CONTRACT MARRIAGE WITH A DESPERATE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 2

The dining room gleamed with polished elegance as the Miller family gathered around the expansive mahogany table. My stepmother, Helen, graced the seat to my right, radiating gratitude for the life I had provided for her and her children. On my left were my step-siblings, Ruby and Jack, each with a distinct personality that added both joy and challenge to our family dynamic.

Dressed in a finely tailored suit, I, Elijah Miller, opened the familiar family gathering with a customary clearing of my throat. The monthly dinner was often a time to discuss updates on Miller Corporation, but tonight, I had something different to share.

"I have an announcement," I began, my eyes seeking a connection with each family member. "I've decided to get married."

The room fell silent, and Jack's laughter erupted, mocking and dismissive. "Married? Elijah, you're wedded to that company of yours. Who would willingly shackle themselves to a workaholic like you?"

I steadied myself, determined to share the joy I had found. "I've met someone. Someone who not only understands the demands of my job but also desires to be a part of my life."

Ruby rolled her eyes, a condescending smirk on her face. "Please, Brother Elijah. Finding someone willing to date you is a stretch, let alone marrying you. Just embrace the reality and keep focusing on your precious company."

The hurt was palpable, but I pressed on, my voice carrying the weight of my emotions. "I understand my responsibilities, but I deserve a chance at happiness too."

Jack leaned back in his chair, a sardonic grin on his face. "Happiness? This is just your midlife crisis talking, Elijah. Trying to prove you're not a complete workaholic robot."

Suppressing the frustration building within me, I responded, "This is important to me, and I won't let your mockery deter me."

Helen, attempted to mediate. "Children, can't we be happy for Elijah? He's given us a good life, and he deserves to find happiness too."

Helen, always the voice of reason and compassion, sensed the growing tension in the room. With a gentle gesture, she hushed the escalating chatter and carefully set her cup back on the table. As she looked at me, her eyes held a mix of caution and unwavering support.

"I respect your choices, Elijah," she began, her words measured and thoughtful. "But you are almost going to be 40 soon. You're nearly the age your dad was when he left us. Think carefully before you make this choice. I want you to know that I support you, but I also want what's best for you."

Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the passing years and the gravity of decisions that come with age. I met her gaze, appreciating the genuine concern.

The room fell into a heavy silence, each family member absorbing Helen's words in their own way.

There it was – that familiar feeling pushing me away from the family. Despite the monthly dinners being the moments I craved, the interactions often left me feeling more like a workaholic provider than a member of a family.

In the quiet moments of the month, I would miss them, yearning for that one connection that reminded me of what I had earned throughout my life – a family.

A family that seemed to only view me through the lens of a relentless workaholic, unable to see beyond the responsibilities I shouldered. Still, a promise to my father and an intrinsic sense of duty kept me tethered, committed to taking care of them.

As I rose from my chair, a subtle intention to leave the room quietly, Jack's voice sliced through the air, calling out to me from the back. "Hey, Elijah, hold on a sec. Don't walk away just yet."