THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

iercing gaze of a man I barely knew, a single thou

charming. Our paths should never have crossed, but when they did, he offered me a way out-a contract marriage. Two years. That was the deal. In exchange, he would settle my debts, fund my business, and give me financial security. But as I stood before him, dressed in white, my hands trembling as I clutched my bouquet, reality hit me harder than ever. This wasn't love. This wasn't a fairy tale. This was a transaction. I forced a breath, glancing at Alexander. He was the picture of confidence-tall, imp

ng a nervous jolt through me. My grip tightened around the bouquet as I turned toward the man I had just married. Alexander Thompson. Thirty years old. Billionaire. Powerful. Untouchable. And now, my husband. He didn't hesitate. His hand found my waist, pulling me close. My breath hitched as his lips brushed against mine-firm, controlled, calculated. It was supposed to be for show, just a meaningless press of lips, but he lingered for a second longer than necessary. Long enough to make my stomach twist. Long enough to make me forget, just for a moment, that this wasn't real. Then it was over. Alexander pulled away with practiced ease, his face unreadable except fo