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Chapter Sixteen: The Edit.
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-31 07:32:34
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contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter 1 Broken Promises
Chapter 1 Broken Promises“Ethan, you can’t keep pouting in then like some woeful idol. It’s disturbing,” Victoria Caldwell’s voice sliced through the silence of the dimly lit study like a blade.Ethan slightly squinched. His reflection in the mirror held his attention, indeed as his mama stood brewing in the doorway. “Sulking? I didn’t realize gaping at the wreckage of my life qualified as a hobby.”Victoria stepped closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood bottom. “Enough of this self- pity. We’re having dinner tonight — an important dinner. You’ll attend, and you’ll bear.”He swirled his wheelchair slightly, eventually admitting her presence. “Dinner? Why? Another one of your charity galas to parade your imperfect son around?”Her sharp inhale betrayed her irritation. “You’re marrying Maya.”The words hit him like a physical blow, though he kept his expression neutral. His fingers tensed on the armrests. “Come again?”“Maya Harper. You’ve met her father, Gregory. He’s. useful
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter 2: The Silent War
Chapter 2: The Silent WarThe ceremony had been a sterile, mechanical affair. The air in the grand hall had been thick with the weight of expectations, not joy. The Caldwell family had spared no expense, yet the extravagance failed to mask the absence of warmth.Maya stood opposite Ethan, her hands trembling slightly as she held his. His touch was cold, indifferent, matching the chill in his steel-gray eyes. His jaw clenched as if each word of the vows was a thorn cutting into his pride.“I, Ethan Caldwell, take you, Maya Anand.” His voice was steady but devoid of emotion.Maya swallowed hard; her throat dry. She repeated her vows, her voice low but clear. Each syllable tasted like surrender.When the officiant declared them husband and wife, Ethan didn’t so much as glance at her. Instead, he turned his wheelchair sharply, motioning for the staff to follow him out of the hall. Maya, left standing alone at the altar, felt the silent stares of the guests prickling her skin.The drive to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter 3 Ghosts of the history
Chapter 3 Ghosts of the history“Why are you holding that” Ethan’s voice was low, but the ice in his tone cut through the stillness of the room.Maya jumped, the photograph pulsing in her hands. She hadn’t heard him approach, his wheelchair rolling quietly across the carpet. “I wasn’t. I wasn’t prying,” she stammered, her grip tensing on the edge of the frame. “It was just lying then on the desk.”Ethan’s jaw tensed as he rolled closer. “That’s a lie. My desk is hardly a public gallery for you to browse through.” He reached out and snared the picture from her grasp, his hand pulsing slightly. “Coming time, you feel the urge to snoop, don’t.”Maya drew in a steadying breath, forcing herself to meet his piercing gaze. “I wasn’t poking, Ethan. It caught my eye. The woman in the picture — she looks. important.”Ethan’s grip on the frame tensed, and for a moment, his expression softened. It was transitory, however, snappily replaced by the hardened mask he wore so frequently these days. “A
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter 4: The Unseen Enemy
Chapter 4: The Unseen Enemy “Maya, why are you pacing?” Ethan’s voice cut through the quiet hum of the fireplace. He sat in his usual spot near the window, his eyes following her restless movements. “You’re wearing a hole in my rug.” She stopped mid-step, clutching the edge of her cardigan as if it were a lifeline. “You’re seriously going to pretend that message isn’t a big deal? Someone literally told me to stay away from you or else.” He leaned back, rubbing his temple with a sigh. “Maya, I’ve been dealing with this kind of nonsense for years. Empty threats, veiled warnings—it’s all part of the package.” “That’s not the point!” Her voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on. “You’re acting like this is normal. It’s not, Ethan. What if this person isn’t bluffing?” He waved a dismissive hand. “And what do you want me to do? Hide in a bunker? Whoever sent that message is just trying to scare you. Don’t let them win.” Maya crossed her arms, frustration bubbling under her skin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter 5 Sparks and murk
Chapter 5 Sparks and murk " What exactly are you playing at, Maya?" The anger dropped from his words, loud enough to draw stares from every corner of the room. Maya set, her glass pulsing in her hand. She turned sluggishly, her eyes locking with Ethan’s. He was standing — actually standing — without his cane. The moment should have been triumphant, but his expression made her heart sink. “I’m not playing at anything,” she said, keeping her voice low, though the tremor in it betrayed her nerves. “Why would you suppose that?” Ethan took a step closer, his jaw gripped so tightly it looked like it might crack. “Don’t act innocent. I saw you with Thomas. What were you talking about?” “Thomas?” Maya blinked, caught off guard. “He approached me. I didn’t seek him out.” “Accessible,” Ethan shot back, his tone smelling. “You two looked enough cozy. Planning my downfall together?” Maya's patience snapped. She put her glass on a passing waiter's tray and squared her shoulders." Do y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Six: Shattered Heart.
Chapter Six: Shattered Heart.Maya stood by the window as she looked blankly into the empty street, her arms wrapped around her chilly body, her heart thrummed loudly against her chest like it was about to explode.Who is behind all these threats? She walked up to the trash bin and retrieved the rumpled note from it as she un-squeezed it with trembling hand, her hands held tightly to the note, her wet palm creating a print on it, she stared hopelessly at the note trying to process the message written on it.Who has Ethan offended to send such threats to her? Is it his ex-lover? Amelia?Maya's thought was disrupted by a loud sound from the garden. It sounded like a smashed glass. Her heart skipped a beat.Ethan? She hope he hasn't tried to hurt himself again?She hurriedly went into the garden but was stopped by a voice having an argument with Ethan. The voice sounds familiar, like that of Mrs Caldwell. She hid behind a tall flower wall as she listened to their conversation. "Ethan,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Seven: Don't Leave Me.
Chapter Seven: Don't Leave Me."Maya!" Ethan's rich baritone voice cut through the stillness of the garden as she was about to step out of the garden.She stopped and turned. "What? Didn't you just asked me to leave? Why are you calling me back? I know this is all you wanted right from the first day we met; you never wanted me to be a part of your life." Her voice was filled with rage, her eyes brimmed with tears; she fought back from slipping off. "So, today I am about to honor that wish of yours." She paused. "I have chosen to leave and never coming back. I guess you must be happy now?" She turned the doorknob."Maya," Ethan's said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please, wait.""What do you want from me? Tell me! I don't understand." she snapped, pacing a short distance in the garden. "I don't just understand you at all, Ethan. One minute you are calm, the next minute you are acting like the whole world is against you." Her voice was filled with frustration."Okay, okay.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Eight: The Contract.
Chapter Eight: The Contract.Ethan looked at Maya for a few seconds and let out a loud laugh."You want to know the truth?" He laughed out loud again and shook his head. "I can see you are a very stubborn and strong-willed lady. Why don't you just give up and stop being so interested in my business?" He used his sleeve to wipe the bead of sweat embedded on his forehead, "But don't worry, I know with time you would leave by yourself. I won't have to chase you away." He grinned.Maya rolled her eyes. "Time will tell." She said quietly. "What was the argument about? Between you and your mother. Why were you guys shouting?""No wonder you came," Ethan murmured nonchalantly."Yes, it was loud enough to bring down the whole house. I thought you were about to..." Her voice was clipped."To do what?" Ethan raised his brows. "You thought I wanted to hurt myself?" He chuckled. "How can you think such things about me? It seems that savior attitude of yours is beginning to have an impact on your
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15
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contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Sixteen: The Edit.
Chapter Sixteen: The Edit.Ethan wheeled his chair to Maya's room; he stopped at the entrance as he took in the view of the room: sheets of paper scattered across the wooden table and the floor, a notepad on the cushion, a cup of coffee and an empty bag of chips on the floor, a drawing board with different diagrams on the wall and Maya seated right behind the wooden table as she focused on the laptop before her with squinted eyes as she typed some things on the keyboard of her laptop, surfing through the internet and jotted down something on the jotter beside the laptop, that she barely noticed his presence."Getting ready for tomorrow?" Ethan's rich baritone voice filled the room, thereby making Maya jumpy."My gosh!" Maya gasped as placed her hands on her chest. "I didn't even notice you were here." The corner of her lips curled up into a quick smile. "How long have you been watching." She tucked some strands of hair behind her ear.Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line as he shrug
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Fifteen: The Call.
Chapter Fifteen: The Call.Ethan sat in his studio as he thought about what Maya said. He knew there was no way Maya could have won Thomas at the meeting; a part of him felt pity for the embarrassment she had to go through because of him but moreover, he didn't force her to go, but she insisted on going despite his warnings and pleas. She deserved what she got.He was amazed at her persistence; even after everything she went through, yet she is still adamant to go represent him for the second time. He exhaled loudly.The vibration from his phone, interrupted his thought as he looked at the caller ID.Mum.Can't she stop calling him and leave him the fuck alone? He sighed.He took in a deep breath as he leant his head on the chair headrest and closed his eyes, guessing after the first ring, she would stop calling. But the phone rang again for the second time, and at the third ring, he clicked on the answer button."Ethan, what the hell is wrong with you?! Don't you think you are makin
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Fourteen: The Discussion.
Chapter Fourteen: The Discussion.Ethan sat up on his chair and adjusted his pants once more. "Okay, if you say so. Tell me what happened." Maya inhaled deeply and rubbed her temple. "I was left out." Her lips pressed into a thin line. Ethan chuckled.Maya rolled her eyes and continued. "Your mother didn't give me the support that I needed." She sighed deeply as she tried to control her emotions. "I was all by myself in that conference room while Thomas and the investors were having their mutual connection. Your mother sat there, looking at me like am a stranger." She exhaled loudly and swallowed hard. "You know, Thomas has been in the business for a long time, so it was all easy for him since the investors already knew him."Ethan burst into laughter. "If only you had listened to me, you would have saved yourself from all this embarrassment. I told you not to get involved in that business deal, didn't I?" He gaze sternly fixed at Maya. "Were you actually expecting my mother to supp
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Thirteen: Home At Last.
Chapter Thirteen: Home At Last.The soft glow of the lamp cast a warm hue over the living room, Maya dragged herself through the front door and slumped into the sofa, as she kicked off her heels, pulled off her blazers, and undid her buttons. She exhaled a long, exhausted sigh as she thought about the whole meeting process with the investors. Today has been a diaster; it's weight clung on her like a heavy coat. The disapproving words of Mrs Caldwell kept on repeating in her mind, Thomas rough voice and annoying laughter lingered for a while, and the dinging sound of the tiny center bell the investors kept shaking for approval, won't stop ringing in her ear.She groaned as she placed her hand on her pounding head and massaged her throbbing temples with her fingers. She let out a sigh and stretched her hurting feet on round brown oak centre table.She just want to have a nice warm bath and sleep it off. But something was off; why is the house so quiet? Where is Ethan? She looked around
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Twelve: The Argument.
Chapter Twelve: The Argument."Maya!" Mrs. Caldwell walked up to Maya and pulled her by the hand to where her car is parked. "Stop saying that shit; this madness is getting out of control. Stop it, please!" She stamped her feet and grunted with a low voice.She walked up to Thomas. "don't listen to what that bitch is saying. Ethan is coming; I guess he should be close by now, he is already on his way here." Her voice was sharp and fierce.Then she walked back to where Maya was standing, and she leant her back on the car. "For the last time, I am going to say this; I don't want any form of embarrassment out here. You don't know Thomas very well, do you?" She asked coyly as she toyed with the fancy pendant on her gold necklace. Maya shook her head. "But I do." Mrs. Caldwell continued. "I knew him right from when he was born. I know his parents, his family included." She paced in front of the car, her hands clasped behind her. "Thomas is not someone you toy with. And you don't conten
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Eleven: The Rival.
Chapter Eleven: The Rival.Mrs. Caldwell let out a loud laugh. "Do you think this is some sort of joke? Anyway, I know that Ethan loves running away from responsibilities, but this?" She shook her head. "It's a shame; a disgrace to the family name. What is Ethan trying to prove?" She asked herself and turned to Maya, "I'm telling you for the second time to go back home and tell Ethan that he is needed here and am not going to take no for an answer." Her tone, sharp and rigid."Neither am I here for a joke Mrs. Caldwell. And I am not going back home. You want to pass a message across to Ethan, then call him on the phone. This is a serious business deal, and I think I can handle it." Maya insisted as she rushed into the car to bring out her tablet and jotter."You think? Did Ethan evaluate your business qualities before he sent you out here, as you claimed?" She shook her head in disappointment. "You ain't even sure of yourself in the first place. Then how do you intend to get this co
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Ten: Greatest Fear.
Chapter Ten: Greatest Fear.The next morning, Maya dressed up and picked her phone from the sofa in the living room."Where are you going to all dressed up?" Ethan's rich baritone voice called out from behind the curtain. His voice was filled with surprise but calm."The exact place you have in mind." She said, adjusting her gold earrings, and walked to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of hot coffee. "I'm going to resume my duty at the company." She smiled.Ethan let out a dry laugh, "you are going to resume your duty at the Caldwell Corperation? I never knew you were damn serious about this. I thought you were going to change your mind.""I meant each word I said and nothing will make me have a change of heart." Maya adjusted the sleeves of her designer's black blazers, a hint of finality in her tone."I can see your mind is already made up but do you really know who the woman you are going to work for is? my mother?" He scoffed and shrugged. "Anyway, even though I don't really c
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Nine: The Agreement.
Chapter Nine: The Agreement."You being disgraced will not mean anything to me because obviously you are so pushy," Ethan's brows furrowed as he picked a rock and threw it into the water fountain. "You let your ambitions to cover your eyes, all because you think you can save this marriage," He pinched the tip of his nose. "But still I won't advise you to go make a fool of yourself at the company because at the end of the day it will all fall back to me since the public knows you as my wife." Ethan lifted up his cigar for another drag."And who is talking about being disgraced here?" Maya stood up and placed her hands on her hips. "I know you don't believe in me but I can do it; I can pull this deal through.""So confident of yourself, right?" Ethan wheeled himself under a shade; his voice was filled with sarcasm with a grim expression on his face."Just try me and see." Maya smirked, her tone assertive.Ethan eyed Maya and scoffed. If only she knew what she was up against and who Tho
contract marriage with a crippled Billionaire Chapter Eight: The Contract.
Chapter Eight: The Contract.Ethan looked at Maya for a few seconds and let out a loud laugh."You want to know the truth?" He laughed out loud again and shook his head. "I can see you are a very stubborn and strong-willed lady. Why don't you just give up and stop being so interested in my business?" He used his sleeve to wipe the bead of sweat embedded on his forehead, "But don't worry, I know with time you would leave by yourself. I won't have to chase you away." He grinned.Maya rolled her eyes. "Time will tell." She said quietly. "What was the argument about? Between you and your mother. Why were you guys shouting?""No wonder you came," Ethan murmured nonchalantly."Yes, it was loud enough to bring down the whole house. I thought you were about to..." Her voice was clipped."To do what?" Ethan raised his brows. "You thought I wanted to hurt myself?" He chuckled. "How can you think such things about me? It seems that savior attitude of yours is beginning to have an impact on your
