Contractual Marriage

The Cold CEO's Unwanted Genius Wife

Meng Xinyu

I stood in the darkest corner of the Pierre Hotel’s ballroom, my cheap polyester dress itching against my skin while my wristband buzzed with a DARPA Priority Red alert. In front of the city’s elite, my fiancé Bryce Calloway took the stage, not to toast our future, but to publicly end our engagement and announce he was with my sister, Chloe. The room turned on me instantly, a hundred pairs of eyes pinning me down with pity and disgust as they physically backed away like I was contagious. When I returned home, my mother shattered a crystal vase at my feet, screaming that I was a humiliation and a "dropout" who didn't deserve a cent of the family fortune. Chloe and Bryce mocked me, laughing when I told them I had a mission with the National Security Agency, convinced I was either a pathological liar or a low-level criminal. They watched in horror as a black, unmarked military helicopter descended on our backyard to extract me, yet they still chose to believe I was being arrested for drug trafficking. They saw a pathetic girl who couldn't even parallel park, never realizing I was Dr. Nova Vance, the lead physicist behind the world's first successful fusion reactor. To secure funding for my research and gain a "fortress" of a name, I signed a thirty-day marriage contract with the arrogant billionaire Roman Knight. He treats me like a fraud, convinced I’m a gold-digger who failed out of college, while I quietly run global energy simulations from his guest bedroom. He has no idea that the "loser" he’s forced to live with is the same anonymous grandmaster who has been ruthlessly crushing him in online strategy games for months. "The contract is active," I told him, looking past his expensive suit. "But don't expect me to be your maid."

Modern Mystery

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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. »

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