KELSI

THREE-YEARS CONTRACT MARRIAGE WITH THE HOT BILLIONAIRE

Ashley Ray

"Sign the contract, or lose everything." I stared at the papers that would seal my fate-a three-year marriage to Julian Blackwood, the ruthless billionaire they call the Ice King. My family didn't ask. They demanded. My father's company was drowning, my stepsister's engagement had exploded, and I was the replacement bride they could sacrifice. Just another transaction. Julian made it clear on our wedding day: "Don't expect affection. Don't expect companionship. Certainly don't expect love." He refused to kiss me at the altar. He gave me a bedroom down the hall and told me to stay out of his way. I was Mrs. Blackwood in name only-a contract, a convenience, a means to an end. I accepted it. I had survived twelve years of abuse in my own home. I could survive three years of indifference in his. But then Nate, Julian's best friend, showed me kindness, and suddenly my cold husband became possessive. When my sister attacked me, he became protective. Now the man who promised me nothing is fighting his own father to keep me. The marriage that was supposed to be fake is becoming terrifyingly real and the secrets about my mother's death are threatening to destroy everything. They said Julian Blackwood destroys everything he touches. What they didn't tell me... is that sometimes destruction is exactly what you need to be reborn. With a pregnancy involved, how was I going to end this three-year marriage peacefully?

Romance Family Modern Forced love CEO Contract marriage Twist Enemies to Lovers Female-Centered

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In the evening, heavy rain poured over Owathe as Belinda Wright made her way to Dream Club, soaked through but somehow keeping the cake she held untouched by the downpour.

Upon reaching the private room's entrance, Belinda nudged the door open.

"Verena, throughout the three years you vanished, not once did Lucas cease his search for you. And now, you are finally back!"

Hearing that from inside the room, Belinda froze mid-step.

Verena?

The same Verena Reed who used to be Lucas Clark's girlfriend?

"But hasn't Lucas already gotten married?" queried a soft female voice.

"Ah, Verena, there's no need to concern yourself with that woman Lucas married. Lucas was coerced into that marriage by his father, who threatened to kill you if Lucas didn't get married. Lucas married that woman only to protect you."

"Really?" Verena's doubt was evident.

"Absolutely! Why else would Lucas choose someone like Belinda? She is so unappealing and overweight. Besides, she is an illegitimate daughter. Marrying her was Lucas's attempt to annoy his father, to get back at him!"

Outside the private room, Belinda felt cold; her complexion drained of color.

Recalling the night when Lucas had proposed, she remembered her heart had soared. She had been blissfully unaware of the harsh truth. She had believed herself incredibly fortunate, not realizing she was merely a pawn in a revenge plot. It turned out Lucas had only married her because she was ugly and fat.

Belinda couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, her body wavering slightly.

She clenched the door handle to steady herself.

"Speaking of Belinda, it has been five hours since she left; it's doubtful she will ever show up. Delight Desserts is way out in the eastern suburbs, and just getting there and back takes more than three hours. Besides, that place is notorious for its long queues. Surely, Belinda isn't foolish enough to go there."

"If Lucas requested it, Belinda would go there even if Delight Desserts were in another city. Everyone knows how deeply she loves Lucas. She is so pathetic."

Upon absorbing these scornful remarks, Belinda inhaled deeply, put on a stoic expression, and thrust the door to the private room open, making her entrance.

Her gaze quickly settled on the figure of confidence and charm at the center of the room.

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