Page 1: An Unexpected Proposal
The rain poured heavily over the busy streets of Mumbai. People rushed past each other with umbrellas, trying to escape the storm.
Inside a small bookstore tucked between two tall buildings, Aanya Sharma stood behind the counter, staring at the empty shop.
"Another slow day," she sighed.
The bookstore had belonged to her father, but after he passed away, the debts kept piling up. The landlord had already warned her—if she didn't pay the rent in two weeks, the shop would be closed.
Aanya loved this place. Every book, every shelf held memories of her childhood.
But love didn't pay bills.
Just then, the door opened.
A tall man stepped inside, dressed in an expensive black suit. His sharp features and calm confidence made him stand out immediately.
Aanya looked up.
"Welcome—"
She stopped mid-sentence.
The man's presence was overwhelming.
"I'm looking for someone named Aanya Sharma," he said.
"That's me."
He placed a business card on the counter.
Arjun Malhotra. CEO. Malhotra Group.
One of the richest businessmen in the country.
Aanya blinked in confusion.
"Why are you here?"
His next words shocked her.
"I have a proposal. I want you to marry me."
Page 2: The Deal
Aanya thought she had heard him wrong.
"Excuse me?"
Arjun sat down calmly.
"Don't misunderstand. It's a contract marriage."
He explained everything.
His grandfather's will required him to marry within three months to inherit the remaining shares of the family empire.
"I don't believe in love," Arjun said coldly. "This marriage will only be for appearances."
"And why me?" Aanya asked.
"I investigated you," he replied bluntly. "You're honest, responsible, and you need money."
He slid a paper across the table.
"If you marry me for one year, I'll pay you enough to clear your debts and save this bookstore."
Aanya's heart raced.
This was crazy.
But it could save everything she loved.
"What happens after one year?" she asked quietly.
"We divorce."
Aanya hesitated.
Then slowly…
She signed the contract.
Page 3: The Wedding
Three days later, Aanya stood in a luxurious wedding hall wearing a beautiful red bridal dress.
Everything had happened so quickly.
Guests whispered as they watched the billionaire groom and his mysterious bride.
Arjun stood beside her, calm and unreadable.
"Relax," he whispered.
"Easy for you to say," she muttered.
The priest began the ceremony.
Within minutes, it was official.
Aanya Sharma had become Mrs. Aanya Malhotra.
Page 4: Life in the Mansion
Arjun's mansion looked more like a palace.
Huge glass windows, marble floors, and endless rooms.
Aanya felt completely out of place.
"Your room is on the left wing," Arjun said. "Mine is on the right."
"Separate rooms?"
"This is a contract marriage. Remember the rules."
The rules were simple:
No emotional involvement.
Respect each other's privacy.
Act like a real couple in public.
At first, their life together felt awkward.
They were strangers pretending to be husband and wife.
Page 5: A Different Side of Him
Weeks passed.
Aanya slowly got used to life in the mansion.
She started cooking, decorating the empty rooms, and even bringing books from her store to create a small library.
One evening, Arjun returned home exhausted from work.
He walked into the dining room and froze.
Aanya had prepared dinner.
"You cooked?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I have staff for that."
"Well… I wanted to."
For the first time in years, someone had waited for him at home.
Something in Arjun's chest softened.
Page 6: The Charity Gala
A month later, they attended a huge charity event.
Aanya wore a stunning blue gown that made everyone stare.
Arjun noticed the attention.
Especially when a young businessman approached her.
"You must be Mrs. Malhotra," the man said, smiling.
Aanya nodded politely.
But Arjun suddenly stepped between them.
"She's with me."
His voice was colder than usual.
For the first time, Aanya noticed something strange.
Was he… jealous?
Page 7: Cracks in the Contract
That night, Aanya confronted him.
"Why were you acting like that?"
"Like what?"
"Possessive."
Arjun looked away.
"You're my wife in public. That's all."
But deep inside, he knew the truth.
Somewhere along the way, the contract had stopped feeling like a contract.
Page 8: The Truth
Months passed.
Arjun found himself thinking about Aanya constantly.
Her laughter filled the empty mansion.
Her kindness softened his cold world.
One evening, he found her crying in the garden.
"What happened?" he asked.
"The bookstore…" she whispered. "It finally reopened today."
He smiled slightly.
"You did it."
"No," she said softly.
"We did."
For the first time, Arjun realized he didn't want to lose her.
Page 9: The End of the Contract
One year passed quickly.
The divorce papers sat on the table.
Aanya looked at them quietly.
"This was the deal," she said.
Arjun felt something twist painfully in his chest.
"Do you want to leave?" he asked.
She hesitated.
"I think… I fell in love with you."
Silence filled the room.
Page 10: A Real Marriage
Arjun walked toward her slowly.
"Then stay."
Aanya looked up.
"This time," he said softly, "not because of a contract."
He took the divorce papers…
and tore them apart.
"I don't want a fake wife anymore," he said.
"I want a real one."
Tears filled Aanya's eyes.
For the first time, the cold millionaire smiled with his whole heart.
And their contract marriage finally became a real love story.
The End