Love Beyond the Contract Marriage

Chapter 2Emma sat in silence at Dr. Shawn's office, her heart pounding as he delivered the news. Her mind was lost in thoughts; yes, she knew her brother’s situation wasn't getting better, but to hear that he wasn’t responding to the chemotherapy treatment was disheartening.His voice was calm but heavy carrying the weight of what he had to say.“Emma, I’m afraid the chemotherapy isn’t working as we’d hoped,” Dr. Shawn began. His eyes were full of emotions, showing sympathy. “However, there’s an experimental clinical trial being developed by a group of scientists. The success rate looks promising, but…” His voice trailed off.Emma’s breath hitched. “But what, Dr. Shawn?”“They’re looking for sponsors. Funding is crucial to get this trial started, and even then, only a select number of patients will be accepted,” he explained.Emma’s face fell, and suddenly the room fell tiny. Her chest got all tight and worried. “Please, Doctor, you have to make sure my brother gets a spot. He deserv

Emma felt the weight of the signed contract, its implications looming like a dark cloud. In the taxi, Emma gripped the papers tightly, her hands trembling. She gazed out the window, but her mind was consumed by Lukas and the daunting task ahead.Her mind clouded with thoughts. Telling him she'd sold herself for his sake? No way. He would never understand; instead, he'd freak out and blame himself. Lying wasn't her style, but this truth was too ugly.As the taxi pulled up, Emma ran through her story. She'd tell Lukas she landed a great-paying job, leaving out the whole marriage thing. At least not for now until she feels he’s mentally and emotionally ready. She paid the driver, took a quick breath outside her apartment, and went in.Lukas slouched on the couch, flipping channels with a bored expression. Then, seeing Emma, he straightened up and brightened. "Hey," he said softly. “How’d the meeting go?”Emma forced a smile, trying to sound casual. “I got the job,” she said, holding the

The voice of the mysterious woman echoed through the mansion as Ryan held Emma’s hand tightly. Emma could feel the pains of his grip, but they were all distracted and stunned looking at the figure standing by the doorway. Emma’s eyes met Ryan, and his facial expression showed that he was pissed at the figure before him. Who is she? And what must she have done to ignite such rage in Ryan’s eyes?The woman took a slow, deliberate step into the room, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, nearly brushing the hem of her sleek designer top. Her cold blue eyes scanned the room, finally locking onto Ryan with a smug smile. Her skin seemed to glow, almost unnaturally perfect, radiating the confidence of someone who had always gotten her way. Emma swallowed hard, her admiration quickly turning into dread. There was no mistaking the power this woman wielded, not just in wealth but in her presence. The air in the room thickened, and Emma could feel the shiver run down her spine as Selena

The door to the mansion swung open as Ryan and Emma walked in, both smiling like they had won a gold medal. Ryan walked into the kitchen exhausted as he sighed, tossing the car keys onto the counter."Finally home," he said, smiling, after the long hospital trip to get Emma's hand treated.“I'm really impressed by how you handled things today," Ryan said, his expression softening. "You handled my grandfather perfectly, thinking on your feet like that." Emma managed a tired smile, still rubbing her bandaged hand. “I didn’t have much of a choice, did I? Your grandfather nearly had us cornered. I had to think on my feet.” Emma let out a worry sigh, though this time her face was serious as she continued. “We can’t afford to jeopardize this plan; we need to be in our A game all the time.”Ryan chuckled, stepping closer to her. “Well, you did more than just think. You saved us. My grandfather totally bought the story. He thinks we’re legit.” His eyes softened as he reached out to brush a s

As the figure approached them, Emma’s mind began to race with fear. She recognized him, he’s someone from her past. She had borrowed money from him to take care of Lukas medical bills and hadn’t been able to pay up. Emma cringed behind Ryan as fear gripped her the more,Tte man's ruthless reputation preceded him, and his cold gaze confirmed it. "You've been quite active," he sneered, his tone heavy and cold. “I thought you could hide from me, but it seems you’ve found yourself a new plaything.” He giggled.⁠Ryan's gaze shifted anxiously between Emma and the approaching figure, his chest constricting with a mix of protectiveness and uncertainty.Yes, he gets treats like this considering his personality but the figure standing at his front , he hasn’t seen him before. “Who the hell are you?” Ryan asked with curiosity “Stay out of this,” the man warned, his eyes narrowing. “This is between me and her, pointing his finger towards Emma. “She’s the one who owes me.”Emma felt her stomach d