood by the window, his tall frame outlined by the city lights behind him. He turned slowly, his sharp eyes landing on me like he already owned me.
"You're late," he said calmly.
"I— I'm sorry," I whispered.
He walked toward his desk, each step confident and controlled. "Sit."
I obeyed without thinking.
He opened a file and glanced at it briefly. "You need money. A lot of it."
My fingers clenched in my lap. "Yes."
"Your mother's hospital bills," he continued. "And your brother's debt."
My breath caught. "How do you—"
"I know everything before I make an offer," he interrupted.
Offer.
He slid a document across the desk toward me.
"A marriage contract," he said. "One year. You'll be my wife in public. No feelings. No questions. No love."
My eyes dropped to the papers, my heart racing. "And in return?"
"I'll pay for everything," he replied coldly. "Every bill. Every debt."
Silence filled the room.
I knew this was wrong. I knew walking away would be safer. But I also knew I had no other choice.
Slowly, I reached for the pen.
"What happens after one year?" I asked softly.
Ethan's lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. "We walk away like strangers."
I signed my name.
And just like that, my life stopped