A contract

"Marry you? Are you out of your mind, Mr. Moretti? We barely know each other!" I blurted out. My hands were shaking so much that I almost dropped my drink. I gripped the stem of my champagne glass tight.

Dante let out a low, rich laugh. It echoed softly across the quiet rooftop terrace. His dark eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement.

"Call me Dante, Chloe. And no, I am not out of my mind. I am a practical businessman," he said smoothly. He leaned forward and put his forearms on the table. "Think about it. You need total protection, financial freedom, and the complete destruction of your husband. I need a respectable, smart queen by my side. I need to permanently silence the crazy rumors in the papers about my life and my business. It is a win-win deal for both of us."

"A deal," I repeated, feeling skeptical. "Not a real marriage?"

"A contract, Chloe. We write down strict rules. You get your freedom, your father's hospital bills paid in full right now by my personal foundation, and full custody of your daughter Lily. In return, you act like my loving fiancée for the press, go to fancy parties with me, and help me beat my business enemies. Once Marcus is completely ruined and everything calms down, we can quietly cancel the marriage if you want. Though..." He paused. A wicked shine flashed in his dark eyes. "I think you might enjoy being Mrs. Moretti more than you expect."

My face turned hot and red. I felt so embarrassed by his clear flirtation. My mind raced fast. Pros and cons spun around in my head. It was scary, risky, and very strange—yet it was the ultimate weapon to get my revenge against Marcus.

"Fine," I whispered. My voice shook a little as I looked right into his strong gaze. "It is a deal. But on my terms. We add a rule that says no feelings allowed, I keep total control over my writing career, and my father's hospital care gets paid today with no tricks."

Dante’s smile got bigger. He showed a row of straight, bright teeth. He reached out a big, warm hand across the marble table.

"You drive a hard bargain, Chloe Vance. Or should I say... Chloe Moretti-to-be? It is a deal."

I put my smaller, shaking hand in his firm, warm grip. The second our skin touched, a shock of pure electricity rushed up my arm. My breath caught in my chest. Dante felt it too. His dark eyes flared with sudden heat, and my knees felt weak.

"Good," Dante mumbled. He did not let go of my hand for a long, quiet second. "Now, let us go shopping."

Four days went by. The trap was ready.

Marcus Vance was hosting a big charity party at a fancy hotel hall in the city. He was celebrating a big business merger. He thought I would sit quietly at home like a broken toy. He thought he could show off his girlfriend, Tiffany, in front of all the rich people in the city.

Instead, the big double doors of the hall swung wide open right at eight o'clock. Every photographer and wealthy person turned to look.

Gasps filled the shiny room as I walked inside.

I was not wearing my usual plain, boring clothes. I wore a stunning, custom-made red silk dress. It hugged every curve of my body. A bright diamond necklace sat on my collarbone, and my hair fell down in soft, smooth waves.

And resting firmly around my waist was the warm, heavy hand of the billionaire businessman, Dante Moretti.

Camera flashes went off like a storm. They blinded us with bright white light as reporters pushed forward. They shouted questions over the classical music playing in the background.

Across the room, Marcus Vance froze. He was talking to a rich investor when his wine glass slipped from his fingers. It crashed hard against the marble floor and broke into tiny pieces. His face turned white like chalk, and his mouth fell open in total shock.

Dante leaned down. His lips brushed against my ear so softly that it sent shivers down my spine.

"Show time, my love," he whispered with a wicked grin. "Let us give your husband a night he will never forget."

We walked further into the room, and the noise around us got even louder. People were whispering and pointing fingers at us. I kept my chin high. For months, Marcus had made me feel small. He treated me like dirt, cheated on me, and threatened to take my baby daughter away. But tonight, everything changed. With Dante standing right beside me, I did not feel scared anymore. I felt powerful.

Dante guided me slowly through the crowd. Every step we took felt like a statement. Photographers did not stop taking pictures. They wanted every single angle of us. They wanted to know how a regular woman like me ended up with one of the most powerful and rich men in the country.

"Smile for the cameras, Chloe," Dante whispered softly, his hand rubbing a tiny circle on my lower back. His touch felt comforting and steady.

"I am trying," I whispered back, keeping a calm, pretty smile on my face even though my heart was beating super fast in my chest.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marcus start to move. He pushed past people in a huge rush. His face was twisted in pure rage. He looked like a wild animal that had just been cornered. All the charm and fake smiles he usually wore were completely gone. He was furious, and he was heading straight for us.

I felt a little spike of panic, but Dante noticed it right away. He pulled me just a tiny bit closer to his side, shielding me with his strong frame.

Marcus finally reached us. He stopped right in front of us, breathing heavy. His fists were clenched tight at his sides.

"Chloe!" Marcus barked, his voice loud and angry. He did not care that people were watching. "What the hell do you think you are doing? Who gave you permission to show up here? And what is the meaning of this—"

Before Marcus could finish his sentence, or before he could even try to reach out and grab my arm the way he used to do when he wanted to control me, Dante stepped forward.

Dante moved with total calm and power. He stepped right in front of me, blocking Marcus completely. He looked down at Marcus with cold, dead eyes.

Dante spoke in a low, dangerous voice that made the air around us feel freezing cold:

"If you dare to lay a hand on what is mine, Marcus, I will make sure you lose everything you own before the sun comes up tomorrow."