Always in your arms

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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SABRINA'S POV

I was running out of breath when I entered the elevator of the company I was working in. I woke up late because I stayed awake last night and could not remember when I slept. Gosh, I am sure Sir Anderson will scold me for being tardy. As the elevator opened, I immediately ran to my work cubicle and checked the clock. Shoot, I am three minutes late.

My co-worker commented, "Oh jeez, girl, you looked like you were passing out," when she noticed me.

"Almost. I woke up late," I explained while struggling for air.

"Why? Have you had dinner with your boyfriend last night?" my co-worker maliciously asked.

"Yeah, that wasn't the reason. I was exhausted from accompanying Sir Anderson to his meetings yesterday," I responded.

"It is tough to be the CEO's secretary. Look at yourself; you seem sluggish," my co-worker jokingly commented.

"There is no sense in making myself beautiful; there is already someone who fell into my charm," I replied, then started laughing. The comment made my co-worker laugh as well.

"You're driving me crazy, girl. Make yourself presentable, and Sir Anderson may call you later in his office. Apparently, he arrived before you," she said, shocking me.

"What?" My heart nearly dropped, but I managed to calm myself down.

Oh, no! I can now be confident that he will scold me. Argh! I saw my co-worker attempt to speak, but she immediately froze. Her eyes were also filled with nervousness as she looked at me. Seeing where she was looking caused me to turn around, which I immediately regretted.

"In my office!" Sir Anderson ordered coldly, and he walked away. He returned to his office. Since I knew he wouldn't want to wait for a long time, I managed to stand up despite my nervousness.

"Good luck, girl!" She encouraged me before heading back to her cubicle. A sigh escaped my lips as I walked toward Sir Anderson's office. I knocked on the door three times.

"Come in!" I heard him exclaim, so I rushed in.

I caught him standing near the glass window while talking to someone on his phone. Keeping my feet firmly on the ground, I moved closer to his table.

"All right, Mr Hudson. We will handle that for you. Thank you." He said this before ending the call with whomever he spoke with.

With his symmetrical jawline and straight face, he looked at me. Women are drawn to his brown eyes, which are a great attraction.

"Stop daydreaming, Miss Cruz. As I enjoyed the view, he coldly interrupted me, swiveling into his chair and abruptly sitting down.

"I apologize, Sir!" I lowered my head quickly in embarrassment.

"You know I cannot resist you if you keep staring at me that way," he pointed out, making me glance at him. Grinning widely at me. "What do you need, and why did you call me here, sir?" His wide grin disappeared when I asked seriously.

"I just wanna check out my schedule for the day. You know, I am a bit drained because of what happened yesterday." His eyes gleamed seductively at me.

"Stop being flirty. We are in the office," I replied to deter him from acting mischievously.

"Psh, so impatient. So, my schedule today is as follows?" He pouted shortly before asking. Then he raised his left eyebrow.

"You have a meeting with the Marketing department at 9:30 AM, then a meeting with the sales department at 1:30 PM. Lastly, dinner with your parents and the Hudson Family," I spoke immediately while reading what was in my journal.

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