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

ARE YOU CRAZY? 3

Ethan couldn't sleep. His mind was consumed by thoughts of the one woman who had dared to reject him—Emma Richard. No one had ever turned him down before, let alone walked away with a sharp word and called him rude. The memory played on a loop in his mind, taunting him. She had stepped on the tiger’s tail, and Ethan Williams was not a man to be trifled with.

The morning sunlight seeped through the grand windows of his penthouse office as he prepared for the day ahead. Ethan entered the conference room where the executives of his prestigious five-star and seven-star hotels awaited him. As he walked in, a wave of respect followed; every individual stood to acknowledge his presence.

The meeting began, with one executive presenting a quarterly report. But Ethan wasn’t listening. His thoughts kept drifting back to Emma—her fiery gaze, her unapologetic words, and the way she had walked away from him without a second glance. It wasn’t just her rejection; it was the audacity that unsettled him.

"Sir!" A sharp voice cut through his reverie.

Ethan snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the speaker. "Yes, please?"

The executive hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “It seems you... dozed off, sir.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he maintained his composure. "I apologize for wasting your time, gentlemen. We’ll reschedule this meeting. My secretary will notify you of the new date." Without waiting for a response, he stood and strode out, his entourage scrambling to follow.

Back in his office, Ethan’s frustration boiled over. "Find out everything you can about Emma Richard," he ordered his staff. "I want details."

His team moved with practiced efficiency, leaving Ethan alone to brood. Moments later, his secretary, Rose, entered with a reminder.

"Sir, you’re scheduled to visit the Laveda Hotel and Resorts today. The hotel’s president is expecting you."

For a moment, he considered canceling, but then he thought better of it. "Instruct Zack to prepare the car. I’ll leave shortly."

---

The scene at Laveda Hotel was chaotic upon Ethan’s arrival. Staff and paparazzi gathered, their excitement palpable as the billionaire’s convoy pulled up. Security ensured order as Ethan stepped out, his commanding presence turning heads. Cameras flashed, and the hotel president eagerly greeted him, guiding him through the grand entrance.

Inside, the senior staff lined up to meet him. One by one, they were introduced. At the end of the line stood Emma Richard, her gaze fixed firmly downward.

The president gestured to her. "This is Miss Richard, our general supervisor. She’s one of our best."

Before the president could continue, Ethan’s voice cut through. "Miss Richard?"

Emma’s head snapped up, her expression a mix of shock and defiance. She quickly masked her emotions, offering a polite bow. "It’s an honor to meet you, sir."

The president frowned, sensing something amiss. "Do you know Miss Richard, sir?"

Ethan smirked, his gaze never leaving Emma. "Yes, I do."

Emma felt a wave of unease wash over her but held her ground as Ethan moved on. The staff whispered, speculating about the interaction, but Emma ignored them and hurried back to her office.

---

"Emma, what was that all about?" Genna, her best friend and fellow manager, burst into Emma’s office.

Emma sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Genna, I’m not in the mood."

"Too bad. Spill it! You looked like you’d seen a ghost."

Emma hesitated, then relented. "Remember the matchmaking story I told you? The rude guy I rejected? That’s him. Ethan Williams."

Genna’s eyes widened. "You’re kidding! Do you know how many women would kill to be in your shoes? He’s one of the youngest billionaires alive!"

"Exactly why I don’t want him," Emma replied sharply. "Men like him don’t see people like us. They see possessions, not people."

Before Genna could retort, the hotel president walked in, his face pale. "Miss Richard, I don’t know what’s going on between you and Mr. Williams, but—"

Emma’s heart sank. "He fired me, didn’t he?"

"No," the president stammered. "He fired everyone. Including me. He wants to see you in his office. Now."

---

Ethan’s office was intimidating, its vast windows offering a sweeping view of the city skyline. Emma entered cautiously, her nerves taut. Ethan stood by the window, his back to her.

"You sent for me, sir," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

He turned, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "You have a lot of nerve, Miss Richard. And I admire that about you."

Emma blinked, caught off guard by his words.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to a sofa.

She chose the farthest seat, determined to maintain distance. Ethan chuckled, amused by her defiance.

"You intrigue me," he said, leaning forward. "You’re the only woman who’s not afraid of me—or my money. I find that... refreshing."

Emma met his gaze. "What do you want from me, Mr. Williams?"

He smiled. "A second chance. Let’s start over."

After a moment’s hesitation, Emma extended her hand. "Emma Richard."

Ethan took her hand, brushing a kiss against her knuckles. "Ethan Williams."

She pulled her hand back quickly, flustered. They both laughed, the tension easing slightly.

"So, are we good now?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Emma replied. "But about the staff—"

"Don’t worry. Their fate will be decided at our meeting tonight."

"Our meeting?" she echoed, confused.

Ethan smirked, taking her phone and entering his number. "I’ll pick you up at seven. Be ready—and look your best."

Before she could protest, he dismissed her with a wink. Emma walked out, her heart pounding, unsure of what she had just walked into.

__________________________________

Slightly edited.