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A great marriage doesn't happen when the "perfect couple" gets together. It happens when an imperfect couple gets together and learns to enjoy each other's differences. Six individuals with different personalities. Three imperfect couples who have been asked to be together... let's find out their stories. Will they fall in love with each other or will they eventually abandon their marriage? ~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~ Cold, rude, arrogant and narcissistic. This is how Sophia Yzabelle describes the man she married, Daniel Kelley. Due to her traumatic past and seeking justice, she agreed to marry him despite his rude personality. They hate each other from the very beginning but have had no choice but to get married as they both need the agreement for their own benefits. The question is how long could they stand facing each other? Will they eventually admit their feelings or will they continue to be stubborn towards each other? * * * Despite having everything she needs in life, it doesn't stop Madielyn Davis for completing her bucket list of dreams. So she applied for a job as a Personal Assistant to the CEO. Little did she know that her rude yet handsome boss, Gabriel Wilsons, will offer her a life-changing deal and that is to become his wife for a year. Uhm... marrying someone who doesn't love you back is hard, but how about marrying someone for an agreement and the reason---he just wants to get his ex-girlfriend back, isn't it more painful. Yes, it is, but she still agreed to marry him because she believed she could still change his mind for the revenge he's planning for his ex-girlfriend. But something happened during the process as she ended up falling in love with him. Will Gabriel be able to return Madi's love or will he prefer the person he loved first? * * * When she turned 18, a free-spirited young woman, Arrianna Angela, signed the most stupid contract and arrangement in her life. And that's marrying her brother's best friend and first love, Alexander Jonathan Smith. But here's the twist... he's rich, handsome but one of the certified womanizers in town. But what they didn't know is not only the contract they signed can be called stupid, but so is she, who still found herself deeply in love with him even though he left her alone in their marriage for four years. And now that he's back, can she still believe the man who made her feel worthless for a long time or like the past years she's been waiting, she would still accept and continue to love him despite everything that's happened?
Sophia's POV:
A long and deep sigh escaped through my lips as I checked my wristwatch for I don't know how many times. I've been sitting inside the coffee shop for almost forty-five minutes, but I still can't see even a glimpse of the person who texted me yesterday. Mr. Daniel Kelley, the CEO of Kelley International Corporation, my 'so-called' fiance and a husband to be three weeks from now.
He said he wants us to meet and to see me personally before they announce our engagement party next week. I agreed, so I cancelled my first practice appointment just to meet him.
Maybe you're confused about the engagement party. How can be two people get engaged without knowing each other, or without even seeing each other? Well, this is just a contractual marriage, so to be intimate with each other is not necessary. We only need to be in this marriage for one year and after that, we're going to go in our separate ways again.
"Ten minutes. No, five minutes. Five more minutes and if he still don't show up himself, I'm gonna leave and I won't also show myself until the engagement party." I muttered lowly while roaming my eyes inside the restaurant.
And to make myself busy while waiting for another minute, I put my earphones back and listen to my new downloaded dance music from my phone, as I continued to create new dance steps in my head.
I was already indulged with the music and enjoying the beat when I noticed that there's someone standing in front of me. I removed my earphones and looked up to see a tall and handsome man in a dark suit.
The first thing I've noticed was his eyes, they were cold and you can never see even a single emotion on it. It's as if I am looking to an emotionless man.
"Sophia."
My breath hitched with the sound of his voice, so cold yet so sexy. And the way he mentioned my name sends shivers down my spine.
"Yes. Are you Mr. Kelley?"
I asked and straightened my seat, as I looked directly into his eyes. He didn't answer me, instead he pulled the chair across my seat and suit himself comfortably without leaving his eyes on me. It's kinda odd and creepy but I hold my breath and fight the urge not to look away.
"Mr. Kelley, right?"
I asked again but like my first attempt, I still got no answer.
I was on the verge of asking if he's kinda deaf when he finally opened his mouth.
"Tell me, Sophia. How much money did my Mom offered you to accept this deal?"
I was taken aback with his question. I didn't expect him to ask me that. That was what they called NOT beating around the bush. Straightforward. Direct to the point and without even saying 'Hi', 'Hey' or whatever.
"What? I-I'm sorry?"
I asked to clarify what I heard.
"Come on, Sophia. I just wanna know how much money did my Mom offered you for this deal?"
I gulped at the way he's looking at me like I'm some kind of dirt.
"How did you know her and how did you ask her to choose you to portray this act?"
I chuckled sarcastically right after he finished his question.
"Excuse me, Mr. Kelley? But for your information, your mother didn't offer me even a single cent from your family's bank account!"
"So, what do you mean? You've just accepted this deal without anything in return? Oh, come on Ms. Sophia. I am a businessman and you can never fool me like what you did to my Mom!"
I formed my fists into a ball and tried to calm my raging nerves. How dare this man insulted me with his money? But instead of shouting and giving him a death glare, I smiled. A smile that I'm sure would get into his nerves.
"Is this your reason why you wanted to meet me, Mr. Daniel Kelley? Just to insult me and throw to my face that all I wanted was just your money."
"Why... isn't it your reason why you agreed with this? So, tell me how much do you need----"
"Then what? You're going to tell me to back out and cancel the deal?" I chuckled again while shaking my head. "Listen here, Daniel Kelley! Not all the things in this world has a price and can buy with your shining-shimmering cards, or by your precious money inside your pants!"
I bring my face closer to him and I didn't miss how he was surprised by my action.
"For once and for all, your Mom didn't offer me a single penny! In fact, she asked me for some help. To help his older son and portray as his wife for one year! And yes, I do have a reason for marrying you, but it's too far from money! So, just tell me directly if you don't want me to marry you and don't throw me insults and judgement! Or if you want, you can talk to your mother, because I wasn't the one who's insisting myself to this marriage!"
I stand up and get my bag from the table, but I remember something and I need this to tell him.
"Tsk.Tsk.Tsk. Daniel Kelley. Yeah, you're handsome, having broad shoulders, sexy and a perfect husband material for your looks..." his mouth ajar as his eyes widened a bit. "..but you know one thing I've realized? That how much of a good looking you are, it's the opposite of your attitude! It stinks! You need to shower more than three times a day for the whole year!"
I saw how he was taken aback with my last word, but I didn't wait for him to respond. I left him open-mouthed and walked my way towards the entrance of the coffee shop. I don't care what he thinks of me after this. If he doesn't want me to become his contractual wife, then fine. But I don't need his insults. I've suffered a lot of insults and judgements before, I don't want some additional this time.
When I reached my car, I let out a heavy sigh and a silent prayer when the rain started to pour outside. It's like raining cats and dogs and now blurring my windshield. I started the engine as I don't have a choice but to drive under this heavy rain. If I only knew that this would be the result of my almost one hour of waiting, I shouldn't have waited for him. No, I shouldn't have agreed to meet him.
What I said was true, yes I accepted the deal but it's not for money, but for his last name, his family name. I need to do it, 'cause I don't have any choice left in me when his mother offered the contract.
~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~
Flashback:
I was in the parking lot of the mall and walking towards my car when I noticed the figure that's following me behind. I turned around just to stuck on my feet. I can't believe that I am seeing the last man I wanted to see or should I say, the man I never wanted to see ever again. The man who almost ruined my life in the past. Joseph De Luca.
"Guarda chi c'è? Finalmente ti ho trovato, Amore Mio." (Look who's here? Finally, I found you my love) he said grinning maliciously.
"Don't call me your love, you bastard!" I shouted at him as goosebumps crept all over my body.
"Esuberante." he chuckled. "Non sei ancora cambiato. Come stai, Amore Mio?" (Feisty. You still haven't changed. How are you, my love?)
"Ho detto di non chiamarmi amore, cazzo! Bastardo!" (I said don't fucking call me 'love'! You bastard!)
He smirked and stepped towards me, and I started to step backwards. My heart is pounding inside my chest.
"Dai, non ti manco? (Come on, don't you miss me?"
"Non mi mancherà mai la tua fottuta facia in tutta la mia vita!" ( I won't ever miss your fucking face, in my entire life!)
And I run towards my car. I was about to open the door when I felt a hand over my hand. And the next thing I know, I was slammed over my car door with his lips on my neck.
"Let me go! You're fucking bastard! Don't you dare touch me!" I tried to push him but he's so strong, so I just shout on top of my lungs. "Help! Somebody help me!" I gathered all my strength and pushed him but not without giving him a hard slap.
He touched the area on where my hand landed and smirked at me... then turned into demonic laugh.
I am catching my breath while watching him laughing at me. I can't believe I can see him again after a long time, and in all the possible places, here in California. Italy is too far from here, but why does fate bring this bastard here?
"Who would have thought that after all these years, we will see each other again, amore mio? Why did you leave Italy? I've been searching for you everywhere. Can you see this? Do you still remember this?"
He pointed the long scar on his neck. His face becomes serious which added to the anxiety that's creeping inside me.
"This is the fucking reason why I've searched for you! I almost turned the whole Europe just to find you! But why didn't you inform me that you're just hiding here in California?"
"You're son of a bitch! If you're thinking that you can escape for what you did to me six years ago, then you're wrong!"
"Ohh... mia Cara Ysabelle, ma non hai prove delle tue accuse!" ( Ohh, my dear Ysabelle, but you don't have any proof of your accusations.)
"Yes, but I swear to God, Joseph! When I get a strong evidence against you, you're going to get old and die inside the prison!"
"Ohh..tsk.tsk tsk. It's been six years, Amore Mio. Are you not feeling tired? Why don't you give to me now the gift that you refused to give me before?"
"Fuck you!" I shuddered with the thought of giving him myself. "I'm getting married, so fuck off!"
He narrowed his eyes on me, but before he could speak, we heard someone's voice behind and three men in white uniform, came to our view.
"What's happening here? Sophia, are you okay?" Mrs. Kelley walked towards us.
Joseph looked at the three men in front of him and turned his gaze in me.
"Non abbiamo ancora finito, Amore Mio! Quando ci rivedremo, mi assicurerò di prenderti e renderti completamente Mio!" he said with a glare before he walked away from us.
"Huh!" I closed my eyes and let out the heavy breath that I've been holding earlier.
"Are you okay, Sophia?" she tapped my shoulder and I looked at her with teary-eyed.
"I'm okay, Mrs. Kelley. Thank you for helping me."
"But I didn't do anything?"
"No, ma'am. You helped me from that man. And thank you so much."
"Sophia, if you don't mind, may I ask if who's that man earlier? And what did he said before he walked out?"
"He said, we haven't finished yet. And when see me again, he will make sure to get me and make me completely his."
"Oh my God! Why did he say that, was he your boyfriend before or your boyfriend right now? But you said you're single?"
"Yes ma'am, I'm single and he's not my ex-boyfriend nor my boyfriend, and that's not gonna happen ever. I will choose to die rather than seeing myself together with him." I looked at her eyes to see what will be her reaction if I tell her the truth. "He tried to rape me six years ago."
"Oh my holy Christ!" her eyes widened in shock and I just give her a sad smile.
Two not-so-ordinary people living in a completely different world met by accident. Two people having opposite personalities, collided by debt... ohh, let's just say 'fate'. And two unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar relationship... *** "I want you to keep this in mind, Rafi, I married you not because I love you, but because I had no choice at that time. So, don't take the role as my wife seriously as we were just married on paper. You can do whatever you want all day and I don't care just... (he paused)... just don't go my way and know how to put yourself in the right place! Do you understand?" "Whoa! Is this man eating rudeness every freaking day? He didn't even blink, Fodgodsake!" *** Meet Liam Clarkson, one of the hunky handsome bachelors of his generation. To make the word simple, a Greek God. But, behind the jaw-dropping suit and smile is the rude, self-centered, cold, and arrogant businessman who devours everything that goes against his way. And representing... Rafi Gonzalez, an independent, simple, yet beautiful free-spirited woman who believes in the saying, "When life gives you lemons, ask for salt and tequila--- oops--- make lemonade." A woman who simply living in her dreams. But, who would have thought that the simple, carefree life she's living would turn into a roller coaster of disasters the moment she met the arrogant Liam who eventually became her husband. The man she never imagined becoming her husband not even in her sweetest dreams, but holy fate intervened, so it has become a nightmare. Oh, how long will she be able to put up with his not-so-good behavior? And in a world full of differences and unfamiliarity, how long can these two stubborn individuals stand up for their opposing egos and perspectives? Could they survive or could they eventually fall in love?
"Why did you do that? Why the hell did you do that? Didn't I tell you to stop bothering me? I don't like you and how many times do I have to shout it in front of you just to make you understand that I don't like you? I don't love you and that's the last thing I will ever do!" They say words cut deeper and harder than knives. A knife can be pulled out but words are embedded into our soul. It leaves unseen and long-lasting scars. But guess what? She knew it, yet she wanted to take a sip of her sorrows and drink from her trapped bleeding heart. ~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~ It all started 8 years ago when she met him and fell in love with him. The problem was that he already has a girlfriend and he doesn't like her. But a stubborn and spoiled brat Samantha Soriano couldn't accept it. So she made a decision and planned everything to make Luke Marcuz Williams be her man. But fate didn't seem to cooperate with her stupid plan as it failed her, in which she ended up trapped with him in an arranged marriage. A marriage wherein everyone's eyes were perfect, full of love and respect, but in reality, it seemed like hell. He made her life a living hell. They didn't know that behind those smiles painted on her lips, tears flowed silently... and behind those laughs she was sharing, pain and sorrow were hidden carefully. Until she learned to let go and learned the truth that he will never start loving her, no matter what she does. But... What if everything suddenly changed after four years? What if he started showing the care and love he should have done 4 years ago, will she be willing to forget everything that happened and leave them behind? And if she realizes she has never really forgotten him, will she be willing to give him a chance this time or will she be ready to be with the man who once caused her pain?
A SEQUEL of CONTRACTUALLY MARRIED *Arrianna Angela/Rian and Alexander Jonathan/Alex *Sophia Ysabelle/Sophia/Belle and Daniel/Dani ~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~ Sophia Ysabelle, 26 years old, accepted the life changing deal of marrying the famous billionaire, Daniel Kelley, not for his money but for his name. They have different reasons for marrying each other. Daniel needs a woman to pretend as his wife to get the biggest investment for their company, that will lead them to the top grossing company in the whole state of California. While Sophia needs someone 'powerful' on her back while still seeking justice for what happened to her in the past. But there is a big problem between the two of them, they couldn't stand alone in one place facing each other. Daniel is a cold and arrogant billionaire with a smile as precious as diamond, and who already put her under his judgement from the very first time they met. And Sophia is a stubborn yet resilient woman who never backs down from anyone's judgement, not even from her future husband's rudeness. But in the end, will she tell him her real reason for marrying him? When he finds out the truth, will he continue to judge her? Will he be able to protect her from her dark past or he will just remain cold and arrogant husband towards her? "Never judge someone without knowing the whole story. You may think you understand, but you don't" *Rian* ~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~
He has all the traits that you wished for your dream man to have. Power, money, perfection, handsomeness and a body like a Greek God. But he's inlove. He's inlove with her. For him, she was the completion of his dream, a perfect wife and a mother to be with his children. He would give her everything including his own life. He would sacrifice his world for her. But she left him. She betrayed him. She broke his heart into pieces. And he turned into a cold, heartless, rude and an arrogant billionaire, who would do everything to show her that she's no longer important into his life. Even though the truth is the opposite of what he is doing. His heart still aching for her. And that's when he met me. I applied as his Personal Assistant to fulfill my bucket list of dreams. To explore my life and experience everything. He offered me a deal. He asked me to marry him just to show his ex that he already moved on. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "She's pregnant." He blurted out and i almost stumbled on where i am standing. I just gripped the backrest of the couch to support my weight. The pain creeping in my heart is unbearable but i managed to stay calm. "Wow! Congratulations!" I said faking my excitement as i remembered him saying... -cheating would not be the reason to break our marriage- of course i couldn't accuse him of this as 'cheating' because she was the real reason why we are pretending as a couple. He still love her. He's still inlove with her. And that's when i made the biggest decision in my life. Taking all my strength and a piece of my heart that still hanging on a thin rope... I left him. Taking also my biggest secret in me... that i've already fallen inlove with him. And somehow i learned a lesson; 'Loving someone who doesn't love you back isn't as hard as loving someone who still inlove with his ex and who only uses you to get her back again into his life..'
Corinne devoted three years of her life to her boyfriend, only for it to all go to waste. He saw her as nothing more than a country bumpkin and left her at the altar to be with his true love. After getting jilted, Corinne reclaimed her identity as the granddaughter of the town’s richest man, inherited a billion-dollar fortune, and ultimately rose to the top. But her success attracted the envy of others, and people constantly tried to bring her down. As she dealt with these troublemakers one by one, Mr. Hopkins, notorious for his ruthlessness, stood by and cheered her on. “Way to go, honey!”
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"