Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire

Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire

last updateLast Updated : 2024-11-07
By:  FikayoOngoing
Language: English
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"Five million dollars for a fake marriage? Do you think I'm that desperate?" Evelyn hissed. Ethan's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Desperate enough to save your brother's life?" ****************** Evelyn's world shatters when her brother falls critically ill. Desperate for money to save him, she reluctantly agrees to a shocking proposal from billionaire Ethan Maverick - a marriage of convenience. As they fake a relationship to save Ethan's public image, unexpected feelings begin to grow. But dark secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. In a world of lies and betrayal, can Evelyn and Ethan find real love? Or will their deal destroy them both?

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Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

"The clock’s ticking, Mrs Martin's. And I'm not sure how much more time Jake has.”

Evelyn held her breath as Dr. Patel's words filled his office. The doctor gave her a pitying look as she tried to focus on his moving lips, her mind already calculating the mounting bills that threatened to drown them.

Jake had been so sick lately that she'd missed three shifts at the bar already this week. Like the devoted sister she was, she'd done everything possible to keep him comfortable and cared for, working double shifts and overtime until her feet bled in her worn shoes.

She had made it her mission to give him the best care possible since their parents' death, picking up every extra job she could find.

It was never enough for his condition, but little things like extra night shifts and selling their old possessions would surely help with the medical bills.

Only she had frozen in horror when Dr. Patel mentioned the new treatment costs. The numbers stared back at her, very large on the paper he'd slid across his desk.

She knew Jake hadn't been getting better for a while. The doctors had made that clear with all their concerned looks, but she thought that was just because they needed time. It had taken them three years to get his SLE under some control.

For the past year, they had been trying new medications, a better treatment plan this time if they would be so lucky, but it seemed that wasn't in the cards for them. At least, it wasn't for her wallet. According to Dr. Patel, she was running out of time, a fact he and the hospital administration never let her forget and had openly come to pressure her about.

She didn't wait for Dr. Patel to finish his speech. She couldn't bear to hear more about money they didn't have. Instead, she grabbed her purse and headed straight for Jake's room.

The memory of the accident crashed into her as she watched him through the window. The screech of metal, her mother's scream, her father's desperate attempt to control the car. Her hand unconsciously touched the scar on her leg, still angry and red after all these years.

"Miss Evelyn, there you are. Jake's been asking for you."

"Of course, he has. Why wouldn't he?" She turned to face the night nurse, Sarah, who had become too familiar with their story. "He's all I have left."

Sarah looked down the hallway behind her to ensure it was empty before shaking her head. "The poor thing's been through so much today. These new medications are really taking a toll."

Evelyn's hand reached for Jake's door handle, but her glance at the watch stopped her cold. "Shit." Mr. Garrett's warning from yesterday echoed in her head - one more missed shift and she'd be looking for a new job. With trembling fingers, she pulled back from the door and whispered a silent apology to her sleeping brother.

Thirty minutes later, she bursted through the back door of the Rusty Nail bar, chest heaving from her run across town. Her fingers fumbled with her hair tie as she tried to make herself presentable, praying she could slip in unnoticed.

"I don't pay you to sneak around my back door like some theif in the night."

Mr. Garrett's voice froze her in place. The hair tie snapped and fell uselessly to the floor.

"Mr. Garrett, I'm so sorry. My brother, he—"

"Save it." He cut through her explanation. "I'm sick of hearing about your brother. Every damn time, it's some new excuse. You think this place runs itself? You think customers serve themselves? While you're off playing nurse. I'm here losing money."

Evelyn swallowed hard. "I know, and I'm truly sorry. I'll work extra shifts next week, make up for all the time I've missed." She took a deep breath, knowing this was the worst possible moment but having no choice. "Actually, I was hoping we could discuss a small raise—"

Mr Garrett bursted out laughing and tried to stifle it with his palm . "A raise? You've got some nerve." He stepped closer this time. "You come in late, again, and have the audacity to ask for more money?"

"Please, Mr. Garrett." Her voice shook. "You know I'm a hard worker. I just need—"

"What you need," he jabbed a thick finger into her chest, forcing her back against the wall, "is to learn your damn place. Not only are you not getting a raise, but I'm docking your pay for today. Now get out there and do your job before I decide I don't need you at all."

Evelyn stood rooted to the spot, unable to move.

"What are you waiting for?" Mr. Garrett barked which made her jump. "Move!"

She hurried toward the bar, fingers trembling as she tied her apron. As she grabbed her serving tray, one question kept echoing through her mind

How was she going to pay for Jake's treatment now?

***********

THE NEXT DAY

Ethan sat at the head of the conference table as he fixed his gaze on every potential partner in the room, taking in their expressions. He'd spent months crafting this deal, and he wouldn't let it slip away now.

"Gentlemen," Ethan cut through the silence after the partners had taken in the proposal. "I believe we were about to finalize the details of our partnership. Mr. Zhao, do you have any further questions?"

Mr. Zhao, the CEO of a Chinese pharmaceutical company cleared his throat as he adjusted his tie. "Mr. Maverick, we're impressed with Maverick Foundation's proposal, but we feel we need more time to conduct a more thorough search to identify any risks."

Ethan's jaw tightened almost immediately. This deal was crucial for the foundation's expansion of their medical equipment into the market. Any delay would be very costly and he knew their competitors were always active waiting for such opening.

He leaned forward and tried to keep his cool. "I assure you our proposal has been efficiently prepared. Every risk has been thoroughly analyzed. Perhaps you can specify your concerns so we could address them immediately."

As Mr. Zhao opened his mouth to respond, everyone's phones started beeping. Executives on both sides glanced at their screens, and their eyes widened as they read whatever was on their screen.

"Attention," Ethan raised his voice, trying to bring everyone's attention back. "I believe we're in the middle of a meeting—"

The conference room door bursted open cutting his sentence off. David, Ethan's secretary rushed in looking disheveled and panicked. He went to Ethan and bent to his ear.

"Mr. Maverick," David panted, "I'm sorry to interrupt but you need to see something."

Ethan stood up and straightened his suit jacket. "Gentlemen, please excuse me for a minute." He followed David out of his office, who was still trying to catch his breath.

"This had better be important, David. You just interrupted a multi-million dollar negotiation." Ethan said once they were outside.

David placed the tablet in Ethan's hands with fingers trembling. "It's all over the news, sir. Every major outlet is running the story."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ethan stared at the screen, his eyes widening as he took in the bold headline:

Ethan Maverick's Secret Life: Is the Maverick Heir Gay?

The article was filled with photos and quotes from anonymous sources, each one more scandalous than the last. They detailed his lack of public relationships with women, his cold treatment of them, and his suspiciously close relationship with David.

The final one was a blurry photo of Ethan standing intimately close to a male colleague, their faces mere inches apart in what appeared to be a private moment.

"This is ridiculous," Ethan snarled. "How dare they publish this baseless gossip?"

David stepped back, not knowing how to respond. Ethan phone's sudden beep cut through the silence. One glance at the screen showed Harrison's name, Ethan's father and before David could say anything, Harrison voice barked through the speaker: "In my office. Now."

Ethan gave David back the tablet as he reached for his father's door. Harrison didn't even wait for the heavy door to close behind him before his voice filled the room. "Do you understand the gravity of this? This could affect everything we've worked for—including the deal."

"It's just meaningless gossip, nothing more," Ethan countered already reaching for his phone. "I'll have my PR team issue a statement—"

"A statement won't be enough," Harrison interrupted. "The foundation's reputation is at stake. Our partners, our investors – they're all watching how we handle this."

"I'm aware of our position, Father," Ethan paced around the room now.

"Are you?" Harrison's voice cut like steel. "Then you should also be aware of what's at stake. This is all because you failed to listen to my advice—get a girl. Look at your brother Lucas. He's engaged to a respectable woman, settling down. Why can't you follow his example?"

The mention of his stepbrother Lucas made Ethan's hands clench. Lucas, Victoria's son—the perfect child who came into their lives after his mother died, when Harrison decided to give marriage another shot with Victoria.

"You have three months, Ethan," Harrison continued. "Three months to get a girl." He paused, his next words falling like hammer blows. "In fact, three months to marry. Show us you can be a reliable leader. Or I might have to consider other options for the chairman position. Perhaps someone more... stable."

"What?" Ethan's voice cracked. "What do you mean?"

"You're dismissed."

Ethan stormed out, his father's ultimatum ringing in his ears. Find a wife. The very thought made his blood boil, and memories of Sophia's betrayal came in.

He remembered their shared dreams, their plans, how he'd spent weeks choosing the perfect ring. Then came that shocking revelation, those damning documents that shattered everything he thought they had.

He shook his head violently, forcing the memories away. Looking up, he found David hovering nearby.

“We should get back to the meeting, We can't let these nonsense detail our-”

"Sir," David interrupted. "They... they all left."

"What?" Ethan froze on his steps. "What do you mean they left?"

David shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet his boss's eyes. "They saw the article and... well, they said they couldn't continue negotiations at this time."

Ethan hands slammed down on a nearby table, the expensive vase on it falling down. With a growl of frustration, he yanked his tie and loosened it as if it were choking him.

He turned to David again. "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day."

Without waiting for a response, he stormed out and entered his car. He drove with no particular destination in mind, but all he knew was that he needed a drink desperately. Then he stopped at the first view he saw.

RUSTY NAIL BAR.

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20 Chapters
CHAPTER 1
"The clock’s ticking, Mrs Martin's. And I'm not sure how much more time Jake has.” Evelyn held her breath as Dr. Patel's words filled his office. The doctor gave her a pitying look as she tried to focus on his moving lips, her mind already calculating the mounting bills that threatened to drown them. Jake had been so sick lately that she'd missed three shifts at the bar already this week. Like the devoted sister she was, she'd done everything possible to keep him comfortable and cared for, working double shifts and overtime until her feet bled in her worn shoes. She had made it her mission to give him the best care possible since their parents' death, picking up every extra job she could find. It was never enough for his condition, but little things like extra night shifts and selling their old possessions would surely help with the medical bills. Only she had frozen in horror when Dr. Patel mentioned the new treatment costs. The numbers stared back at her, very large on the pape
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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CHAPTER 2
Evelyn made a quick sign of the cross while she walked to Mr. Garrett's office. She stopped at his door and ran her palms down her uniform, trying to look presentable before she knocked. "Come in." His voice called from inside. She pushed open the heavy door and peeked inside. Her boss sat behind his huge desk as he flipped through a magazine. He raised his head when she entered, his eyes following her every move. Evelyn cleared her dry throat. "Mr. Garrett? About yesterday's conversation..." "Ah, Evelyn." He tossed the magazine onto his desk and gave her a wide smile. "I've been expecting you. Come in, come in." She couldn't believe how nice he suddenly seemed. Her feet moved forward slowly as she tried to gather courage. "I was wondering..." She licked her dry lips. "If we could talk about the raise again." "Of course." Mr. Garrett pushed himself up from his chair. His smile grew wider as he walked around his desk. "I've been thinking about it. I'm sure we can work something ou
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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CHAPTER 3
The hospital doors flew open as Evelyn bursted through them. The phone call from moments ago kept replaying in her head - Jake's condition had worsened, and the bills were now urgently due. She didn't even wait to catch her breath before rushing into Dr. Patel's office. "How is this possible?" she gasped and gripped the back of a chair for support. "You mentioned last time that his condition was stable for now." Dr. Patel barely looked up from his computer screen. "I told you his condition could worsen at any time. This isn't something we can control." "Please," Evelyn's voice cracked. "Just give me more time. I can find the money, I swear." "Time?" Dr. Patel scoffed as he finally meeting her gaze. "Your brother doesn't have time. Either you produce the funds, or we'll have to consider other options." Evelyn's mind raced. Why was this happening now? She'd just lost her job, and now Jake's life was hanging by a thread. "Can I at least see him?" she pleaded. "No," Dr. Patel said fl
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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CHAPTER 4
Evelyn climbed the stairs to her apartment, feeling completely drained. Another rejection - her fifth one this week. They'd barely glanced at her resume before showing her the door. Each day left her feeling like she was running out of options. While digging for her keys, her apartment door suddenly opened. She looked up to find Mia Chen standing there, her long black hair falling over her shoulders. Even though Mia was the daughter of Vitalis Pharmaceutical's CEO, she never acted like it mattered. She loved Evelyn like a sister and couldn't care less about their different backgrounds. "Oh honey," Mia sighed, seeing her friend's sad face. She pulled her into a hug. "No luck today either?" Evelyn hugged her best friend back tightly. They'd been friends for seven years, ever since college. They were an unlikely pair - the struggling orphan and the rich heiress. But their friendship was stronger than any of that. "They took one look at my resume and pretty much pushed me out," Evely
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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CHAPTER 5
"What? Twenty million dollars and Jake's treatment? What are you waiting for?" Mia's eyes widened as she paced around Evelyn's small living room, her designer heels clicking against the floor.Evelyn sat slumped on the couch, her head in her hands. She had just finished recounting the events of the previous day, and the weight of Ethan Maverick's offer hung heavy in the air. She looked up at her friend, exhaustion written across her face. "I'll never marry someone who thinks the world revolves around him. The man's ego is bigger than his bank account."Mia stopped pacing and turned to face Evelyn, her hands on her hips. "But it's fake, Evie. A contract. It's not like you have to actually fall in love with the guy."Evelyn stood up, her voice rising with frustration. "It's not about love, Mia. It's about dignity. I won't sell myself cheap, not even for twenty million.""Cheap?" Mia scoffed, picking up a framed photo of Jake from the coffee table. "Twenty million is hardly cheap. And wh
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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CHAPTER 6
Evelyn's heels clicked against the floor as she entered the imposing Maverick Industries building. The lobby bustled with activity, men and women in suits hurrying past her. At the reception desk, a slim man with glasses greeted her with a practiced smile. "Ms. Martin? I'm David, Mr. Maverick's assistant. Please, follow me." He led her through corridors to an oak door. "Mr. Maverick is occupied at the moment. He'll join you shortly." David gestured for her to enter. As the door closed behind her, Evelyn muttered under her breath, "Busy indeed. He has time to make my life miserable, but not to meet me on time." She surveyed the office, her eyes drawn to a shelf lined with awards. Stepping closer, she read the inscriptions, each one displaying the achievements of Ethan. "Admiring my achievements?" Ethan's voice startled her. She whirled around to face him. "Just wondering how many of these you actually earned yourself." He felt annoyed at once but immediately brushed it
last updateLast Updated : 2024-10-11
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chapter 7
An empty cardboard box sat at Evelyn's feet as she stared into her open closet. Today is the day. She had today to pack up her entire life, but she couldn't even fold a single shirt. Her fingers trailed over the worn jacket she'd bought with her first bartending tips, the black dress from her parents' funeral, the oversized sweater Jake had given her last Christmas.But before any of those, her hand reached for the worn teddy bear sitting on the top shelf. It was faded now, its once-bright brown fur dulled by years of holding, of crying, of remembering. The bear was old, with a small patch sewn roughly onto its side where it had been torn during the accident. Her father's voice echoed in her memory, a whisper from that terrible night:"Keep this bear with you, Evelyn. Promise me. Never lose it."Those were almost the last words he'd spoken, his voice weak but urgent, his hand clutching hers as the ambulance lights flashed around them. She'd been fifteen then, covered in glass and blo
last updateLast Updated : 2024-11-01
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chapter 8
Twenty minutes later, Evelyn found herself driving through the most exclusive neighborhood she'd ever seen. Mansions lined the winding road, each more impressive than the last. She double-checked the address on her phone, certain there must be some mistake.But then she saw it – a massive iron gate with an ornate 'M' worked into the design. The gates swung open automatically as she approached, making her jump. "Well, that's not creepy at all," she muttered.The driveway seemed to go on forever, perfect gardens stretching out on either side. When the house finally came into view, Evelyn's jaw dropped.It was enormous – a modern masterpiece of glass and stone that somehow managed to look both imposing and elegant. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the late afternoon sun, and a fountain danced in the driveway.Inside, the foyer took her breath away. The ceiling soared two stories high, with a crystal chandelier that must have cost more than her entire apartment building. Original artwor
last updateLast Updated : 2024-11-01
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Chapter 9
"Are you completely insane?" Evelyn's voice shook as she stared at Ethan in the parked car. "You couldn't have warned me about this earlier?" Ethan's jaw tightened. "If I had, you would have spent hours overthinking it. This way is better." "Better? I'm about to meet your entire family without any preparation!" Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed down her dress. "I don't know anything about them, or what to say, or—" "Then listen carefully," Ethan cut in. "My father, Harrison, runs everything. He'll be watching your every move, so keep your answers simple. My stepmother Regina will try to catch you off guard - don't let her. Just smile and be charming." Evelyn took a deep breath, fighting back the panic building up. "Anything else I should know before walking into this nightmare?" “Yes. Our make-believe story.” His eyes locked with hers. “We met at a charity gala three months ago. Keep it simple - the less you say, the less chance you'll slip up." They walked up the drive
last updateLast Updated : 2024-11-02
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Chapter 10
“I believe we've already—"Lucas started."—heard so much about each other," Evelyn cut in quickly, her heart pounding. "Ethan's told me wonderful things about his family."Lucas raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off. "Has he? How... thorough of him."Harrison clapped his hands together. "Shall we move to the dining room? I'm sure we all have much to discuss."The dining room took Evelyn's breath away. Crystal glasses lined the table , and what looked like real gold glided the ceiling. The table seemed to stretch for miles, set with more forks and spoons than she'd ever seen in her life.Regina's fingers wrapped around her wine glass as she studied Evelyn. "So dear, tell us about your background. Your family must be so proud of this... match."Evelyn's hand trembled as she reached for what she hoped was the right fork. Her mind raced, trying to remember which one was for salad. Before she could make the wrong choice, Ethan smoothly switched their place settings while pretending to reac
last updateLast Updated : 2024-11-02
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