"Linda?" she heard a whisper.
"Linda? Please don't scare me!" The whisper came again, shaky and frightened, pulling Linda out of the heavy darkness around her.
Her brows furrowed slightly as her lashes fluttered, her consciousness slowly returning.
"Linda!" the voice came again. "Please…"
Her eyes opened slowly. The sharp scent of antiseptic hit her nose immediately, making her wince. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar.
"Oh, thank God!"A dramatic gasp followed. Linda turned her head weakly and froze. "Megan…?"
Her manager stood beside the bed with red eyes, holding a cup of warm water as if it were the most precious thing in the world. "You scared me to death!" Megan cried, quickly helping her sit up. "Here, drink it, quick!"
Linda accepted the cup, her fingers trembling slightly as she took a few sips. She closed her eyes as the warm liquid slid down her throat. "What… happened?" Linda asked. "Why am I in the hospital?"
Megan's expression shifted from relieved to uncomfortable. She pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, lowering her voice. "You were hit by a car"
Linda's eyes widened slightly. "A car…?" Ohhh… that car!!
"Yes," Megan nodded, then swallowed. "And the owner of that car…" She paused, rubbing her palms together nervously. "Is someone we can't afford to mess with."
Linda frowned. "Who?"
Megan opened her mouth to answer but stopped when a man stepped inside the ward. He was tall and composed, dressed in a dark, perfectly tailored suit. His presence was calm yet intimidating. His eyes were sharp and unreadable, his posture carried an authority that made Linda feel pressured. Linda's grip tightened slightly on the cup.
The man nodded nonchalantly. "Afternoon." He turned his attention to Linda. "My name is Adam from Key Stone Tech."
Linda blinked several times, as if she'd heard it wrong. Key Stone was a famous name, several companies under it, and the owner was none other than Ezekiel Lane. Her gaze slowly shifted to Megan, who seemed to know about it. "…Isn't this Ezekiel Lane's assistant?" Linda asked flatly.
Megan didn't answer. Linda turned back to the man, almost laughing. "I think I hit my head harder than I thought. Because there's no way I would offend Ezekiel Lane in my condition."
Adam's expression didn't change. "Miss Linda, according to the driver, you ran directly into the car, and I was watching from the back seat."
Linda stiffened. "Excuse me?"
"You appeared suddenly, without warning," he continued calmly. That behaviour was irresponsible. You're really a good actor."
Her eyes sharpened. "I was hit," she defended. "I'm not chasing your boss's car!"
Adam studied her for a moment, as if weighing something. "Your hospital bills have been fully settled. However, there will be no additional compensation," he said indifferently.
Linda scoffed. "Did I tell you I want your boss's money?"
That made Megan sigh deeply. The man had misunderstood Linda. She had worked with her for years and was sure Linda would never do something like that.
Adam raised a brow as he looked at her with interest. He adjusted his tie and nodded. "I've paid the hospital bills and bed space for today and tomorrow." With that, he turned and left.
Linda leaned back on the pillow, staring at the ceiling. "So," she murmured. "Ezekiel Lane now thinks I'm shameless."
Megan finally exhaled. "Linda… Do you know how annoyed the boss was when he saw your resignation letter?"
Linda closed her eyes briefly. "I expected that."
Megan sighed. "Still… he looked like someone who wanted to yell and beg at the same time."
A smile faintly. She was already on her plane, but she didn't expect to offend Ezekiel.
Megan stayed with her the whole day. She helped her eat, adjusted her pillows, complained about work, never left her side. Linda watched her quietly and realised something, while everyone else walked away, Megan stayed beside her. She didn't expect her to stay after submitting her resignation.
The next morning.
Linda woke to the soft hum of machines and pale sunlight kissing her cheeks through the hospital curtains. Her body still felt heavy, but the pain and headache were gone. She was able to sit up on her own. She had just reached for the cup of water beside her bed when the door opened, revealing the same man.
Again? she frowned.
Linda's fingers tightened slightly around the cup. "I thought we had no business anymore,Mr. Adam," she said flatly.
He ignored her and started opening his expensive bag. "I apologise if I disturb you. I'm here according to my boss's order."
Her heart skipped. "Ezekiel?" she whispered, hoping he wouldn't claim her life or drag her into his hell, where he put those who provoked him.
Adam pulled out a thin black folder and placed it gently on the table beside her bed. "My boss requires a contract wife."
Linda stared at him in disbelief. "He wants me to be his wife?"
Adam looked at her in amusement. "A contract wife. Don't get me wrong, miss. I was asked to pick a random lady on the street. You happened to come by yourself."
Linda tried not to glare at him. He was openly mocking and judging her. She was certain he believed the news. Linda laughed softly,"You said randomly," she said.
"Of course." He kept glancing at his wristwatch, clearly showing he wasn't here to negotiate.
Linda, on the other hand, felt quietly crushed. Randomly? As if she were just a name picked without thought.
Adam continued, "In exchange, my boss will personally ensure your image is completely cleared. Every scandal will be erased."
Linda frowned. She understood, he wanted to clear her name without collecting any evidence, as if using power to bury dirt. She lowered her gaze to the folder.
'So this is what it is' she thought. Not for mercy or justice. Just a transaction. She looked up slowly. "So now everyone will think I ran to him because my life fell apart."
Adam didn't deny it but frowned. "Everyone?" he chuckled. "Read the contract." He struggled to keep his calm expression.
Linda's body trembled. She pulled the folder closer. She had nowhere to go, nothing to eat. "I have no choice," she whispered to herself as she opened it. A chill ran through her, the terms weren't nice.
Rule one: You must not interfere in your husband's private life.
Linda swallowed.
Rule two: You must not announce the identity of your husband to the world.
Rule three: You will not attend any public events together. No wedding night, blind dates, family dinners, or gatherings with your husband's friends.
That one hurt the most. But she was glad she wouldn't stain him with her own dirt. This was a marriage where her husband would become invisible in her life. No wonder his assistant insisted she read the rules.
Rule four: You must maintain a distance of at least three of five meters from Mr Lane if you mistakenly meet.
Linda almost laughed. "Mistakenly meet?" then she burst into laughter, making Adam glance at her. "Sorry…It's funny."
Rule five: You must not fall in love with your husband.
Rule six: An heir may be required in the future if the chosen wife isn't serious. Not now. This will be done through medical means only. No physical relationship involved.
Linda closed her eyes. So Mr Lane already had someone he wanted to marry in mind. Of course. Who was she for him to touch, let alone marry?
She shook her head slowly, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. "This is so harsh," she murmured. "But… comfortable." Just one year. Sacrificing one year of her life didn't sound so bad compared to losing everything. Without another word, she picked up the pen and signed.
Adam was surprised. He had expected hesitation, begging, and long negotiations.
But Linda simply handed the folder back calmly, like someone who had already lost too much to be afraid.
"I'll arrange everything," he said, hiding his surprise perfectly. "A driver will come for you once you're discharged."
Linda leaned back against the pillow, exhausted. "Tell your boss… I won't break the rules."
"I hope you keep your words." He turned and left.
Linda stared at the ceiling blankly. A contract wife… to the man she wasn't even allowed to stand close to.
"Don't worry, Linda. Just one year. Use it well, plan your revenge." She wouldn't rely on Ezekiel's money. He had done enough. Clearing her name and providing a place to live was enough.