Love beyond the contract

The soft hum of the city filled the air as Sophia paced outside her bakery, "The Flour Haven." She glanced at the handwritten "Closed for Repairs" sign taped to the glass door, a bitter reminder of her current predicament. A leaky ceiling and dwindling customers had brought her dream to a screeching halt.

She shoved her hands into her coat pockets, exhaling sharply. She needed a miracle. But miracles didn't come cheap, and she didn't have the luxury of waiting.

As she turned to leave, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The tinted window rolled down, revealing a man in his mid-thirties, wearing a perfectly tailored suit. His sharp features, piercing blue eyes, and dark hair slicked back gave him the air of someone accustomed to getting what he wanted.

"Miss Bennett?" he asked, his voice smooth and commanding.

Sophia froze. "Yes? Who's asking?"

"My name is Ethan Carter," he said. "I'd like to discuss an opportunity with you. May I?" He gestured to the café next door.

Sophia hesitated. She didn't know him, but the confidence in his demeanor made her curious. And desperate times called for desperate measures.

Inside the cozy café, Ethan ordered an espresso while Sophia settled for her usual latte. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and studied her with an intensity that made her fidget.

"I've done my research on you," he began. "You're talented, resourceful, and determined. But your bakery is struggling. Am I correct?"

Sophia bristled. "That's not your business."

He smirked. "Perhaps not. But I can help you."

"How?"

Ethan reached into his briefcase and pulled out a sleek folder, sliding it across the table. "Inside, you'll find a contract outlining the terms of a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What kind of arrangement?"

"I need a wife," he said bluntly.

Her laugh came out before she could stop it. "Excuse me?"

"I'm serious," Ethan said, his tone even. "This isn't about love. It's about appearances. My board expects me to settle down, and you need financial stability. Marry me, and I'll pay off all your debts and fund any expansion plans for your bakery."

Sophia stared at him, her mind reeling. Was this a joke? Who proposed a business deal like this in real life?

"And what do you get out of it?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"A wife who won't complicate things," Ethan replied. "You're independent, capable, and you don't have ties to my world. It's perfect."

Sophia leaned back, crossing her arms. "You don't even know me."

"I know enough," Ethan said, his voice dropping. "You have nothing to lose, Sophia. But everything to gain."

The next few days passed in a blur. Ethan gave Sophia time to consider his proposal, but his words echoed in her mind. It was absurd, almost laughable. Yet, the thought of saving her bakery-and her pride-was tempting.

Finally, she called him.

"Alright," she said. "I'll do it."

The wedding was a whirlwind, a private ceremony with only a few witnesses. Sophia stood next to Ethan in a simple white dress, her heart pounding as the officiant spoke. It felt surreal, like a dream she couldn't wake from.

When the ceremony ended, Ethan leaned in and whispered, "Congratulations, Mrs. Carter."

Sophia forced a smile, the weight of their arrangement settling on her shoulders.

Their first days together were a mix of awkwardness and routine. Ethan had laid out clear rules: appearances were everything, but their private lives would remain separate.

Sophia spent most of her time exploring his lavish penthouse, marveling at the sheer opulence of it all. But something about Ethan's world felt cold, calculated.

One evening, she stumbled upon his office door slightly ajar. Curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked inside.

On his desk was a photo of a woman who looked eerily familiar. Her features were softer, her smile more radiant, but the resemblance to Sophia was undeniable.

Before she could process the discovery, Ethan's voice startled her.

"Looking for something?"

Sophia spun around, her cheeks flushing. "I-no, I just..."

Ethan's gaze shifted to the photo, his expression hardening. "That's my mother," he said flatly.

Sophia blinked. "She's... beautiful."

"She was," Ethan said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "She died when I was ten."

"I'm sorry," Sophia said softly.

Ethan nodded, his demeanor unreadable. "If you're done snooping, dinner's ready."

Days turned into weeks, and Sophia found herself settling into her new life. Ethan was distant but polite, and she began to see glimpses of the man behind the mask. He was fiercely protective of those he cared about, and despite his guarded nature, he had a dry wit that occasionally surfaced.

But the more time she spent with him, the more questions she had. Why had he chosen her? What secrets was he hiding?

One evening, Sophia returned to the penthouse to find a package on her bed. Inside was a gown, elegant and understated, with a note: "Wear this tonight. -E."

She dressed quickly, her curiosity piqued. Ethan was waiting in the living room, looking effortlessly handsome in a tailored suit.

"We're attending a charity gala," he explained. "It's important for appearances."

Sophia nodded, her nerves bubbling under the surface.

The gala was a glittering affair, filled with the city's elite. Sophia clung to Ethan's arm, trying to mask her discomfort.

"You're doing fine," Ethan murmured, his hand briefly brushing hers.

As the night wore on, Sophia found herself drawn to the vibrant energy of the crowd. But then, she spotted a man across the room, his gaze fixed on her.

He was older, with graying hair and a sharp suit, and something about his eyes sent a chill down her spine.

"Who is that?" she whispered to Ethan.

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Stay away from him."

Later, as Sophia stepped outside for some air, the man appeared beside her.

"Mrs. Carter," he said smoothly. "I'm Charles Beaumont. A pleasure to meet you."

Sophia offered a polite smile. "Likewise."

Charles studied her intently. "You're a fascinating choice for Ethan. I must admit, I didn't see it coming."

"What do you mean?" Sophia asked, her curiosity piqued.

Charles leaned in, his voice dropping. "You remind me of someone. Someone very important to Ethan."

Sophia frowned. "Who?"

Before he could answer, Ethan appeared, his expression dark.

"Charles," he said coldly. "Leave."

Charles smirked, giving Sophia one last look before walking away.

"What did he say to you?" Ethan demanded.

"Nothing important," Sophia said, her heart pounding.

But as they drove home, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that she had stepped into a story far more dangerous than she'd anticipated.