Chapter 1: Signed Without Love
Lena Carter stood outside the towering Blackwood Industries building, the cold wind cutting through her thrift store blazer like it wasn't even there. Her fingers tightened around the envelope in her hands—the final notice from the bank. Her family's bakery, the only thing her late mother left behind, was one step away from being taken.
She took a breath, straightened her back, and walked in.
"Miss Carter?" The receptionist smiled politely. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you."
Of course he is, she thought. The man always knew everything before it happened.
Damien Blackwood's office sat at the top floor like a throne room. The door opened before she could knock.
He was standing by the window, tall, sharp in a gray suit, with a jawline as cold as his reputation. "You came," he said without turning around.
"I didn't have much of a choice," Lena replied, stepping in.
He finally faced her, dark eyes scanning her face like a puzzle he wasn't sure how to solve. "Then let's not waste time. I need a wife. You need money. One year. No feelings. No questions."
Lena's heart skipped a beat.
"A contract marriage?" she asked.
Damien moved closer, sliding a folder across the desk toward her. "All legal. After one year, we walk away. You get half a million. Your family keeps the bakery. I get my inheritance."
She stared at the papers. The numbers blurred. Her pride screamed no. But her family's eviction notice rang louder in her ears.
She picked up the pen.
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