Marriage by contract

ected the intense fluorescent lights, and each step echoed like a reminder of how out of place she felt. Her sensible heels made a faint clicking sound against the marble, each noise amplifyin

d up on her kitchen counter like taunts, their due dates screaming as if daring Helena to find a solution. She had spent sl

Here, the air was fresh, sterile, and charged with power. The faint hum of activity underscored the quiet confid

n, revealing a tall man with a chiseled jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and steely eyes. Thom Bernard-his nam

reeted, his tone n

ows framed the bustling city below, while the minimalist decor emphasized efficiency over comfort.

he asked, leaning back in his c

f it weren't urgent, but I... I'm in a difficult situation. My father left substantial debts, and I've

ng as he studied her. The silence stretched long e

measured. "You've been with the c

I've worked hard. I've taken on extra

d forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "But I'm also aware of this dep

her mouth to protest, to plead

ng like a lifeline. "There might b

derstanding what he me

ul, Miss Costa. Determined. And, perhaps most importantly, you're not entangled in the corporate games played at

deepened. "What k

desk, his gaze pie

thought she had mi

be mutually beneficial. I need a wife to satisfy certain... expectations, both p

ke, a cruel test of her desperation. But

n, you can't be seri

. Your debts cleared, financial stability guaranteed, and in return, you help me nav

sal? And yet... the weight of her father's debts pressed down lik

t it," she finally said, her

nd. But understand that my offer isn't

eneath her. As she was leaving the

s Co

d, meetin

decision has a price. Make s

t refused to add up. The proposal replayed in her mind, alternating between absurdity and temptatio

er debts. It was about survival. About taking control of a life that had spiraled comp

e a stone in her chest. She rode the elevator to the top floor, each ding marking another ste

there would be no turning back. Taking

came from ins

ith each step. "Mr. Bernard," she said, meet