HIS CONTRACT MARRIAGE

"Sweetheart", Emma called on Elizabeth.

"Yes, Mommy," Elizabeth answered her mother's call as she picked up her school bag, rushing out of the room to meet her mom, who was waiting by the entrance door.

"Honey, we are running late," Emma said, and Elizabeth ran to her.

"I'm here now," Elizabeth replied mischievously, giggling. Emma knew she was up to something.

"What have you done, Eli?" Emma asked. Raised her brows in suspicion.

"Nothing, Mommy," Elizabeth said, shaking her head. Emma looked at her for a minute and gave up. She held Elizabeth's hand and walked out of their apartment. She locked the door and they walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus to arrive.

Shortly, the school bus arrived. Emma kissed Eli's temple and helped her to climb onto the school bus. "See you later, honey."

"Bye, Mommy," Elizabeth waved and entered the bus. As soon as she settled down. The driver drove off.

Emma is a beautiful, young, and hardworking woman. She has milky white skin, hazel eyes, charming dimples, long blonde wavy hair, and a stunning figure. Emma is a single mother, 27 years old. And her daughter is just seven. Emma loves her daughter dearly and would do anything for her.

Emma arrived at her office and settled down. She works in a hotel as a general supervisor and resumed her daily routine of overseeing every department.

_____

Ethan Williams was on the phone when his secretary walked in to inform him about a visitor. He signalled her to let the person in while he continued his call.

Ethan is a successful businessman, arguably the most successful in all of NY. Young and handsome, he is known as a ladies' man. Despite having been with countless women, dating isn't his thing; his only love is growing his business. He makes trillions but he is never satisfied-he wanted more.

To rise to the next level, Ethan faces a big challenge: he must get married. Without marriage, he can't achieve his next business goal.

A lady knocked on his door.

"Come in," he said. She entered and closed the door behind her as she walked to his desk.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted.

"Morning, Serah. Please, sit down," Ethan gestured to her, pointing to a single chair across from his desk.

Serah sat opposite Ethan. "I've come to give you the update you requested for." She handed him an envelope. He opened it and went through the documents. It contained profiles of various women. After glancing through, he set it aside.

"I'll get back to you on this. You can leave now, Serah. Thank you for your time" He appreciated it.

"Okay, sir. I'll take my leave," Serah replied, standing up and leaving the office.

After she left, Ethan called his secretary, Rose, to come to his office through a direct call.

Rose walked in. "Sir?" she said.

"What's my schedule today?" Ethan asked, glancing at his phone.

"Sir, you have an appointment with your doctor at 10 a.m. and a meeting with Mr. Wellington at noon. The rest of your day is free."

"And tomorrow?" he asked.

"You have a meeting at LA'VIDA Hotels and Resorts by 9 a.m. Also, your flight to London has been scheduled for"

"Save it. You can leave now," Ethan interrupted. Rose left the office, and immediately after, Liam, Ethan's advisor and the company COO, walked in. He settled on a single white sofa, crossing his legs. Ethan also joined him.

"Hey," Liam greeted.

Without looking up from his phone, Ethan replied, "Update, Liam."

Liam handed him a folder. "These are the only suitable candidates. Go through their profiles and make your choice."

Ethan is seriously looking for a wife, not out of desire but necessity. He wants to buy a resort and an island. The property owner insists on dealing with someone responsible-meaning someone married. Ethan's offer had been declined countless times because he was single, so he decided on a contract marriage.

The folder contained profiles of six women. Ethan started reading:

"Kate, 22, a dancer, looking for Mr. Right. Seriously? Looking for a rich husband, No." He chuckled.

"Emma, 27, looking for a father for her 7-year-old daughter. A contract marriage, to be precise."

"Okay, I'm done," he said, dropping the folder on the coffee table. Getting more comfortable on the sofa.

"There are four more candidates, Ethan. You haven't checked them out," Liam said, frustratedly.

"I've made my choice."

"What!? Okay, who is it?" Liam curiously asked.

"I choose Emma". Ethan sat straight, placing his elbows on his thighs. "She also wants a contract marriage, just like me. Besides, she's a single mom; she won't be clingy."

He sat in once again, placing one leg on his thigh and a smirk playing on his mouth.

"You can't be serious," Liam counters.

"Well, I am. Tell the agency to book an appointment for us to meet."

Liam, still in disbelief, dialled a number. Still looking dumbfounded.

"Hi, this is Liam. Can you set a meeting for my boss, Mr Williams, and Miss Richard-Emma Richard?".

After listening to the other person on the other line. He replied, "Okay, thanks.". And hung up.

"They'll get back to us once the date is fixed," Liam said.

Ethan stood up. "Thanks, man." He walked back back to his desk and took his suit from the hanger. "I have an appointment with my doctor."

_____

The next day, the meeting between Emma and Ethan was scheduled. Outside the agency, a fleet of expensive cars and a Rolls Royce were parked at the entrance. Four bodyguards stationed themselves at the entrance. One of them opened the Rolls Royce door for Ethan.

He made a grand entrance, stepping out of his car in designer pants and a jacket, attracting the attention of the agency staff and clients.

The agency's manager welcomed him and ushered him to a private lounge, set for the meeting.

"Good morning, Mr. Williams. Miss Richard will join you shortly. She just called." Ethan nodded and sat on a luxurious Italian leather seat.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee?" the manager asked. Ethan shook his head to decline.

Emma walked into the lounge in a beige pencil skirt and a lacy white crop top, looking dazzling. Her curvy figure and sparkling milk-white skin were captivating.

"Welcome, Miss Richard. Please, sit down. Can I get you anything?" The manager asked.

"No, thanks," Emma replied. Ethan couldn't take his eyes off her as she sat across from him.

The manager introduced them. "Miss Richard, meet Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams, meet Miss Richard." They both nodded. The manager then had a waiter serve them a glass of water each, and she excused herself.