Outwardly a perfect match, but the story of Mary and William is not as sweet as their relationship seems. Their marriage starts off as nothing more than a contract – her bond in marriage to him, in exchange for her mother's medical expenses. And yet, things take a dramatic turn. Neither knows who crossed the line first, and neither knows who initiated this game of love. But it is on! Discover this plot exclusively on Marriage Contract: Love Game With CEO.
"Don't be so stiff. Lean in closer!" the photographer ordered as he held his camera in his hand.
Mary Lu leaned against the man uneasily.
"Smile." The photographer frowned. He waved his arms around exasperatedly, not satisfied with all the photos that he had taken. "Wedding photos are supposed to be happy and sweet. Relax!"
Well, this wedding was anything but... She didn't even know what the man next to her looked like now. He probably had an indifferent face.
Mary Lu forced a smile into her face as she stared directly at the camera. Soon, the photos were finally taken. The three of them sighed in relief.
When she walked out, Mary Lu could hear the photographer complaining to himself, "I've never seen such a strange couple. They may look like a match, but they act as if they'd just met!"
Mary Lu sighed and shook her head. She really wanted to act natural, but was there really anything natural about the situation that she had just gotten herself into?
Was this marriage anything to be proud of? The only reason she was getting married in the first place was all because of a contract!
It turned out a marriage certificate was also very cheap. In fact, it only cost them nine dollars.
It was drizzling when they got out. Unfortunately, the two of them didn't bring umbrellas.
"Where are you going?" William Lan asked. He was now Mary Lu's husband, especially since they already got their marriage certificate all sorted out.
"Let's go home first." Mary Lu stared at the grey sky. Droplets of rain slid down her cheeks. "I can go back myself."
"What about your mother? Should we go and see her?"
She slowly shook her head. "She's still in a coma. You can go ahead with your work," she said almost bitterly, but he didn't really mind.
"Okay. I'll go back to the company first." Without another word, William Lan strode towards the luxury car across the road. Although Mary Lu didn't know how much it cost, she could tell it was extremely expensive from other people's envious gaze.
Without looking back, he slipped inside the car.
Mary Lu was still in a daze as she watched his retreating figure.
She remembered the first day she met him.
That day, Mary Lu was called into the CEO's office. She was just an assistant manager of the Public Relations Department. Why did the CEO suddenly want to see her? Had she done something wrong?
Filled with anxiety, she entered his office. It was the first time she came to meet her boss, William Lan. At a closer look, he looked like a man without flaws.
He was incredibly tall with a well-defined jaw line. He pursed his thin lips. There was something about his eyes that drew her in. After looking into them for a long time, she felt as if she was falling into an abyss. He was wearing a black suit which highlighted his built figure, but she thought that he would look more suitable in blue.
"Are you Mary Lu? The assistant manager of the Public Relations Department?" William Lan said calmly, holding a document in his hand. He stood up and walked to her side. "It's stated that two years ago, your mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Your father has even abandoned both of you. Are you experiencing a hard time?"
What did he just say? Mary's jaw dropped as she stared at the man standing before her.
'How could a CEO be so concerned over a lowly employee? Did he perform an investigation about me?'
"Thank you for your concern, Sir. I'll be fine," Mary said calmly, trying not to be affected by his words.
"Are you sure?" William leaned against the corner of his table. "What about the treatment fees that you owe to the hospital? Even with your part-time jobs, I don't think that's enough for you to pay them back. At least not until a few more years."
Mary blinked, stumbling backwards. "How did you know all of this?" she demanded. "Are you investigating me? What the hell are you up to?"
William wasn't affected by her demanding questions as he fixated his sharp eyes onto her. "Yes. There was an investigation," he openly admitted. "I want to make a deal with you."
"A deal? What deal?"
"Marry me, and I'll pay all your mother's medical expenses." William didn't even pause.
"Well, I'm not interested." Mary was about to turn around and walk away.
"Are you sure?" She froze.
There was something in his question
that made her hesitate. Her marriage had always been something that her mother was worrying about.
Mary winced at the thought of her mother on the hospital bed. The doctor had told her that her mother could only last a few more months. If she faked her own marriage, then she might be able to fulfill her mother's dying wish.
Mary's nails dug into her palm. "What should I do?"
"I have a contract right here. You can have a look." When she turned, he handed her a few papers. "Everything's clearly written. In fact, you don't even have to do anything. You're my wife by name only. Everything you do should be coordinated with me, obviously, in case if we share any sparring viewpoints."
Mary looked over at the contract uncertainly.
Seeing as she still had doubts, William waved his hand. "You can think it over and give me your answer tomorrow. If you don't have anything else you want to say, then you can go."
"Wait. Why do you want to do this? What benefits will you get from this?" she demanded.
He shrugged. "You don't have to know that. All you need to do is consider what's best for you."
That ass! 'He thinks he can rule the world!' she thought.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and left. When Mary returned to her desk, she opened the contract. It was indeed short and concise.
The marriage would only be for one year. Although they were required to live together, sexual intercourse was prohibited. The man would be responsible for all living expenses and her mother's treatment. He would also compensate her with a monthly salary of a hundred thousand dollars. The marriage would be public, and the woman would be asked to cooperate with him in important events.
Gazing at the contract, Mary was completely dumbfounded. With so much money, all the problems in her life would simply disappear. Not only would her mother receive better treatment, but she also didn't have to work until midnight. It wouldn't even harm her, but was it really just that simple? As she was hesitating, her phone rang. It was from the hospital. She gritted her teeth and answered, "Hello?"
"Is this Mary? Your mother is in bad condition. She has been sent to the emergency room. Come prepared."
"What?" she shrieked. "I'll be right there. Doctor Cao, please do whatever you can to save my mother."
"We'll do our best."
Mary rushed to the hospital that day. Fortunately, when she arrived, the doctors had informed her that her mother was already stable. Her shoulders sagged in relief. She gazed at her mother's limp body through the glass window as a surge of warmth soared through her system.
"Miss Lu," the doctor beside her uttered, and she turned around.
"Dr. Cao, I can't thank you enough."
"There's no need. This is what we do." He smiled. "But there is a problem with your mother's medical fees. I don't want to urge you about this given your mother's state, but..."
"Dr. Cao, I understand. I'll pay the fees in three days," Mary said firmly, already making the decision in her heart.
After walking out of the hospital, Mary took out her phone and dialed William's number. "I promise to sign the papers. I just need the money first..." There was a pause before Mary nodded. "Thank you."
Mary had just sold herself to the devil.
She stopped, shaking her head at the memory. As soon as she looked up, she could see that William was still looking at her in his car.
Although he was already thirty, he was still pretty fit. In fact, he had assets worth around a hundred million dollars and he was also extremely handsome. Why would such a golden bachelor ask her to fake a marriage with him?
Seeing as he had already left, Mary pursed her lips and shook her head. There was no use to think about such details. She should just mind her own business.
The hospital was the last place she wanted to go to, but she arrived there again in hopes that her mother's condition had gotten better. She was hoping that her mother would wake up and see that her daughter had completed her dying wish.
Legally, she had been his wife for three years, but their marriage was kept as a secret in public. He spent money on her lavishly and she lived a luxurious life. Things changed when a super male model showed interest in her. And that's when her first boyfriend returned. Her husband said that she could find a boyfriend, which didn't really surprise her. After all, there would be nothing between them after the divorce. However, going against his words, he showed up around everywhere, every time, and tried every means to prevent her from finding a boyfriend. She was totally confused! What was wrong with him? What on earth did this man want from her?
She was hopeful that her life would change. There would be a new start after she graduated from high school. She was ready to fly in the sky, and rise towards her dream. Little did she know that her life would turn upside down on returning home. The biggest life-changing event was waiting for her. She was hardly aware that the bracelet she had been wearing since her birth was a token. The token of her marriage to a man she had never met. She could do nothing but follow the arrangement, for life wasn't willing to spare her. Her helplessness left her no choice. Finally, she decided to give up everything and run away! And again, destiny made fun of her. Unexpected and unknowingly, he stepped into her life again. What was in store for her in the future and where was life leading her?
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
Die in Water and Revive in Fire Ji Hanyue was born of a general. On the evening when she married the Crown Prince, she was framed and pushed into a lake. Before she died, she was told that both her father and sister had been murdered. When she woke up in a fire, she found herself reincarnated as her cousin Qu Moying, a blind daughter of the Vice Minister of Works. With a hateful stepmother and sister, the poor girl lived in forsaken circumstances and used to be timid and isolated. The fire gave Ji Hanyue a new life and changed Qu Moying’s life. The vengeance started. In the previous life, Ji Hanyue married the Crown Prince, while in this one, she took the fancy of his uncle. What kind of marriage was waiting for her?
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
After a passionate night, Verena left some money and wanted to leave, but was held by her companion. "Isn't it your turn to make me happy?" Verena, always disguising herself as ugly, slept with her fiance's uncle, Darren, in order to escape her engagement with her unfaithful fiance. Darren had respect and admiration. Word of his romantic escapades circulated, some saying they saw him kissing a lady against a wall and others calling it gossip. Who could ever tame Darren's heart? Then, shockingly, Darren was caught bending down to help Verena with her shoes, all to score a kiss from her!
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."