MARRIAGE PACT

MARRIAGE PACT

last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-25
Oleh:  tanny-preciousTamat
Bahasa: English
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22 years old Zara Klein was forced to marry, and produce an heir for 41-year-old Kai Adler, who has three months left to live; to save her father's company from bankruptcy. She had to keep up with Kai's inhumane treatment, got with his child and quietly anticipated his death. But their lives took a drastic turn when Kai miraculously got cured of his illness.

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Bab 1

Chapter 1

ZARA'S POV

My father and I sat in the back seat of his car, parked inside Standesamt Mitte in Berlin, awaiting the arrival of the Adlers. The marriage registration was scheduled for 15:00, and it was already 14:00.

"There must be other ways of saving the company; do I have to do this?" I turned to my father, who had been silent since our arrival.

He sighed heavily, "That's not the only issue; you'll be marrying a man old enough to be your uncle," he grasped my hands, his expression grave as he met my gaze, "But desperate times call for desperate measures, Zara. This marriage is our only option to avoid bankruptcy and homelessness."

Tears began streaming down my cheeks as the weight of the situation sunk in. "But why me?" I protested softly. "What about Lena? She's older; she could handle this much better than me."

His expression suddenly hardened, and he dropped my hand, signalling my breach of an unspoken line.

"You, Zara, know exactly why. Your sister is instrumental to the company," he countered sternly, "And frankly, I don't trust anyone else with this—not even you."

His words stung, revealing the harsh truth: I was nothing more than a sacrificial lamb protecting the favoured child.

"Zara, your sister has sacrificed a lot for us; now it's your turn to contribute. Fulfill this obligation by marrying him. It won't be for long; he's not expected to live much longer, and once it's over, you'll have your freedom. Lena will take over as CEO, and you’ll be promoted to managing director."

I sank deeper into the seat, a sense of resignation washing over me as I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes to the bleak reality.

Our tense silence was broken when Lena joined us in the car, her presence a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere. "They’re here," my father announced as two cars pulled up alongside ours. We stepped out to meet them.

Kai's mother emerged from the first vehicle, her youthful vigour belying her age. Kai exited the second car, dressed impeccably in an all-white suit.

As we approached, Mrs. Adler embraced me warmly and then introduced me to Kai. Despite months of arrangement discussions, this was our first actual meeting.

Standing next to him, my 5'6" stature felt particularly short. He was impressively built, with medium-toned, luminous skin that made his well-styled black hair and striking features stand out even more.

His chiselled jaw, strong nose, and well-defined lips could easily rival classical sculptures. Despite being 41, his presence was commanding, yet there was an undeniable gentleness in his eyes.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his green eyes piercing into my amber ones with an intensity that both unnerved and captivated me.

"Uh, yes, yes," I stuttered, momentarily lost in his gaze, which contrasted so sharply with the ruthless businessman reputation that preceded him.

As we proceeded with the marriage registration and exchanged rings, I was taken aback by his unexpected kindness and gentility, which belied his fierce public persona.

After the ceremony, I turned to my sister first, embracing her tightly. "I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's my fault for not keeping a tighter rein on the company's finances," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

I reassured her as I wiped away her tears, "We agreed to this because Mrs Adler promised significant financial support if one of us marries her son and bears his child before his impending death. Focus on the company and ensure my sacrifice counts for something. He seems more personable than the rumours suggested, so perhaps these next few months won't be as dreadful as we feared."

Returning her embrace, she sobbed, "I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too," I whispered back, our bond sealed by shared adversity since our mother's early departure left us to navigate our father's cold pragmatism and the burdens of family expectations.

As Kai departed to attend to business, Madam Tess, the housekeeper, showed me to my room—a well-appointed space that would serve as my sanctuary or cage, depending on how one viewed it. Left alone, I dined by myself, Kai's absence extending well into the evening.

Later, as I lay reading, Madam Tess informed me of Kai's return, requesting my presence in his room—a summons that set my nerves on edge. "Why does he want to see me in his room?" I pondered aloud.

"Perhaps he just wishes to speak," I reassured myself, though the fluttering in my stomach suggested otherwise.

With a mixture of apprehension and a need to assert some control, I entered his room without knocking, only to find Kai shirtless, an unexpected sight that halted me in my tracks.

"Oh my God, I am so sorry. I should have knocked," I stammered, turning to leave.

"No, it's fine, come in," he said calmly, stopping me.

As I turned back, our eyes met, and the world around us seemed to pause. In a moment that felt both reckless and inevitable, he drew me close, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was surprisingly tender yet desperate.

The connection was instantaneous, overwhelming my senses as he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to the bed where passion and reservation blurred in a dance as old as time.

His actions spoke of a man who knew this might be his last chance at intimacy, his urgency underscored by the raw honesty of our situation.

As he undressed us both, his touch was paradoxically gentle, a contrast to the forceful life he was known to lead. When he entered me, the initial pain gave way to a rush of pleasure that overwhelmed all thoughts of duty and consequence.

Together, we reached a crescendo, a moment of escape from the roles we were forced to play, only to be shattered by his subsequent withdrawal and cold dismissal.

"Get out of my room," he ordered abruptly, his earlier warmth replaced by an icy detachment.

"Excuse me?" I said, my voice a mix of confusion and indignity as I clutched the sheet to my chest.

"You heard me. Get out," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

As I left his room, the complex layers of our encounter left me reeling—trapped in a marriage that was both a contract and a confrontation with unexpected depths of emotion.

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Sharbie
You know Zara, I felt pity for you in the beginning… still do, but now I want to whack you with a sledgehammer ...
2025-01-31 02:56:51
0
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Kehinde Orogbemi
I would be really disappointed if she let's Liam get in her head. Girlll, just move on already ......
2024-10-04 16:24:48
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Kehinde Orogbemi
what's Lena's problem, anyways ......
2024-10-04 16:22:24
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Vheezeey
The shock at which Kai got better.........️
2024-08-31 16:44:01
0
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Gwyneth
Interesting ...️ I can't wait to pay to read more chapters
2024-08-24 17:06:47
0
98 Bab
Chapter 1
ZARA'S POV My father and I sat in the back seat of his car, parked inside Standesamt Mitte in Berlin, awaiting the arrival of the Adlers. The marriage registration was scheduled for 15:00, and it was already 14:00."There must be other ways of saving the company; do I have to do this?" I turned to my father, who had been silent since our arrival.He sighed heavily, "That's not the only issue; you'll be marrying a man old enough to be your uncle," he grasped my hands, his expression grave as he met my gaze, "But desperate times call for desperate measures, Zara. This marriage is our only option to avoid bankruptcy and homelessness."Tears began streaming down my cheeks as the weight of the situation sunk in. "But why me?" I protested softly. "What about Lena? She's older; she could handle this much better than me."His expression suddenly hardened, and he dropped my hand, signalling my breach of an unspoken line."You, Zara, know exactly why. Your sister is instrumental to the company
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 2
ZARA'S POV A knock on my bedroom door woke me up. I got up to open the door, and it was Madam Tess and a young maid who held a tray of food in her hands.“Good morning Ma'am,” they both greeted.“Good morning,” I replied.“Your breakfast is here,” Madam Tess said, motioning to the tray.“Please take it back, I'm not hungry, ” I replied.“You have to eat, Ma'am; Mr Adler won't be happy if he finds out that you refused to eat.” she protested.“What does his happiness have to do with my appetite?” I countered. “My dear, you don't want to evoke Mr Adler's anger, it won't do you any good. Just do yourself and everyone else a favour by doing as you are told and following his rules,” she pleaded with concern in her eyes. “I don't care what he does, he has no right to tell me what to do or order me around.” I closed the door and went back to bed ignoring her pleading. I was still angry at the way Kai treated me last night and felt stupid for thinking he was different from the rumours. I cr
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 3
KAI'S POV The room was dim, illuminated only by the glow of my laptop screen. I sat at my desk surrounded by piles of medical journals and printed articles. I stared at the email from Dr. Richardson in London, my pulse quickened as I read the words again. ** Mr Adler, the surgery has a 30% chance of success. However, if you don't undergo the procedure soon, it will be too late. The tumour is aggressive, and immediate action is required. Please consider the risk and make your decision swiftly.**My phone rang. It was my friend and the managing director of my company, Ethan.“Hello,” I said, answering the call calmly.“I just found out that you didn't come to your office today. Did something happen?” Ethan asked, his voice laced with concern.“No, everything's fine, I just needed some rest,” I responded soothingly, trying to ease his worry. “All right. I have some reports to hand over to you personally. So, I'll see you at your house later today,” Ethan s
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 4
ZARA'S POV Three days, three blessed, quiet days. The mansion had never felt so peaceful, without Kai's oppressive presence. The weight that usually pressed down on me from every corner of the house has lifted, if only temporarily. I wandered the halls, feeling a strange sense of relief mingled with my ever-present dread. Kai's mansion was an architectural marvel, sprawling and grand with its high ceilings, marble floors and crystal chandeliers. But to me, it was nothing more than a gilded cage. Every ornate detail, every lavish room was just another reminder of my confinement and lack of freedom.But my heart whispers, ‘Not much longer.’ Kai's time is running out; just two months left. I can almost taste the freedom that awaits me.My room, once a prison cell, now feels like a temporary refuge. I spent my days reading, daydreaming and counting down the days until Kai's inevitable departure. “What future awaits us,” I whispered, to the little one growing inside me. Mrs Adler, My da
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 5
ZARA'S POV Ethan's announcement yesterday left me dangling over the edge. I was up all night thinking about how the rest of my life was going to be a living hell once KKaireturned. I thought I had it all planned out–Kai's death, my freedom and my life with Liam. But fate had other plans to snatch away my freedom forever, by giving Kai another chance to live. ‘I can't stay trapped with Kai for the rest of my life. I have to get out here, I have to run far away from the Adlers and my family.’ The thought echoed in my head, fueling my determination. I couldn't give up on my freedom yet.I was in my room, pacing and trying to formulate a plan, when I heard Mrs Adler's voice from the living room, which filled the whole house.“Zara, dear!” she called out, her tone unusually cheerful. “I have wonderful news!”I forced a smile and walked downstairs, my heart sinking with every step. Mrs Adler stood in the foyer, beaming. “Kai has regained consciousness,” She announced. “He called me per
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 6
ZARA'S POV The next day came with a sense of urgency. Every minute felt like a countdown to freedom. I had packed a small bag with just my essentials and hid it at the back of my closet.It was getting closer to the time for the party. Mrs Adler had informed me that Kai was already on his flight back to Berlin. It was just a two-hour flight, and he would be here soon. Mrs Adler had outdone herself with the party and gone all out for the celebration, and I was just another accessory to display.Madam Tess brought in the dress Mrs Adler had selected for me. It was a stunning emerald green gown that clung to my body in all the right places. The dress symbolized everything I despised about my life here, beautiful on the outside but a cave of thorns inside.“Let me help you with this dear,” Madam Tess said, her voice gentle.“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a smile.As she helped me with the dress, my mind was elsewhere, focused on my escape plan and the perfect timing to sneak out of the
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 7
KAI'S POVWhen I woke up on the hospital bed two days ago, the world felt different, it was as if I had been reborn. I was surrounded by the sounds of medical equipment and the soft murmurs of the hospital staff. My body still aches, but it was much better than when I first woke up; it was a dull pain and a reminder that I made it alive, against all odds, I had survived and was given another chance in life. The room was private, with a large window letting in the morning sunlight. I moved my wheelchair closer to the window and stared at the view outside. I felt weak but more alive than I had in months. My first thoughts were my mother, my unborn child and of course, Zara, my supposed wife who is carrying my child.I left without telling them the truth so as not to get my mother scared or worried. Zara wouldn't care less if anything happened to me. I'm sure Ethan would have broken the news to them about my successful surgery. I had told the doctor to inform him about the outcome of
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08
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Chapter 8
KAI'S POV "Where in hell is she?!" My fist banged against the table, and the occupants of the room flinched in reflex. Zara had just disappeared into thin air. My patience was literally running thin.Ethan rubbed his temples, just as frustrated as I was. "Kai, we will be doing everything that we can. But it's like she's just vanished into thin air.""That is not good enough!" I cracked, my temper flaring. "My wife's out there, pregnant with my child, and you're telling me there's no trace of her. No single lead?"Inside the room were her father, Mr Klein, and her sister Lena. Mr Klein was pale and continued to shift from one leg to the other, furrows of worry had leached color from his features. "Kai, we're just simply too worried," Mr Klein began with a quivering voice. "We can't do anything without more information. Who could have helped her runaway like this?""Serious? Maybe you'd better ask your daughter! Who knows what she's been doing behind my back?" I shot back, still sar
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-19
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Chapter 9
"Kai, are you sure about this?" Ethan's voice was low, yet, from where we sat in my office, waiting for Lena to arrive, I felt the tautness in his tone.I nodded, not taking my eyes off the door. "She's the only lead we have. If Zara told anyone about her plan, it would be her sister."Ethan flopped back in his chair, expressionless. "I hope you are right. If she knows anything, though, she isn't going to make it easy.""She'll talk," I said, hardening my voice. "One way or another, she'll talk."Uneasy silence crawled minutes while my mind kept racing on and on. Security tapes kept running over in my head, the picture of Zara getting into that car with some mystery man, her image branded into my brain, and I flared up in a burning rage that just would not die. I had to know who'd helped her.Again, the silence was broken by someone else's knock on the door, and Ethan stood up to let her in. Lena walked in looking nervous; her eyes flitted from Ethan back to me, trying to be bold, tho
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-19
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Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10"Tell me where she is, Liam." My voice came out surprisingly flat. The air was tight with tension, taut, seeming as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.Liam is the son of my company's Legal advisor. I did my findings after seeing him in the CCTV footage and discovered that he was Zara's ex-boyfriend. It all made sense now. Liam's jaw was clenched tight as he looked up at me, but in his eyes, I could see the flicker of fear. He was trying to be brave, but I knew better. I could smell weakness, and I was going to use that weakness against him."Mr Adler, I don't know where she is," Liam persisted, shaking his voice. "She just wanted out, and I helped her. That is all."I was closer now, inches from his face. "You want me to believe that? You helped her get away from me, and now you think you can just feign ignorance? You know where she is, Liam. You know, and you're going to tell me.".Liam swallowed, his Adam's apple rising, then beginning to bob nervously.
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-19
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