The Billionaire's Contracted Heart

Claire Bennett sat at her small desk, staring at her computer screen. The bright lights overhead made her feel even more stressed. She was overwhelmed with family issues, bills piling up, and a job that felt like it was going nowhere.

At 27, Claire thought she'd be on her way to a happier life. Instead, she was stuck working at Blackwood Enterprises, doing petty tasks for one of the toughest CEOs around-Ethan Blackwood.

She tapped her pen nervously and glanced at the clock. The office buzzed with activity, but it felt far away. Claire felt like she didn't belong anymore.

For two years, Claire had been Ethan's assistant. It wasn't a glamorous role. He expected her to handle his schedule, answer emails, and manage the dull details of his business. He didn't want her to be anything more.

Ethan always seemed to hover over the office. Tall and dressed sharply, he had an air of authority without saying a word. He was known for being efficient and unemotional. Claire respected him, but today, the struggle with her personal and work life made even his coldness feel almost comforting.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from her dad.

The bank just called. We have one week before we lose the house. We need to act fast.

Claire's heart sank. She had expected this news for a while now, but seeing it in black and white made it all too real.

Her father, Richard Bennett, used to be a successful builder. He had created many jobs in their small town. Claire remembered when their home was lively. Her mom would cook in their big kitchen while her dad shared funny stories.

Everything changed after her mom passed away when Claire was 18. It hit their family hard, and her dad never recovered. Now, three years later, Claire was battling their debts alone and watching her loved ones fall apart.

She was doing everything she could. Working as a receptionist at Blackwood had been her last hope. But the extra pay barely touched the growing stack of bills on her dining table.

When her younger sister, Margaret, decided to go to college, Claire sacrificed her dreams to support her. It was a balancing act-keeping up with work deadlines while ensuring her dad wasn't completely overwhelmed by bills, all while trying to keep things normal for Margaret.

But now, with the bank threatening to take their home soon, Claire felt all hope fading.

She took a deep breath and replied to her dad's text, even though she had no solutions.

I'm on it, Dad. I'll figure something out.

She felt like screaming or throwing her phone but ignored the urge. She had to focus on her family.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Claire's heart fluttered as she saw Ethan approaching. He wore a sharp suit, his serious expression suggesting he was deep in thought. Ethan was always focused, seeing personal matters as distractions.

"Claire," he said, his voice sharp. "I need that report on my desk by noon."

Claire straightened up, nodding quickly. "Got it, Mr. Blackwood. I'll have it ready in an hour."

He nodded and walked away without another word. Ethan rarely joked with anyone, and his presence made Claire feel small and very aware of her actions. He was in charge, and she was just there to serve him. It was a role she had come to know well, but it drained her.

Once Ethan was gone, Claire sighed deeply. One week. That's all they had before losing everything. What could she do? Her pay was barely enough for the basics, let alone the massive debts stacking up.

And then there was Margaret. Her sister wanted to finish college and become a lawyer. But with everything falling apart, that dream felt out of reach. Claire couldn't bear the thought of Margaret having to drop out.

Maybe she could get a loan from the bank, though that felt unlikely. Or perhaps she could ask a friend for help? But Claire didn't have close friends who could lend her money.

Just when her mind was racing, another message popped up on her phone. It was from Ethan.

We need to discuss something important. Meet me in my office at 2:00 p.m.

Claire felt a wave of unease. Ethan rarely asked to meet outside of work tasks. Was this her chance to change something?

At exactly 2:00 p.m., Claire walked cautiously to Ethan's office, her heels clicking along the quiet hallway. She knocked softly before going in.

Ethan sat at his large desk, looking over some papers. He raised his eyes when she entered, his gaze cool.

"Come in, Claire. I have a proposition for you," he said, motioning for her to sit.

Claire's heartbeat quickened. A proposition? What did that mean?

Ethan leaned forward, his voice low and serious. "I need your help with something. It's a business deal that could help us both."

Claire stared, confused. "What kind of deal?"

"I need a wife," he said, as if he were casually discussing office supplies. "Not for love or romance. Just for show. The board wants me married to strengthen my position. It's a contract marriage for one year. You help me look good, and I'll wipe out your family's debts. Every single one."

Claire's mouth went dry. A marriage? To Ethan Blackwood? The very man who barely acknowledged her beyond her work?

Her thoughts churned, crashing against each other. This felt crazy, but it could solve everything she had been struggling with.

Noticing her silence, Ethan leaned back. You can think about it. But you only have a week to decide. If you say yes, I'll clear your family's debts. If you say no, I'm out.

The weight of his offer pressed down on Claire. It could free her from her financial nightmare. But it also felt like a trap. Marrying the man who treated her like just an assistant? It seemed impossible.

I need time, Claire whispered, feeling like her world had flipped upside down.

Ethan nodded. Take your time, but remember, time is not on your side.

Claire left the office, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and possibilities.