Chapter 5: The Unforseen Encounter

Bound By Fate: The Billionaire's Contract BrideChapter 5: The Unforseen Encounter

The morning sun was gentle, casting a golden hue across the city,the sun filtered through the large windows as Aria sat in the passenger seat of Alexander's sleek black car, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse the material twisting between her fingers. She wasn't nervous, or so she told herself. After all, this wasn't a real marriage—it was just a contract.

She couldn't believe how surreal her situation had become. Less than 48 hours ago, she had been running for her life from Ethan, and now she was on her way to the civil registry with Alexander Sinclair, one of the most powerful men in the country, to get a marriage certificate. She could barely catch her breath

Alexander's eyes lingered on her for a moment before he returned his focus to the road. His expression was unreadable, calm, and calculated, just like always. The man was a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and now she was bound to him by a piece of paper.

Once they arrived at the civil registry, they were greeted by an official who led them inside. The office was pristine, its sterile walls and cold atmosphere adding to Aria's growing unease. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as they were asked to sit down for the official photo that would be part of their marriage documentation.

Alexander settled into the chair next to her, his tall, commanding presence making her feel even smaller.

The photographer, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, stood in front of them, adjusting his camera. His eyes flicked between them, a slight frown creasing his brow."Could you two... maybe sit a bit closer?" he asked awkwardly, raising his camera. "You're supposed to look like a couple, after all."

Aria felt a wave of tension settle over her. Before she could react, she felt Alexander's hand firmly grip her shoulder, pulling her toward him.The sudden warmth of his body against hers made her pulse quicken, The closeness felt unnatural, the air between them thick with unspoken words and lingering discomfort.

"Relax, it's just a photo," Alexander murmured under his breath, noticing her discomfort his voice low and unbothered.

"There," Alexander said coolly, "Is this better?"

The photographer nodded, though there was still a slight look of confusion in his eyes. "Perfect," he muttered before snapping a few pictures.

The photographer clicked away, oblivious to the silent struggle in the room.

As the flash of the camera went off, Aria swallowed hard, the reality of the situation hitting her. She was now legally bound to this man. Whatever happened from this point forward, their lives would be intertwined, even if it was just for show.

Everything seemed like a blur to Aria; Sitting beside Alexander Sinclair in the small office, waiting for the session to come to an end, she glanced down at her lap, her thoughts swirling. "He's so loyal to his grandmother. He can't possibly be a brute," she reassured herself, recalling the nightmare of her last relationship. The memory of her ex-fiancé drugging her to take advantage of her still haunted her

After the pictures were taken and the paperwork finalized, Alexander rose to his feet, the marriage certificate now in his hands. He turned to Aria, his face unreadable. "We're visiting my grandmother next," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "She'll want to see the certificate."

Aria nodded, still processing the whirlwind of events. The drive to the hospital was silent, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

As they drove to the hospital, the silence between them was thick with unspoken words. Aria found herself fidgeting again, and she mentally scolded herself. "Stop being so nervous," she thought. "It's just for a year. You can do this. You need this." The promise of $10,000 a day was enough to push her discomfort aside. She needed this money more than anything, especially if it meant freeing herself from her adoptive father's debts.

When they finally reached the hospital ,they were greeted by one of the nurses who led them to Grandma Sinclair's room. Aria's heart ached as they entered. The elderly woman sat in a chair by the window, her frail hands resting in her lap, but her eyes sparkled with joy as soon as she saw them.

"Ah, there they are, my lovely newlyweds!" she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth. She held out her arms as they approached.

Alexander handed the marriage certificate to his grandmother with a soft smile. "We did it, Grandma. Just like you wanted."

The old woman's face lit up, and she clasped the certificate to her chest. "Oh, Alexander, Aria, you don't know how happy you've made me."This is the best gift you could have given me." Her eyes turned misty as she reached for Aria's hand, squeezing it gently. "Now, it's time for you two to give me a great-grandchild."

The words hung in the air like a ticking bomb. Aria's eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat. "Great-grandchild?" she repeated in her mind, feeling the color drain from her face. Her mind scrambled for something to say, but no words came out.

She shot a quick glance at Alexander, expecting to see a similar reaction on his face, but to her surprise, he simply smiled at his grandmother, calm and composed. "Grandma, let's take one step at a time."

Aria's thoughts spiraled. "Babies?" She hadn't expected that. "This wasn't in the contract," she panicked silently. "He didn't say anything about having children!" Oh no " "What have I gotten myself into!"

As the visit drew to a close, Aria excused herself, needing a moment alone. She wandered down the hospital corridor, her mind spinning. "Great-grandchildren? This whole arrangement is getting out of hand," she muttered to herself. "But Grandma won't be happy if she doesn't hold her grandchild."

Lost in thought, Aria suddenly bumped into someone in the hallway. "I'm so sorry," she mumbled, raising her head—she froze. Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening as she looked into the cold, familiar face of the man standing before her.

Her ex-fiancé.