Emma's palms were damp as she stared at the papers spread across the table.
The office was quiet, too quiet, as if the walls themselves were waiting for her decision.
This wasn't how she imagined her wedding day. There was no white dress, no smiling guests, no promises of forever.
Instead, there was a contract.
A marriage agreement that listed rules instead of vows.
She read each line slowly, her chest growing tighter with every word. Three years. No public scandals. No emotional involvement.
"You will be provided with everything you need," the lawyer said, his voice flat. "In return, you will fulfill your role as Mrs. Carter."
Emma nodded, even though her hands were shaking. She needed the money. Her family needed it more than anything.
The door opened without warning.
A tall man stepped inside, his presence filling the room instantly. His suit was perfectly tailored, his expression unreadable.
He didn't look at Emma at first. His eyes went straight to the document on the table.
"Is this necessary?" he asked coldly.
The lawyer cleared his throat. "It's already arranged, Mr. Carter."
Emma finally looked up at him. This was the man she was supposed to call her husband. A billionaire known for his ruthless business tactics and icy personality.
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
She felt a chill run down her spine.
This marriage wasn't about love.
It was about survival.Emma lowered herself into the chair, the leather cold against her skin.
Her mind drifted back to the phone call from last night—her mother's trembling voice, the hospital bills, the quiet desperation she tried to hide.
This marriage was the only way out.
"You don't have to look so frightened," the man said suddenly, his voice calm but distant.
Emma stiffened. "I'm not frightened," she replied, though even she could hear the lie.
He finally looked at her then. His eyes were dark, sharp, as if he was used to seeing through people.
"Good," he said. "Fear complicates things."
She didn't know what to say to that. This man spoke as if emotions were weaknesses, things to be avoided at all costs.
The lawyer slid a pen across the table.
"If you agree, please sign here," he said.
Emma stared at the blank line where her name would go. Once she signed, there would be no turning back.
She picked up the pen, her fingers trembling, and signed her name.
The sound of the pen scratching against paper felt louder than it should have been.
"Congratulations," the lawyer said. "You are now legally married."
The words settled heavily on her chest.
Married.
To a stranger.
"We will live separately," the man said, standing up. "Public appearances only when necessary. Do not expect affection."
Emma rose slowly to her feet. "And if I break the rules?"
His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile.
"Then you'll regret it," he replied quietly.
He turned and walked toward the door, stopping only once.
"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Carter."
The door closed behind him, leaving Emma alone with the echo of his words.
She wrapped her arms around herself, her heart racing.
This wasn't the future she dreamed of—but it was the one she had chosen.