Prologue

“Sign the papers,” Emily’s dad screamed, forcing the document into her hand. She stared at the contract papers, which stated a seven-year owner-servant contract.

“I’m not a commodity, Dad,” Emily spat out in rage.

“Just sign the papers, it's no big deal,” he said nonchalantly. 

Emily stared at her father in doubt, her fingers trembling around the document he'd forced into her hands.

“No big deal?” she repeated slowly. “You want me to marry a stranger because of your mistake.” she said in a low tone. Edward Carter sat calmly, watching the father-daughter drama like it was a movie. His brown orbs staring at both father and daughter. 

Emily's eyes met with Edwards, she diverted her anger immediately to him.

“Why would you do something like this,”

she said suddenly. 

“Your father made the offer, since he couldn't pay his debt," he replied calmly.

“You would've rejected it,” she growled at him.

“He owes me Cupcake,” he interrupted her. “And in my world everything has a price.”

“How much?” she asked inquisitively .

“Five million dollars.”

His words struck goosebumps on her.

“Fi…five million?”

Her father held her by her wrist, tightly squeezing it. “Stop the drama, and sign the papers,” He said suddenly interrupting.

She forcefully pulled off his hold. "You want to gamble away my life just like you did with yours?”

“Watch your words!” her father spat out, his eyes filled with fury.

“My words you say?” She smiled bitterly. “You are giving your daughter out like an object, and you're worried about my words?” She looked at him, her heart broken.

“Well, I'm not agreeing to it,” she said in a bold tone.

“Enough….. I said enough girl,” he slammed against the desk angrily. “Just sign the goddamn papers,” he growled at her.

Silence struck the room.

“I am not signing anything,” her voice echoed all over the room.

Her father's gaze darkened. “You ungrateful child,” he spat out in rage. “Do you have any idea what kind of problem we're in?”

“It's your problem not ours,” Emily gave a cold reply.

“I WILL DIE if you don’t sign the contract!”

His words echoed in the room.

Emily trembled, as those words kept playing on repeat in her head. 

At that moment, fear slowly slipped into her chest, tightening it. Emily felt the air leave her lungs.

Edward stood there, his facial expression still the same.

Emily slowly turned to look at her dad, he looked pale. He looked terrified.

“Hmmm……this is insane,” she murmured.

Her dad walked towards her, closing the distance between them. He held her hands gently. “Emily…… please,” he pleaded. “Even if it's the last thing you ever do for me, I would forever be grateful." He said in a sober tone.

At that moment, she began to feel pity for him. Her emotions weighed down her anger.

At first she looked away then her gaze fell on him again.

This time he fell on his knees, stunned by this action. She looked at him lost in thought. For almost twenty years, not for once has this man ever regarded her in all aspects of her life. She realized something painful that though he never cared about her she still loved him. 

Then she chuckled softly, shaking her head. She picked the contract from the desk, slowly lifting the pen. The whole room turned quiet as Emily signed the papers with teary eyes.

“Debt paid, right?” She asked loudly.

“We've got an agreement Princess,” he interrupted.

His gaze turned to her father. “You are free, you can now leave.” 

Her father let out a relieved breath. “Enjoy yourself girl,” he said nonchalantly as he exited the room.

*****

Four months had passed since Emily signed the contract with Edward Carter. After much disagreement, she considered the benefits and agreed to it. At first, Emily saw it as the end of her dreams, but as time passed she realized it was worth it. Though the contract had stated that she would be his servant. She was never treated as one. To his family she was his wife, in his office she was his personal assistant and secret wife.

At first, it was hard for her to fit into his world. It was as if she were sharing an apartment with a stranger. As time passed she got used to it, Edward had dedicated his time to making her feel comfortable around him. She then realized he was not as tough as he seemed. He showed her off at every given opportunity, and he treated her like she was his world both indoors and outdoors. She began to love him and it felt like he loved her too.