Chapter 1: The Proposal

The thick scent of old books and burnt coffee filled the air of my father’s study, an oppressive atmosphere that only deepened the heaviness in my chest. My fingers tightened around the paper in my hands as I stared at the pile of unpaid bills in front of me. The numbers blurred as a tight knot formed in my throat. My father—once a proud businessman, an inspiration—was now a man who had lost everything.

"Father, tell me this isn't true," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

He sat slumped in his chair, his usually immaculate suit now wrinkled and disheveled. His face, once confident and full of authority, now seemed to have aged decades in a matter of days. He looked at the papers in front of him with a mix of guilt and despair. "Sophia… we’ve lost everything."

The words hung in the air like an execution sentence. My father had always been a man of pride, someone who never showed weakness. But now, the man who had once carried our entire family on his shoulders seemed to be breaking under the weight of our financial ruin.

I didn’t know how to react. The shock was too much to absorb in a single moment, but a deep, cold rage bubbled up inside of me. Everything I had worked for, everything my father had built, was crumbling before our eyes. My hands trembled as I gripped the paper tighter, almost as if holding onto the words would somehow make them disappear.

I had to think. I had to act.

The sound of my breath coming in shallow bursts filled the room as I fought to control the storm of emotions raging inside me. This wasn’t the time to collapse, to grieve. I couldn’t afford that. Not when my family’s future hung in the balance.

Without saying another word, I stood up and walked out of the study. I needed to get out of that suffocating room, away from my father’s helpless eyes.

In the distance, I could hear my mother’s voice as she tried to comfort him, but her words fell flat in the face of impending disaster. It was time for me to take control, to save the one thing my father had given his entire life for—our family name, our legacy.

I didn’t have a plan, but I knew someone who did. Someone who had the power, the wealth, and the ruthlessness to fix this.

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Later That Day – Alexander Knight’s Office

The sound of my heels echoed through the cold, marble hallway as I walked toward the towering glass doors of his office. The building itself seemed to mock me with its cold elegance. Alexander Knight, the CEO of Knight Enterprises, was a man who didn’t believe in kindness, in second chances. He believed only in power.

And right now, I needed power.

It wasn’t the first time I had been in this building. As a woman from a respected family, I had occasionally rubbed elbows with business elites, but none of them had the sheer dominance of Alexander Knight. He was ruthless. Unforgiving. A man who could destroy me with a single word. And yet, he was also my last hope.

I reached the doors of his office, and they slid open without a sound, revealing the cold, imposing figure that was Alexander Knight. He sat at his desk, his back straight and posture perfect, as if every inch of him was a controlled weapon. The city below seemed insignificant through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, a stark contrast to the intensity of the man who stared at me with that usual unreadable expression.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside. There was no turning back now.

“Ms. Carter,” Alexander said, his voice a smooth, indifferent drawl. “What brings you here today? I trust this isn’t a social call.”

I didn’t waste time with pleasantries. If I was going to do this, I needed to get straight to the point.

“I need your help, Mr. Knight,” I said firmly, placing a contract on his desk. The papers rustled softly as I slid them toward him. “And in return, I’m offering you a solution to your own… problems.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, a small but genuine flicker of curiosity in his eyes. It was rare for anyone to capture his attention, and yet, here I was—doing exactly that.

He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “I’m intrigued. Go on.”

“I need a marriage,” I said, keeping my tone steady despite the turbulence in my chest. “And you need a wife.” I forced myself to meet his gaze. “This is a business proposal. I’m offering you a contract marriage.”

The air between us seemed to thicken as Alexander’s gaze sharpened. “A marriage? A business arrangement, I presume? Not a love match?”

I nodded, relieved that he wasn’t immediately rejecting the idea. “Exactly. We’ll get married for three years. You’ll have a wife to satisfy your public image, and in exchange, I’ll use your influence and wealth to restore my father’s company. After three years, we go our separate ways. No strings attached.”

I had rehearsed this moment over and over in my mind, but now that I was finally saying the words, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of what I was asking him to do. Alexander Knight wasn’t just any man. He was the man who could have everything and anyone. To ask him to marry me—even if it was a contract marriage—felt like a risk I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready to take.

But there was no other choice. My family needed him, and I needed to do whatever it took to save us.

The seconds stretched into eternity as Alexander sat still, his gaze fixed on me. His face remained as unreadable as ever, but there was a dangerous flicker in his eyes.

“So, you want to sell yourself to me for three years in exchange for money?” he asked, his voice low and tinged with a mixture of amusement and something darker. “And you think I’m going to accept this proposal?”

I felt a spark of defiance stir inside me. Yes, I thought. I believed he would. Alexander Knight wasn’t a man who turned down profitable deals, and this one was no exception.

“I’m offering you exactly what you need, Mr. Knight. A wife who won’t ask for your love, a woman who won’t try to tie you down.” I kept my voice steady. “This is a business agreement—and I’m prepared to honor it. The question is… are you?”

For a long moment, there was only silence. Then, as though he had been weighing the situation in his mind, Alexander finally spoke.

“Alright, Ms. Carter. Let’s get married.”

I blinked, certain I had misheard him. “What?”

He stood up from his desk, the smooth, controlled movements of a man used to getting what he wanted. His eyes met mine, and I felt the force of his stare penetrate deep into me.

“I’ll marry you, but make no mistake. This will be my terms, not yours,” he said, his voice a dangerous whisper.

The air between us felt charged now, like the calm before a storm. I swallowed, my heart racing. I had just made a deal with a man who could ruin me. But strangely, a part of me felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

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Chapter 2 Preview:

The wedding is arranged quickly, and media buzzes around it.

Sophia moves in with Alexander into his penthouse, setting ground rules for their contract marriage.

Tension builds as they start living under the same roof.

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Chapter 2: Under the Same Roof

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended to the top floor of Knight Enterprises’ towering skyscraper. Inside, I stood rigidly, my mind whirling as the doors slid closed. I was about to step into a world I had only ever dreamed of—and one I had never truly wanted to be a part of. Yet, here I was, bound to Alexander Knight in a contract that would shape the next three years of my life.

The air in the elevator felt thick, suffocating almost, but I forced myself to breathe steadily. I glanced at the polished steel walls and saw my reflection staring back at me: a woman who had just signed away her freedom. My heart hammered in my chest as I thought about what was to come.

The elevator finally came to a stop, and the doors opened to reveal a vast hallway. At the end, I could see the imposing door to Alexander’s penthouse suite. As I walked towards it, I felt the weight of my decision settling heavily on my shoulders. This wasn’t just a marriage of convenience anymore. I was about to move in with him—the Alexander Knight—the man who could crush me without a second thought.

I was both excited and terrified.

I had heard whispers about him for years. The cold, calculating CEO who took no prisoners. The billionaire whose name was synonymous with success and ruthlessness. The man who owned Knight Enterprises, a business empire that spanned across continents. But what had truly drawn me to him was the same thing that terrified me: his ability to get what he wanted, no matter the cost.

And now, I was going to be his wife, even if only in name.

The door opened with a soft whoosh, revealing an impeccably decorated penthouse. The space was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. There was a minimalist elegance to the place, everything carefully chosen to exude wealth and power without being ostentatious. The perfect reflection of Alexander’s personality.

I stepped inside, feeling small under the weight of everything that had just transpired. My heels clicked on the polished floors as I followed him into the living room, my pulse quickening with every step.

“I trust you’ll be comfortable here,” Alexander said in his usual cool tone, gesturing towards the spacious room. He took a seat on one of the leather armchairs, his presence radiating authority.

I nodded, trying to keep my composure. “I’ll manage.”

“Good,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine, sharp and calculating. “I have some rules that you’ll need to follow while we’re living together. First and foremost, this is a business arrangement, Sophia. You are not my wife in the traditional sense, and I expect you to keep that in mind.”

I bit my lip to prevent myself from responding too quickly. I knew what he was doing—establishing boundaries. He wanted to make it clear that our marriage had no emotional attachment, that I was just a pawn in his game. But I had no intention of playing by his rules. I had my own agenda.

“And what about your family?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me. “How will they react to this arrangement?”

Alexander’s lips curled into a brief, almost imperceptible smirk. “My family won’t be a problem. They understand that business is business. My mother may have some questions, but she’ll fall in line eventually.”

I could tell that he was more concerned about his own reputation than any personal relationships. Everything was about control for Alexander. He lived in a world where emotions had no place, only strategy and power. And I would need to play the game just as he did.

As the hours passed, I began to settle into the luxurious surroundings of Alexander’s penthouse. I was given a spacious bedroom with a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The bed was massive, the sheets soft and cool against my skin, but despite the comfort, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that hung over me like a heavy cloud.

I had been prepared for the business side of this marriage, but I hadn’t expected to feel this… disconnected. Living under the same roof as Alexander, surrounded by his wealth and influence, made me acutely aware of how little I truly had left. My family’s legacy was crumbling, and here I was, clinging to the last thread of hope in the form of a man who was as cold and untouchable as the very empire he controlled.

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The next morning, I woke up early, unable to sleep through the anxiety that gnawed at me. The first thing I did was sit at the sleek desk in my room, pulling out my laptop to review the documents I had received the previous evening. The contract marriage was set in stone, but there were still so many details to figure out. I needed to come up with a plan—a way to use Alexander’s resources to rebuild my father’s company. But there was one problem: Alexander Knight didn’t offer help for free.

He wanted something in return, I just hadn’t figured out what that was yet.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Sophia?” came Alexander’s voice, deep and commanding. “We need to talk.”

I hesitated for a moment before responding, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Alexander stepped inside, looking every bit the powerful CEO that he was. His sharp suit, his perfectly combed hair, and his piercing gaze made it clear that I was dealing with someone who never let his guard down. Not for anyone.

“I’ve scheduled a meeting with the board today,” he said, his voice calm yet firm. “You’ll be there, of course.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I understand. I thought our marriage was supposed to be a private matter. Why involve the board?”

Alexander walked over to the desk, leaning casually against it. “Because, Sophia, you are now my wife—even if it is a contract. People will be watching us, and I want them to know that you are a part of my world. This isn’t just for show, it’s a power move. And you need to learn how to navigate it.”

I nodded, taking in his words. Despite the coolness in his tone, I could sense a certain level of possessiveness in the way he spoke. It wasn’t just about the contract; he was marking his territory. And I had to be ready for whatever came next.

I had agreed to this marriage for a reason. It wasn’t just about saving my father’s company; it was about gaining the leverage I needed to survive in a world that didn’t care about anything but power.

But Alexander? He was a storm. A man who could either be my greatest ally or my worst enemy. And right now, I had no idea which one he would choose.

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Chapter 3 Preview:

Sophia attends her first board meeting as Alexander’s wife, feeling the weight of her new role.

Tension builds between her and Alexander as they continue their business arrangement, with secrets slowly beginning to unravel.

Sophia’s plans for the company begin to take shape, but not without obstacles.

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Chapter 3: The Boardroom Battlefield

The morning passed by in a blur of preparation and anticipation. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse one last time before heading out. My reflection stared back at me: a woman caught between two worlds. On the one hand, I was Sophia Carter—the daughter of a once-powerful business mogul, now struggling to regain what had been lost. On the other hand, I was the wife of Alexander Knight, a man whose empire could either crush me or propel me to heights I could never have imagined.

I didn’t know which one I feared more.

The meeting with the board was set for noon, and it was clear that Alexander had every intention of using my presence to assert his dominance. As much as I hated to admit it, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of nervousness. Today would be my first real test in this new world, and I needed to make an impression—whether I liked it or not.

When I stepped out of my bedroom, Alexander was already waiting in the living room, his tall frame relaxed but exuding an air of authority. He looked every bit the part of the ruthless CEO—the dark suit, the perfectly tailored shirt, the cold eyes that seemed to calculate every detail. But there was something else beneath that calculated exterior: a quiet, almost possessive energy that I couldn’t quite place.

He glanced up as I entered the room, his gaze flicking over me briefly before nodding in approval. “You’re ready.”

I nodded stiffly. “I’m ready.”

With that, he led me toward the elevator, his presence so commanding that it made the entire penthouse feel like it was shrinking around us. I felt as though I were standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure of whether I was about to fall or soar.

The ride to Knight Enterprises’ headquarters was short, but the silence in the car was thick with unspoken tension. Alexander didn’t speak a word, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I could feel his mind working, strategizing for the upcoming battle. The boardroom would be a battlefield, and I had no idea what role I was meant to play in this game.

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When we arrived, the building’s grandeur struck me once again. Knight Enterprises wasn’t just a company; it was a monument to power, wealth, and influence. The sleek glass façade reflected the clouds above, and inside, the air felt charged with the energy of billion-dollar deals being struck every minute. This was where Alexander truly thrived—the heart of his empire. And today, I was about to step into it, not as a mere assistant or business partner, but as his wife.

I followed him into the elevator, and we rode in silence to the top floor. The moment the doors opened, I was greeted by the cold, sterile environment of the boardroom. A long glass table stretched before me, surrounded by polished black chairs, each one occupied by the members of Alexander’s board. They were all men—men whose eyes followed me as I entered, their expressions unreadable, calculating.

And at the head of the table, sitting in the seat of power, was Alexander. He didn’t even need to speak to command attention. His presence was enough to silence the room.

I took my seat beside him, my back straight, hands clasped in my lap, trying my best not to feel out of place. The atmosphere in the room was oppressive, thick with the weight of high-stakes business decisions. But I wasn’t just here as an observer. Alexander had made it clear that I had a role to play in this world.

“Gentlemen,” Alexander began, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “As you know, this is my wife, Sophia Carter. From now on, she will be involved in all major decisions concerning Knight Enterprises.”

I stiffened at his words, but kept my face impassive. His wife. Even though it was a business arrangement, the weight of those words carried a certain power. I could feel the eyes of the board members shifting from Alexander to me, assessing me with silent scrutiny.

One of the men, a tall, broad-shouldered figure with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, leaned forward. “Alexander, with all due respect, we need to discuss the upcoming acquisition. We can’t afford to have distractions.”

Alexander’s gaze didn’t waver. “There will be no distractions, Richard. Sophia’s involvement will only strengthen this company’s position.”

I was surprised by his unwavering confidence. I had expected him to dismiss me, to show that I was merely a pawn in his game. But instead, he was putting me at the table as an equal, a decision that made the blood in my veins run cold. Was he testing me? Or did he actually believe that I could contribute in some way?

I could feel the pressure mounting. Alexander was throwing me into the fire, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to fight.

Another board member, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “I’m curious, Miss Carter. What exactly do you bring to the table?”

His words hung in the air like a challenge, and for a brief moment, I felt my pulse quicken. All eyes were on me now. I had to respond, and I couldn’t afford to falter.

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze with steady resolve. “I bring fresh perspectives. The company needs to evolve, to modernize. Alexander and I share the vision of revitalizing this business, and I believe my background in strategy and operations can help us do that.”

The room fell silent. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if they were convinced, but Alexander’s sharp nod told me that he was.

Richard spoke again, this time with a hint of reluctance. “If Alexander believes it, then we’ll move forward. But make no mistake—business decisions will always come first.”

I nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the unspoken rules of this world. I wasn’t here to play by anyone’s rules but my own.

And as the meeting continued, I realized that this contract marriage, this so-called business arrangement, wasn’t just about saving my family’s company. It was about power—the kind of power that I had never known but was quickly becoming addicted to.

---

The meeting dragged on for hours, but by the time it ended, I had survived. And despite the tension in the room, I felt a sense of triumph. I had proven myself capable of holding my own in the boardroom, even if only for a brief moment.

As the board members filed out, Alexander turned to me, his expression unreadable. “You did well,” he said, his voice low and calm. “Better than I expected.”

I wasn’t sure if he meant it as a compliment or a mere observation, but I chose to take it as the former. For the first time since this whole arrangement began, I felt like I had made a small victory.

But I also knew that this was just the beginning. There were more battles to fight, more games to play. And the one thing I had learned today was that in Alexander Knight’s world, nothing was ever as it seemed.

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Chapter 4 Preview:

Sophia begins to feel the weight of her marriage as her role in the company becomes more significant.

Tensions rise between Alexander and his rivals, and Sophia realizes that her involvement in the business world will come with even higher stakes.

As the power dynamic shifts, Sophia starts questioning what she truly wants from this arrangement—and what Alexander wants from her.

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