Chapter
1:
The
Expiring
Contract
The
rain
lashed
against
the
floor-to-ceiling
windows
of
the
penthouse,
blurring
the
skyline
into
a
mosaic
of
fractured
light.
Ava
Carson
stared
at
the
embossed
marriage
certificate
on
her
desk,
her
thumb
tracing
the
expiration
date:
July
15,
2025—the
same
day
as
the
storm
outside.
Ms.
Carson
Her
assistant’s
voice
crackled
through
the
intercom.
Mr.
Grayson
requests
your
presence
in
the
boardroom.
Ava’s
hand
hovered
over
the
divorce
papers
she’d
drafted
that
morning.
Three
years
of
marriage
in
exchange
for
her
sister’s
leukemia
treatment.
A
contract
that
had
bound
her
to
Julian
Grayson,
CEO
of
Grayson
Pharmaceuticals,
a
man
who’d
built
his
empire
on
cold
efficiency.
The
boardroom
was
silent
when
she
entered.
Julian
sat
at
the
head
of
the
table,
his
tailored
suit
stretching
over
broad
shoulders.
His
gaze
flickered
to
the
divorce
papers
in
her
hand,
jaw
tightening.
Reason
His
voice
was
clipped,
like
ice
cracking.
Ava’s
throat
constricted.
Clause
7.3:
The
agreement
terminates
after
three
years
with
no
renewal.
He
stood
abruptly,
the
chair
scraping
the
marble.
You’re
leaving.
It
wasn’t
a
question.
She
held
his
stare,
ignoring
the
way
her
pulse
quickened.
My
sister
is
cured.
The
terms
have
been
met.
Julian
closed
the
distance
between
them
in
three
strides.
His
cologne—cedar
and
bergamot—wrapped
around
her,
familiar
yet
foreign.
You
think
this
was
just
a
transaction
Ava
stepped
back,
colliding
with
the
wall.
Wasn’t
it
You
needed
a
wife
to
secure
your
inheritance.
I
needed
money.
We
both
got
what
we
wanted.
His
eyes
darkened.
And
what
if
I
want
more
Before
she
could
reply,
his
phone
rang.
He
answered
it,
his
expression
hardening.
The
merger’s
off.
The
board
wants
a
blood
test
to
confirm
paternity.
Ava
froze.
Three
months
ago,
she’d
pretended
to
be
pregnant
to
fend
off
Julian’s
conniving
ex-fiancée.
Now,
the
lie
had
come
back
to
haunt
them.
Julian
ended
the
call,
his
voice
low.
They’re
demanding
proof.
If
we
don’t
comply,
Grayson
Pharma
could
collapse.
Ava’s
chest
tightened.
What
do
you
want
me
to
do
He
stepped
closer,
his
voice
dropping
to
a
whisper.
Stay.
At
least
until
the
merger
is
finalized.
She
shook
her
head.
This
was
never
part
of
the
deal.
Please,
Ava.
The
word
was
rough,
as
if
torn
from
him.
I’ll
renegotiate
the
terms.
Double
your
compensation.
Her
resolve
wavered.
The
money
could
fund
her
sister’s
post-treatment
care.
But
staying
meant
prolonging
the
charade,
pretending
to
love
a
man
who’d
never
looked
at
her
twice.
One
month,
she
said
finally.
Then
we’re
done.
Julian
nodded,
his
relief
palpable.
I’ll
have
the
contract
amended.
As
he
turned
to
leave,
Ava
noticed
a
glint
of
silver
on
his
finger—a
wedding
ring
she’d
never
seen
before.
Her
breath
hitched.
Julian
He
paused,
hand
on
the
door.
Yes
She
gestured
to
the
ring.
When
did
you
start
wearing
that
He
glanced
at
his
hand,
as
if
surprised
by
its
presence.
The
day
you
signed
the
original
contract.
Before
she
could
respond,
he
was
gone,
leaving
her
alone
with
the
storm’s
fury.
Chapter
2:
The
Hidden
Truth
The
following
week,
Ava
accompanied
Julian
to
a
charity
gala.
Dressed
in
a
sapphire
gown,
she
plastered
on
a
smile
as
they
greeted
investors.
Julian’s
hand
rested
lightly
on
her
lower
back,
a
possessive
gesture
that
sent
shivers
down
her
spine.
Mr.
Grayson,
a
voice
purred.
Julian’s
ex-fiancée,
Victoria,
slinked
toward
them,
her
dress
leaving
little
to
the
imagination.
Rumor
has
it
you’re
expecting.
How…
quaint.
Ava
stiffened.
Julian’s
grip
tightened.
Yes,
we
are.
Though
I’m
sure
you’d
prefer
not
to
discuss
it.
Victoria’s
smile
faltered.
Of
course.
But
do
tell—when
is
the
little
bundle
of
joy
due
Ava’s
mind
raced.
November.
Julian’s
brows
rose
slightly,
but
he
recovered
smoothly.
We’re
keeping
the
gender
a
surprise.
Victoria’s
eyes
narrowed.
How…
charming.
She
turned
on
her
heel,
her
laughter
brittle.
Ava
exhaled
shakily.
Julian
leaned
closer,
his
breath
warm
against
her
ear.
November
That’s
cutting
it
close.
She
met
his
gaze,
startled
by
the
amusement
in
his
eyes.
I
panicked.
data-fanqie-type=pay_tag>
His
lips
twitched.
You’re
a
terrible
liar.
Before
she
could
retort,
a
photographer
approached.
Mr.
and
Mrs.
Grayson,
if
you’d
pose
for
a
photo
Julian
wrapped
an
arm
around
her
waist,
pulling
her
flush
against
him.
Ava’s
heart
slammed
against
her
ribs
as
his
thumb
brushed
her
hip.
Smile,
he
murmured.
She
forced
a
smile,
acutely
aware
of
his
body
heat,
the
way
his
suit
jacket
smelled
of
his
cologne.
For
a
moment,
it
felt…
real.
After
the
gala,
Julian
drove
them
home
in
silence.
When
they
arrived,
he
followed
her
into
the
penthouse.
Stay,
he
said
abruptly.
Ava
turned,
confused.
What
Stay
the
night.
In
the
master
bedroom.
His
voice
was
steady,
but
his
eyes
held
a
vulnerability
she’d
never
seen.
We
need
to
sell
the
pregnancy.
If
Victoria
finds
out—
I’ll
stay,
she
interrupted.
But
just
for
appearances.
He
nodded,
jaw
clenched.
Of
course.
That
night,
Ava
lay
in
the
king-sized
bed,
staring
at
the
ceiling.
Julian
slept
beside
her,
rigid
as
a
statue.
She
could
feel
the
tension
radiating
off
him,
hear
the
rapid
beat
of
his
heart.
You’re
awake,
he
said
quietly.
She
turned
her
head.
So
are
you.
He
sighed,
running
a
hand
through
his
hair.
I’m
sorry.
For
dragging
you
into
this.
Ava
studied
his
profile—the
sharp
cheekbones,
the
stubble
darkening
his
jaw.
Why
me
Out
of
everyone,
why
did
you
choose
me
He
was
silent
for
a
long
time.
Because
you
looked
at
me
like
I
was
more
than
just
a
bank
account.
Her
breath
hitched.
Before
she
could
respond,
he
rolled
onto
his
side,
facing
away
from
her.
Goodnight,
Ava.
Goodnight,
Julian.
As
she
drifted
off,
Ava
wondered
if
the
man
beside
her
was
as
much
a
prisoner
of
this
contract
as
she
was.
Chapter
3:
The
Unraveling
Two
weeks
later,
Ava’s
sister,
Mia,
visited
the
penthouse.
Mia’s
eyes
widened
as
she
took
in
the
luxury.
Wow.
You
really
went
full
Cinderella,
didn’t
you
Ava
laughed,
hugging
her
sister.
Hardly.
It’s
just…
temporary.
Mia’s
smile
faded.
You
don’t
have
to
pretend
with
me,
you
know.
I
saw
the
divorce
papers.
Ava
froze.
Mia—
Does
he
know
Mia
asked
softly.
About
your
feelings
Ava’s
heart
sank.
There
are
no
feelings.
It’s
a
contract.
Mia
snorted.
Right.
And
I’m
the
Queen
of
England.
The
way
he
looks
at
you—
Stop,
Ava
snapped.
It’s
not
real.
Mia
sighed.
Okay.
But
promise
me
you’ll
be
careful.
Later,
as
Ava
showed
Mia
out,
Julian
returned
home.
His
gaze
flickered
between
them,
a
question
in
his
eyes.
Everything
alright
he
asked.
Ava
nodded.
Just
catching
up.
Mia
smiled
brightly.
Nice
to
meet
you,
Mr.
Grayson.
Julian
shook
her
hand.
Please,
call
me
Julian.
After
Mia
left,
Julian
turned
to
Ava.
She’s
worried
about
you.
Ava
busied
herself
with
a
vase
of
flowers.
She’s
protective.
He
stepped
closer.
And
you
Are
you
worried
about
yourself
She
met
his
gaze,
her
resolve
weakening.
Every
day.
He
reached
out,
brushing
a
strand
of
hair
behind
her
ear.
Ava—
The
doorbell
rang,
shattering
the
moment.
Julian
cursed
under
his
breath.
That’ll
be
Victoria.
Ava’s
blood
ran
cold.
What
does
she
want
To
gloat,
probably.
Julian
opened
the
door,
and
Victoria
swept
in,
a
folder
clutched
in
her
hand.
Darling,
she
purred.
I
have
something
you’ll
want
to
see.
She
tossed
the
folder
onto
the
coffee
table.
Ava’s
heart
stopped
as
she
saw
the
contents:
DNA
test
results.
Seems
your
little
pregnancy
is
a
fraud,
Victoria
smirked.
Shall
I
forward
these
to
the
board
Julian’s
face
paled.
Ava’s
mind
raced.
She
had
to
fix
this—now.
Wait,
she
said,
her
voice
trembling.
I’m
not
pregnant,
but
Julian
is
the
father
of
my
child.
Both
Julian
and
Victoria
turned
to
her,震惊.
I…
I
miscarried,
Ava
lied.
Shortly
after
the
contract
began.
Julian
didn’t
want
to
tell
anyone
because
of
the
merger.
Julian’s
eyes
widened,
but
he
recovered
quickly.
That’s
right.
We
were
devastated.
Victoria’s
smirk
faded.
How…
convenient.
Ava
met
her
gaze,
forcing
confidence.
If
you
leak
those
results,
you’ll
be
exposing
a
deeply
personal
tragedy.
Is
that
the
kind
of
person
you
want
to
be
Victoria
hesitated,
then
snatched
the
folder.
This
isn’t
over.
After
she
left,
Julian
turned
to
Ava,
his
voice
strained.
You
didn’t
have
to
do
that.
She
shrugged,
avoiding
his
gaze.
It
was
the
only
way.
He
stepped
closer,
tilting
her
chin
up.
Why
Ava’s
breath
hitched.
Because
I
don’t
want
to
see
you
lose
everything.
Their
eyes
locked.
For
a
moment,
time
stood
still.
Then,
Julian
leaned
down,
capturing
her
lips
in
a
kiss.
It
was
soft
at
first,
tentative,
then
deepened
as
Ava
melted
into
him.
His
hands
tangled
in
her
hair,
her
arms
winding
around
his
neck.
For
the
first
time,
the
kiss
wasn’t
for
show—it
was
raw,
desperate,
real.
When
they
broke
apart,
Julian
rested
his
forehead
against
hers.
I’ve
wanted
to
do
that
since
the
day
you
signed
the
contract.
Ava
smiled,
her
heart
soaring.
Took
you
long
enough.
He
laughed,
a
sound
she’d
never
heard
before—warm,
genuine.
Does
this
mean
you’ll
stay
She
nodded.
But
not
because
of
the
contract.
Because
I
want
to.
Julian
kissed
her
again,
slower
this
time.
I
can
live
with
that.
As
the
storm
raged
outside,
Ava
knew
one
thing
for
certain:
their
marriage
might
have
started
as
a
pact,
but
it
was
ending
as
something
far
more
powerful.
Chapter
4:
The
Final
Act
The
boardroom
was
tense
as
Julian
presented
the
merger
details.
Ava
sat
beside
him,
her
hand
resting
on
his
knee—a
silent
show
of
support.
Mr.
Grayson,
one
board
member
said,
we’ve
reviewed
the
DNA
results.
While
we
sympathize
with
your
loss,
we
need
assurance
that
this
won’t
affect
your
focus.
Julian’s
grip
on
Ava’s
hand
tightened.
My
wife
and
I
are
committed
to
moving
forward.
The
merger
will
proceed
as
planned.
Another
board
member
spoke
up.
We’ll
need
a
signed
affidavit
from
your
doctor
confirming
the
miscarriage.
Ava’s
heart
sank.
They
didn’t
have
a
doctor—her
lie
was
about
to
unravel.
Before
she
could
panic,
Julian
stood
abruptly.
I
think
we’ve
heard
enough.
If
you’ll
excuse
us.
He
led
her
out
of
the
boardroom,
into
an
empty
hallway.
We
need
to
find
a
doctor
willing
to
back
our
story.
Ava
bit
her
lip.
Julian,
this
is
too
risky.
He
cupped
her
face.
I
won’t
let
them
destroy
us.
Not
when
I’ve
finally
found
something
worth
fighting
for.
His
words
sent
warmth
through
her.
Okay.
Let’s
do
this.
They
spent
the
next
two
days
scrambling
to
find
a
doctor.
Finally,
Ava’s
friend,
a
pediatrician,
agreed
to
help.
Are
you
sure
about
this
Dr.
Patel
asked,
handing
over
the
forged
affidavit.
Ava
nodded.
Positive.
When
they
presented
the
affidavit
to
the
board,
the
tension
in
the
room
was
palpable.
After
a
long
silence,
the
chairman
spoke.
Very
well.
The
merger
is
approved.
Julian
exhaled
sharply,
squeezing
Ava’s
hand.
Thank
you.
That
night,
they
celebrated
at
the
penthouse.
Julian
poured
champagne,
his
smile
brighter
than
Ava
had
ever
seen.
To
us,
he
said,
clinking
their
glasses.
And
to
new
beginnings.
Ava
smiled.
To
new
beginnings.
As
they
drank,
Julian’s
expression
grew
serious.
There’s
something
I
need
to
tell
you.
She
frowned.
What
is
it
He
took
a
deep
breath.
The
night
of
the
accident—the
one
that
caused
your
sister’s
leukemia—I
was
there.
Ava
froze.
What
I
was
driving
the
car
that
swerved
into
her
path.
I’ve
spent
years
trying
to
make
amends,
to
find
a
way
to
repay
you.
That’s
why
I
offered
you
the
contract.
Ava’s
mind
raced.
You…
caused
the
accident
He
nodded,
eyes
filled
with
remorse.
I’ll
understand
if
you
hate
me.
But
I
needed
you
to
know
the
truth.
For
a
moment,
Ava
was
silent.
Then,
she
took
his
hand.
You’ve
spent
three
years
trying
to
atone.
That’s
enough.
He
searched
her
face.
You’re
not
angry
She
smiled
sadly.
I’m
hurt.
But
I
also
know
you’re
not
the
same
person
you
were
then.
He
pulled
her
into
a
tight
embrace.
Thank
you.
Ava
rested
her
head
on
his
chest,
listening
to
his
heartbeat.
Just
promise
me
one
thing.
Anything.
No
more
secrets.
He
kissed
the
top
of
her
head.
No
more
secrets.
Chapter
5:
The
Wedding
Six
months
later,
Ava
stood
in
a
white
dress
at
the
altar
of
a
small
chapel.
Julian
waited
for
her
at
the
end
of
the
aisle,
his
eyes
never
leaving
hers.
Mia,
now
fully
recovered,
wiped
away
tears.
You
look
beautiful.
Ava
smiled.
Thanks
to
you.
When
she
reached
Julian,
he
took
her
hands,
his
voice
steady.
I,
Julian
Grayson,
take
you,
Ava
Carson,
to
be
my
wife.
Not
because
of
a
contract,
but
because
I
love
you.
Today,
tomorrow,
and
always.
Ava’s
eyes
filled
with
tears.
I,
Ava
Carson,
take
you,
Julian
Grayson,
to
be
my
husband.
I
love
you,
flaws
and
all.
The
priest
smiled.
You
may
kiss
the
bride.
Julian
kissed
her
deeply,
applause
erupting
around
them.
As
they
pulled
away,
he
whispered,
I
love
you.
Ava
grinned.
I
love
you
too.
Now,
let’s
go
start
that
new
beginning.
Hand
in
hand,
they
walked
out
of
the
chapel
into
the
sunlight,
leaving
the
past—and
the
contract—behind.
Epilogue
Three
years
later,
Ava
and
Julian
sat
on
their
porch,
watching
their
daughter
play
in
the
garden.
Mia
pushed
the
toddler
on
a
swing,
laughing.
She’s
getting
so
big,
Ava
said,
leaning
against
Julian.
He
kissed
her
temple.
Too
big.
Slow
down,
kiddo!
Ava
laughed.
You’re
such
a
softie.
He
smiled.
Only
for
you.
She
turned
to
him,
her
expression
serious.
Do
you
ever
regret
it
The
contract,
the
lies
Julian
shook
his
head.
It
brought
me
to
you.
How
could
I
regret
that
Ava
kissed
him,
her
heart
full.
Good
answer.
As
their
daughter
squealed
with
delight,
Ava
knew
that
some
of
the
best
things
in
life
didn’t
come
from
carefully
crafted
contracts—but
from
taking
a
leap
of
faith
into
the
unknown.
The
End