Alex Roberts, an ambitious businessman, finds himself forced to urgently find a wife to inherit the family business. Helped by his friend Mark, he meets Emma, ​​a woman burdened with debt. According to their agreement, Alex will obtain the family business and help Emma pay off her debts, after which their contractual marriage will end. However, the situation quickly becomes complicated. Disagreements and betrayals arise, threatening to destroy their arrangement. Between rivalries and misunderstandings, Alex and Emma will have to navigate through the turbulence in hope of rebuilding their relationship on solid foundations. Their adventure will test their determination and their ability to overcome obstacles together as they find themselves forced to live 5 years of marriage before being able to benefit from anything...
Chapter 1 1
Alex Roberts, an ambitious and determined businessman, stood in the family lawyer's office, his fingers drumming nervously on the arm of his leather chair. The room was cluttered with law books and stacked files, but Alex didn't notice any of it. His eyes were fixed on his late grandfather's will, lying open on the solid oak desk.
Master Johnson, the Roberts' longtime attorney, read the document aloud, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "...and I leave my entire business to my grandson, Alexander Roberts, on the condition that he marries before the end of the year and that the marriage lasts at least one year. »
Alex gaped, unable to believe what he had just heard. "A wedding? » he repeated incredulously. "My grandfather wants me to get married and inherit the family business?" »
Master Johnson looked up from his glasses, a thin smile stretching his lips. "That's right, Mr. Roberts. Your grandfather was a man of principle and he strongly believed in the importance of family. »
Alex stood up abruptly, heading towards the window. He looked without really seeing the city skyline, his mind whirling. "Why did he do this to me?" » he muttered to himself. "He knew I didn't have time for that. »
The lawyer cleared his throat, catching Alex's attention. "There is also a clause that states that if you fail to comply with this condition, the company will be sold and the profits distributed to various charities. »
Alex clenched his fists, feeling anger rising within him. "That means I don't have a choice, right?" »
Master Johnson nodded. "Unfortunately this is the case. »
Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "Very well, I will find a solution. » He turned to the lawyer, his expression determined. "I'm going to get married, even if I have to find a contractual wife. »
---
A few days later, Alex found himself in his spacious office at the top of the Roberts corporate tower. He was nervously leafing through a file, thinking about the best way to find a wife on such short notice. He knew he had to find someone he trusted, someone who would accept the terms of the contract without asking too many questions.
That's when his best friend and business partner, Mark, walked into the office. "Alex, you seem preoccupied. Everything is fine ? »
Alex looked up from his papers, his features drawn with worry. "Mark, you'll never believe what's happening. My grandfather left the business to me on the condition that I get married before the end of the year. »
Mark's eyes widened. " What ? This is insane! And what are you going to do? »
Alex sighed. "I have no choice. I need to find someone who agrees to marry me for at least a year. A marriage of convenience, in a way. »
Mark sat across from him, crossing his arms. "And you already have someone in mind?" »
Alex shook his head. " No not yet. But I need to find someone quickly. »
Mark thought for a moment, then a mischievous smile appeared on his face. "You know, maybe I have an idea. How about organizing some kind of casting? You could meet several potential candidates and choose the one that seems most suitable to you. »
Alex raised an eyebrow, doubtful. "A casting call to find a wife? Seems a little too... Hollywood, doesn't it? »
Mark burst out laughing. "Maybe, but it's effective. And then, who knows, you might even find someone who pleasantly surprises you. »
---
Meanwhile, in a less upscale part of town, Emma Collins struggled to make ends meet. Debt up to her neck because of her mother's medical expenses and her brother's gambling debts, she was desperately looking for a solution to escape this vicious spiral.
Sitting at her small kitchen table, Emma was going over the unpaid bills. Her phone rang, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Jenny, her best friend.
"Emma, you'll never guess what I found on the internet!" » Jenny said, her voice brimming with excitement.
Emma sighed. "What is it again?" A new miracle scam to make money quickly? »
"No, no, listen to that. There is this rich guy who is looking for a contract wife. Apparently he needs to get married to inherit the family business. »
Emma frowned. "And why do you think I would be interested?" »
"Because, my dear, he is offering an enormous sum of money to the one who accepts. It could solve all your financial problems. »
Emma was silent for a moment, thinking about what Jenny had just said. The idea of marrying for money seemed absurd to her, but desperate as she was, she began to consider all possible options.
"Do you have more information?" » she finally asked.
"Yes, I'll send you the link. You should really think about it, Emma. This could be your chance to escape. »
Emma hung up and clicked on the link Jenny had sent her. The description of the ad was succinct but enticing: a successful businessman was looking for a contract wife for a period of one year, with generous financial compensation.
She bit her lip, hesitant. Was she really ready to marry a stranger for money? The prospect seemed frightening, but the alternative – continuing to sink into debt and watching his family suffer – was even worse.
After a night of reflection, Emma made a decision. She would fill out the form and send in her application. After all, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
---
A few days later, Emma found herself in the lobby of a swanky office building, her sweaty hands clutching a cheap handbag. She was nervous, wondering if she had made the right choice in applying for this contract marriage "offer." But she had no other option, and she hoped that this mysterious businessman would at least be someone respectable.
"Miss Collins?" » called a male voice. Emma looked up and saw a man in a smart suit, with a professional appearance. "I'm Mark, Mr. Roberts' partner. He is ready to receive you. »
Emma nodded, following Mark into a shiny steel elevator that took them to the top floor. The doors opened to a spacious office with a panoramic view of the city. Alex Roberts stood by the window, his hands in his pockets, looking out thoughtfully.
"Mr. Roberts, this is Miss Collins," Mark announced.
Alex turned around, offering Emma a polite smile. "Thank you, Mark. You can leave it to us. »
Mark left the room, leaving Alex and Emma alone. Alex motioned Emma to sit on a black leather couch. "Thank you for coming, Miss Collins. »
Emma sat up, trying to calm her nerves. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Roberts. »
Alex took a seat across from her, his piercing eyes scrutinizing her carefully. "Before we begin, I want to be clear about one thing. This marriage will be purely transactional. There will be a contract stipulating the terms and conditions. »
Emma nodded. " I understand. »
" Alright. Tell me about yourself, Miss Collins. Why did you respond to this ad? »
Emma took a deep breath. "To be honest, Mr. Roberts, I am in dire financial straits. My mother is ill and I have significant debts to repay. I see this marriage as an opportunity to resolve my problems and start fresh. »
Alex seemed to think for a moment, then he nodded. " I see. I guess you want to know why I need this marriage. »
Emma nodded, curious. "Yes, if you're willing to share." »
Alex then explained to him his grandfather's will and the conditions stipulated in it. Emma listened attentively, gradually understanding the complexity of the situation. "So if you don't get married before the end of the year, you lose the business," she summed up.
"Exactly," Alex replied. "That's why I need someone reliable and discreet. I offer you substantial financial compensation in exchange for your cooperation. »
Emma thinks
for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. "Very well," she said finally. "I accept. »
Alex smiled, visibly relieved. " Perfect. We will draw up the contract and organize the preparations. We have little time, so we will have to act quickly. »
Emma nodded, aware that her life was about to change drastically. "I'm ready. »
As they discussed the details, Emma couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. A marriage of convenience was far from ideal, but maybe, just maybe, it could lead them to something more.
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