All Chapters of Contract Lover: The Path to Love: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

“Please, come in, Ms. Willows.”“It’s been a while, Mr. Arden.” Sherry greeted politely as she stepped into the room.“Is there something you’re unhappy within the contract?” Arden asked, gesturing for her to take a seat.“Yes,” Sherry replied with a calm but firm tone.“I’d like to renegotiate the benefits stated in the agreement.”Arden leaned back slightly, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smile. “Not enough, huh? I’m not surprised. Let me tell you; our boss isn’t exactly known for being generous. Since we work together for a long time, I might as well be upfront with you—our boss is a hardcore workaholic. Did you know I once had to pull an all-nighter on Christmas Eve? Christmas!” He sighed dramatically before adding, “My girlfriend broke up with me that night because of it.”Sherry couldn’t help but let out a small, awkward laugh. “That sounds awful. I’m sorry to hear that!” she said, not knowing what else to say to his unexpected confession.Arden chuckled wryly and shrugged. “W

Following Rye’s guidance, Sherry accompanied him as he greeted the distinguished guests of the evening. The focal point of the gathering was Lady Katherine, a woman of notable influence and stature. Arden had once described her as exceptionally talented, someone who had stepped into the role of leader with grace and resilience after her husband’s untimely death. Not only had she successfully taken over the family business, but she had also made waves in political circles, earning her a reputation as a formidable figure. Lady Katherine’s backstory was the kind of tale that circulated endlessly in high society. Her husband had tragically passed away during a vacation with his mistress—a woman famed for her beauty, allure, and the obsessive infatuation she had stirred in him. Katherine, in stark contrast, came from a traditional, aristocratic lineage. With a grandfather who was an earl, she had been raised in a household that prized discipline and propriety above all else. Her personali

Sherry paced back and forth anxiously in the spacious house. The elderly housekeeper, observing the young woman’s restless energy, found it both amusing and endearing. Still, out of respect for Sherry’s pride, she held back her laughter. Sherry alternated between sitting and standing, occasionally pulling out her phone to look up recipes. While she had cooked for the children at the orphanage before, those meals always came with pre-set menus. She never had to plan everything herself, and certainly not for a famously wealthy and notoriously selective individual like Rye Mavis.Even though their partnership was defined by a contract, the dynamic felt unmistakably like that of a boss and subordinate—an inherently nerve-wracking situation. Sherry’s mind flashed back to her first month at the preschool. Just meeting the principal had made her hands tremble and her stomach twist in knots, even though she’d done nothing wrong. Her eyes drifted to Mary, the housekeeper, who was quietly stand

Sherry stood there, frozen in the moment, unsure of how to respond. Rye’s words, though simple, struck a chord deep within her, filling her with warmth and a flutter of emotions. She looked at him, her heart softening as she realized that despite his cold, distant exterior, there was more to him than she had initially thought. He wasn’t just the reserved, professional man she had always known; there was a tenderness beneath it all. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was trying to let her in, even if only in the smallest of ways. The evening had unfolded so naturally, with a sense of ease and sincerity that neither of them had expected.As Rye prepared to leave, he paused at the door, a fleeting hesitation crossing his face. He turned back to Sherry, his eyes lingering on her as if considering something. Then, he stepped forward, offering her a small gift box—a gesture that seemed so out of character for the man who usually kept his emotions tightly in check. Sherry was surprised, her curiosity

Unlike Sherry Willows, who grew up in the warmth of love and care, Rye Mavis’s childhood was starkly different. Sherry was surrounded by the affection of the nuns, who cherished her helpfulness, and the admiration of children, who delighted in the meals she prepared. Her world was filled with kindness and encouragement, where her efforts were met with smiles and appreciation.Rye, on the other hand, was raised in an environment of relentless expectations and harsh criticism. Every small mistake he made was met with punishment. A single error in behavior or performance could earn him two strikes on his small hands. Although Rye was bright and intelligent from a young age, he was still just a child, longing for understanding and leniency. Yet his family’s demands left no room for such tenderness.There was a time when Rye was struck 18 times on the hand for a mistake, the pain so severe that even holding a knife and fork to eat became a challenge. Despite this, he had no choice but to m