Frieda walked right to the door and knocked. Ethan had sent her the room number after he arrived, this part was going to be the hardest part that she had ever done as a method actress. “Ethan, it's me, Frieda.“ she whispered into the door. Ethan opened the door and she walked in quickly. Two of the guys went out of the room. “I told you you’d get here at the perfect time. I hope you didn’t let anyone important see you.” Ethan asked her. “Not really, just the cab driver. That’s not going to be a problem though. The man seems like a quick work. A drunk to be honest. He’d forget this face quickly.” Frieda replied. “Let’s hope so. You know we have to roughen you up a bit right?” “Yeah. You already mentioned but just so it feels real. Can you tie me to the chair first?” Frieda asked. “It’s not that kind of rodeo girl. But if you prefer it that way. It’s alright. I guess it’s just so it’s easier for you right?” Ethan asked. “Yea. Exactly. I just don’t want my reflexes to take over.”
Aria felt her limbs grow heavier as a strange fog clouded her mind. She blinked slowly, her vision swimming, and tried to focus on the man who had just entered the dimly lit hotel room. Her supposed boyfriend, Ethan, leaned casually against the doorframe, an unsettling smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The sight of him sent a chill down her spine, and despite the haze overtaking her thoughts, the primal urge to escape surged through her.She struggled to move, every fiber of her being fighting against the numbing sensation creeping through her veins. Ethan approached her slowly, his eyes gleaming with dark intent. He had drugged her. It was the only explanation for the dizziness, the way her muscles refused to obey her commands. "Don't fight it, Aria," Ethan murmured in a low voice, his fingers tracing her cheek in a way that made her skin crawl. "You'll be fine. Just relax."Panic surged through Aria's chest, She could barely lift her arms, but she clawed at the bedsheets, us
Aria's eyes fluttered open, the faint light streaming in through unfamiliar curtains making her blink in confusion. She groaned, her head still spinning from the events of the previous night. She slowly sat up, panic filling her as the memory of being drugged and chased by her ex-boyfriend Ethan flooded her mind. With shaky hands, she quickly checked her body for any signs of abuse. A sigh of relief escaped her when she realized her clothes were still intact, and there were no obvious signs that anyone had taken advantage of her while she was unconscious."Where am I?" she muttered, taking in her surroundings. The luxurious room she found herself in was nothing like the dingy hotel where she had struggled against Ethan. The bed was plush, the furniture modern and sleek.She glanced around the room, taking in the lavish decor—the silk curtains, the expensive art on the walls, and the faint scent of fresh flowers that filled the air. This was no ordinary hotel room; it was a suite fit f
Aria's heart pounded as she stood frozen in place, expecting the worst. She was certain she had been caught, her disguise as a maid failing her. But when she turned around, it wasn't the bodyguards glaring at her—it was the butler, Mr. Grayson. His stern yet composed expression briefly unsettled her before he spoke, his voice firm and unyielding."You two," Mr. Grayson said, pointing at Aria and the other maid she had bumped into. "The lady of the house has been waiting for assistance in the courtyard. Do not keep her waiting any longer."Relieved but cautious, Aria nodded and quickly followed the other maid, her mind racing with questions. She had narrowly escaped suspicion, but she wasn't safe yet. As they reached the sunlit courtyard, Aria's eyes immediately fell on an elderly woman seated gracefully on a plush chair surrounded by blooming flowers. The woman exuded an air of elegance and authority, her gray hair styled neatly, and her eyes sharp with wisdom that only comes with age
"Aria, the adoptive daughter of Samuel," Alexander Sinclair said, his voice cold and unwavering as he glanced down at the folder spread open on his desk. "Your adoptive father is a known gambler. He owes a substantial amount of debt, forcing him to borrow money from several dangerous sources. To pay off those loans, you've had to work multiple jobs at once, barely scraping by."Aria felt a surge of anger rise within her, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She had been through enough—working long hours just to survive—yet here was this man, sitting behind his desk with an air of power, throwing her past in her face as if it were nothing."You investigated me," Aria spat, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "You had no right to dig into my life like that."Alexander met her gaze without flinching, his expression unreadable. "My grandmother likes you," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "She believes you're someone important from my past. Regardless of whether that's true,
Bound By Fate: The Billionaire's Contract BrideChapter 5: The Unforseen EncounterThe 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 breathAlexander'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 h
The hospital corridor felt endless as Aria walked down it, her mind still reeling from Grandma Sinclair’s words. Babies. The idea of being responsible for making someone else happy by giving them children hadn’t even crossed her mind when she signed the contract with Alexander. She signed up to be his fake wife, not to start a family. But how could she refuse Grandma Sinclair's innocent wish without raising suspicions?She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the presence of someone as she bumped into him 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..** Ethan.**She felt a hand clamp around her wrist and, before she could scream, she was dragged into an empty hospital ward.Aria gasped as she was slammed against the wall, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.Ethan was in hospital clothes, his head
As the sleek black car pulled up to the sprawling Sinclair estate, Aria stared in awe at the grandiose mansion that loomed before her. It wasn’t her first time seeing the Sinclair home, but now, as she stepped out of the car with her new title as Mrs. Sinclair, it felt entirely different. She had entered into this contract thinking she would be able to keep her distance, to play her part while remaining emotionally detached. But the weight of her new role pressed down on her with each passing second.Alexander exited the car first, his tall frame exuding his usual cool confidence, but he paused to help his grandmother out of the backseat. Aria followed, feeling somewhat out of place in her simple dress among the luxury that surrounded her.The moment Grandma’s feet touched the driveway, she reached out, clasping Aria’s hands in her own. Her warm, wrinkled fingers squeezed gently as she smiled up at her. “Welcome home, Aria,” Grandma said, her eyes shining with affection. “This is your
Frieda walked right to the door and knocked. Ethan had sent her the room number after he arrived, this part was going to be the hardest part that she had ever done as a method actress. “Ethan, it's me, Frieda.“ she whispered into the door. Ethan opened the door and she walked in quickly. Two of the guys went out of the room. “I told you you’d get here at the perfect time. I hope you didn’t let anyone important see you.” Ethan asked her. “Not really, just the cab driver. That’s not going to be a problem though. The man seems like a quick work. A drunk to be honest. He’d forget this face quickly.” Frieda replied. “Let’s hope so. You know we have to roughen you up a bit right?” “Yeah. You already mentioned but just so it feels real. Can you tie me to the chair first?” Frieda asked. “It’s not that kind of rodeo girl. But if you prefer it that way. It’s alright. I guess it’s just so it’s easier for you right?” Ethan asked. “Yea. Exactly. I just don’t want my reflexes to take over.”
Ethan couldn’t wait any longer. He was supposed to meet up with the goons who would join him to get Aria. There was no way he would be able to pull it off without their help. He told the driver to drive off. There was no need figuring out where Aria was staying, they would pick her off from the cemetery. He met with the guys at a small motel, they were three in number including himself. “The lady in question is a very important cargo. We do not need any scratches on her, your job is simply to grab her and we make a getaway. Then we meet up with the second one. Okay?” “Okay boss. So the lady now is the main one right?”“Yes. That’s exactly what I said. Isn’t it? Keep your head in the game. And you wonder why other people get the jobs and not you. You gotta learn to use your brain.” They had already picked up the truck they would use in the kidnap. “Let’s go boys, it’s a stake and take” one of the guys said.***Aria arrived at the airport and went out to her rented car. It was big
“So do you have the full story for the job? Remember if anything goes south, just let me know…” Ethan stated. “Yeah. I think I’ve got everything. I’m ready for the job.” Frieda mentioned. Dr. Hensley walked into the room where Ethan was seriously last minute prepping Frieda. “Let’s pray that’s true because you’re the missing piece in our puzzle. Our ultimate weapon and the one in whom the entirety of my work rests on.” He shuffled around the lab and brought out five tiny spray bottles, they could fit in small purses. He handed them over to Frieda. “Hopefully, you don’t get to use them all. Spray once behind each ear, the nape of your neck and your wrists. That should cover it.” Frieda nodded. She kept the bottles in her purse. “So, we’re sorry we need to go through such measures but it is all for the success of the project.” Ethan said to Frieda.Frieda and Ethan left the lab, leaving Dr. Hensley alone. As they drove to the bus station, Ethan and Frieda talked about the plan som
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
“Mom, you can open your eyes now.” Jessica whispered. “Where’s your father? Is he gone?” Janet asked as she pulled away the oxygen mask once again. “Yes. He said he would get some help to come here with some food and all.” Jessica replied. Janet knew there was only so much she could tell her daughter, the less she knew the better for her future. There was only one other person in her life who knew exactly what to do in situations like this and it was her sister. “Call home and make sure the help gets me my phone. I need to call your aunt.” Janet instructed. “Okay. But you haven’t told me the plan yet. How do we win Alexander back when Aria is strongly in the way?.” Jessica questioned. “Just do what I asked. The plan isn’t set in stone yet and the less you know the better for you. Just concentrate on what we tell you and try not to do anything else.” Janet responded. Jessica left the room to call the house staff to tell them what to bring to the hospital. *** Ethan walked into
“What are you doing?” Aria whispered, her voice trembling as her palms rested against Alexander’s firm chest, their proximity sending a ripple of heat through her body.“You know exactly what I’m doing,” Alexander replied, his tone low, teasing yet filled with undeniable intent.Aria froze, her breath catching as Alexander reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, lingering for a second longer than necessary, and the warmth of his touch ignited a storm of emotions within her.“I like your body massages, maybe we'll schedule some more in the future,” he said quietly. He took a deep breath so he could soak up her scent. “You do seem rather… relaxed.” Her voice trembled a bit. “I kind of get that feeling every time I’m around you whether you’re giving massages or just sitting there.” He whispered. Aria realized his face was getting closer to hers, he chuckled softly when he saw her close her eyes in expectation of the kiss to come. Alexa
On the drive back to the house, Lucas tried hard not to discuss his feelings with Alexander about Jessica and her mother. He got a call. “Hello.”“Sir, Ethan won the case. He’s been set free.” The voice on the other end of the call said. “How did that happen? That case was pretty straightforward. He should be in jail by now.” Lucas replied. Alexander listened in trying to pick off exactly what they were discussing. “Yes sir. He had a damned good lawyer. I was a bit surprised when the lawyer came in saying she was representing Ethan. You may know her, it’s Gabriella Cornell, the big leagues.” “He couldn’t have gotten someone like that without help. Try to figure out exactly why she would represent him.” Lucas said. “Okay, sir. I’ll get back to you with any information I find sir.” “Yeah. Thank you” Lucas said before dropping the call. “Who was that?” Alexander asked. “Sir, that was Carlton, our guy at the D.A.’s office. He says that Ethan got an exceptional and expensive lawye
Anderson and Jessica rushed Janet to the hospital, Anderson, frantic as he called nurses, doctors and interns to the aid of his wife. “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you having a heart attack?” Jessica asked, even as the nurses got her in a bed and rushed her into a hospital room. “I want my daughter with me..” Janet said, with a fake pain in her voice. Jessica went into the room with her. Watching as they placed an oxygen mask on her face to help her breathe better, she gripped her mother’s hands genuinely scared about what may be happening. “Mom, you’re gonna be okay… the doctors will make sure everything’s fine. They’ll do their jobs.” Janet squeezed her hand tightly but Jessica didn’t understand what was happening. As soon as the doctors plugged her into the machine, they realized that her vitals were stable. Medically, there was nothing wrong with her. They asked to take blood to run some tests. As soon as the last nurse was out the door, Janet took off the oxygen mask from her face