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Married by Midnight

Married by Midnight

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5 Chapters
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-A modern romance of fate, family, and finding love in the most unexpected places- When Serena Shaw walks into City Hall, she's not looking for love-she's buying time. With her brother facing prison and her family's past crumbling beneath her, a marriage of convenience is her only option. Enter Theo Sharpe: reclusive, brilliant, and bound to a wheelchair after a tragic accident. He's offering Serena more than just money-he's offering protection, a home, and an instant family... with one tiny, heartbreakingly adorable catch: his four-year-old son, Liam, who's desperate for a mother. What begins as a cold, transactional arrangement soon heats up as secrets unravel, pasts collide, and chemistry refuses to be ignored. But when Theo stands up-literally and figuratively-will Serena still be willing to walk away? Heartfelt, sizzling, and sharply emotional, Married by Midnight is a slow-burn billionaire romance that proves sometimes the most real love stories begin with the most unreal circumstances.

Chapter 1 A Desperate Agreement

Serena Shaw opened her eyes as the early rays of sun filtered through the curtains of her modest Manhattan apartment. Anxiety had robbed her of sleep again. From the next room came the faint but unmistakable sound of her mother's quiet sobbing. Serena's heart tightened painfully in her chest.

Quietly slipping from bed, she crossed the small living room and gently pushed open the door to find her mother, Helen, hunched over, her face buried in trembling hands.

"Mom, it's going to be alright. I promise, we'll find a way," Serena whispered, kneeling beside her and offering a comforting embrace.

Her mother's eyes were red-rimmed, exhaustion and worry etched deep into her face. "I'm sorry, Serena," Helen murmured brokenly. "It's all my fault. You deserve so much better than this."

Five years ago, their comfortable Upper East Side life had shattered when Serena's father, Marcus Shaw, abandoned them for another woman, cruelly forcing Helen out with nothing. Since then, Serena had carried the burden of their diminished family, determined to protect her mother and brother.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted their grief. Serena stood warily, opening it to reveal Marcus Shaw standing there, an insincere smile plastered on his face and an expensive fruit basket in hand.

"Helen, Serena," he said smoothly, stepping inside uninvited. "I've come to offer a solution. Mr. Hart, a very influential investor, is willing to drop charges against Jason if Serena agrees to marry him."

Helen recoiled, horror clear in her eyes. "How dare you suggest selling our daughter to that awful man?"

Marcus's mask of civility slipped. "It's this or Jason stays behind bars. Think carefully."

Serena felt a wave of nausea. Mr. Hart was notorious-sixty years old, ruthless, and corrupt. But her brother Jason's future hung by a thread, and she was out of options.

"Get out!" Serena demanded, pushing her father toward the door, her voice shaking with suppressed rage.

Marcus merely smirked, backing away. "You have until tomorrow."

As soon as he left, Serena made a swift, desperate decision. She reached into her purse and dialed the number given to her by a man she'd recently met under strange circumstances.

An hour later, she stood anxiously outside City Hall, watching Theo Sharpe approach in his wheelchair, his expression unreadable. Though confined to the wheelchair by a recent accident, Theo exuded strength and authority. Serena felt an inexplicable comfort in his calm presence.

"Are you absolutely certain about this, Serena?" Theo asked gently as she stepped forward.

"Yes," she said firmly, guiding his wheelchair toward the marriage registration office. Within minutes, they were officially married-two strangers bound by necessity and mutual desperation.

Outside, Theo handed Serena a bank card. "As agreed, our marriage is for three years. During that time, I expect loyalty. Afterward, you're free to go."

"I understand," Serena responded quietly, accepting the card with trembling fingers.

A phone call interrupted the tension between them. Theo frowned slightly at the screen. "My son Liam is ill at school," he informed Serena.

Instinctively, Serena volunteered, "Let me pick him up."

Surprise briefly flashed in Theo's eyes, followed by a hint of gratitude. "Thank you."

When Serena arrived at Liam's elite private school, the small boy with wide, anxious eyes immediately reached for her, whispering uncertainly, "Are you my new mom?"

Something softened deep inside Serena. She knelt, gently stroking Liam's hair. "Yes, Liam. And from now on, I promise I'll always be here for you."

As she took Liam's tiny hand, Serena knew her life had irreversibly changed. Despite the circumstances, she felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in years.

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