HIS CONTRACT MARRIAGE. (Contract Marriage Series Book 1 Part One) |Completed|✔️

YOU JUST FAILED 2

Emma’s POV

I was running late, and guilt gnawed at me. This meeting wasn’t just about me—it was about my daughter, Eli.

She had been begging me to find her a father, her tiny voice trembling as she explained how her classmates teased her for not having one. The weight of her words crushed me. I’d promised her a better life, a complete family. Yet, here I was, still struggling to fulfill that promise.

And that’s why I was here today.

As I approached the agency, the scene outside caught my attention. Black SUVs lined the street, bodyguards stood like sentinels, and paparazzi swarmed the entrance like bees to honey. Whoever was inside clearly commanded attention.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the grand lobby. The soft click of my heels echoed against the marble floors, drawing a few curious glances. I straightened my posture and approached the receptionist, handing her my membership card.

“Miss Richard, your appointment is confirmed,” she said, flashing a polite smile before leading me to a private room.

Knocking softly, I entered a space that looked like it belonged in a lifestyle magazine. Italian leather chairs, chandeliers dripping with crystal, and a faint scent of lavender filled the room.

Mrs. Jackson, the agency manager, greeted me warmly. Beside her stood a man—a strikingly handsome one at that. His tailored suit, sharp features, and piercing blue eyes gave him an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

“Good morning, Miss Richard. Please, take a seat,” Mrs. Jackson said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

I nodded, lowering myself into the seat. His gaze locked onto me, intense and unyielding, making me shift slightly in discomfort.

“Mr. Williams, meet Miss Richard,” Mrs. Jackson introduced before excusing herself.

The silence that followed was palpable. A waiter entered briefly, placing glasses of water on the table, then left, leaving us alone.

Deciding to break the awkward tension, I extended my hand. “Good morning, Mr. Williams.”

He took my hand, but instead of shaking it, he brushed his lips across my knuckles. “Miss Richard,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

“I was informed that you wanted to meet me,” I began, adopting a professional tone. “Shall we get to it?”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “You were late,” he said bluntly. “I don’t tolerate people wasting my time.”

Taken aback, I bit back my irritation and forced a smile. “My apologies, Mr. Williams.”

He waved it off dismissively. “Let’s not waste any more time. What happened to your husband?”

His directness stunned me. “I’d prefer we keep this professional,” I replied, my voice steady. “You have your reasons for seeking a contract marriage, as do I. Let’s focus on that.”

He leaned back, his gaze unwavering. “Fair enough. Why are you here?”

“My daughter needs a father,” I said simply. “That’s my reason.”

He studied me for a moment before leaning forward. “Here are my terms: I will marry you, provide financial support, and act as a father to your daughter. In return, you will:

1. Be my wife in every way possible.

2. Quit your current job.

3. Transfer your daughter to a school of my choosing.

4. Accompany me on most of my business trips.”

His gaze didn’t waver as he added, “If you agree, we proceed. If not, there’s no deal.”

I took a deep breath. “Mr. Williams, I also have terms:

1. I will not quit my job or be at your beck and call.

2. My daughter’s school is one of the best in New York; there’s no reason to change it.

3. We will have separate rooms—this is not a love marriage.

4. There will be no physical intimacy.

5. You must spend quality time with Eli. She needs a father who is present.”

His jaw tightened as he listened. “Miss Richard, do you have any idea how busy I am? I barely have time for myself, much less PTA meetings or playing house.”

I stood abruptly, anger flaring in my chest. “Then you’re clearly not the right person for this.”

Grabbing my bag, I turned to leave, but he caught my wrist.

“Are you walking out on me?” he asked, his tone icy.

“Yes, I am. You’ve proven that you’re not the father figure my daughter needs.”

He pulled me closer, his intense gaze locking onto mine. For a fleeting moment, something unspoken passed between us—a spark I didn’t want to acknowledge.

Summoning my resolve, I yanked my hand free. “Goodbye, Mr. Williams.”

As I marched out, the paparazzi’s cameras flashed wildly. His voice stopped me at the door.

“Miss Richard,” he called, his tone softer now. “Can we discuss this again?”

I turned to face him, his commanding presence making my heart race. But I wasn’t about to let him intimidate me.

“No, Mr. Williams. You’re not the right fit. Best of luck finding someone who is.”

With that, I walked away, head held high, ignoring the buzz of cameras and whispers. For the first time in a long while, I felt proud of myself.

___________________________________

Slightly edited.