My Contract Love Story

“Hey, dream girl! Your break is over. Time to get back to work.” Ashleigh jolted awake at the sound of a loud voice cutting through the small break room. She groaned, rubbing her tired eyes as the realization set in—her short nap was over, and the next time she’d get real sleep would be late at night, at home. With a sigh, she stood up, wiping the light sheen of sweat off her forehead. Digging into her bag on the couch, she retrieved a comb, pulled off the sanitary hairnet, and quickly ran the comb through her hair before securing it into a tight bun. Grabbing a fresh hairnet from a nearby box, she slipped it on and checked her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied with her neat, light green uniform, she headed out to face the person who had woken her. At the front desk, a middle-aged woman with a stern expression awaited her. “Miss Ashleigh Hartman, once again, you’ve overslept,” Mrs. Smith said, giving her a disapproving look. Ashleigh rushed forward, grabbing her hands. “M

Adrian Cagliari stood at the apex of the technology industry at 27. He had a keen eye for innovation, setting himself apart from the family business to build his dream company, Tixton, from the ground up. Tixton was now one of Cagliari's major successes, and he was a rising force. Building and maintaining his family's legacy required a firm hand, making him rather firm and disciplined. He oversaw all matters in Italy and America, as well as other branches worldwide. Domineering, assertive, and principled, he ensured a palpable tension among those who worked with him. It was both a burden and a benefit. As he discussed with the investors, his secretary and his personal assistant were outside, mentally preparing to interrupt the meeting. Turner then walked into the spacious office, a phone in his hand. Pausing his call, Adrian raised his eyes to his secretary, who felt a chill run down his spine. "I thought I was clear with my instructions," Adrian bit out, his gaze making Mr. Turner

She wondered why Mr. Cagliari wanted to see her. Mr. Turner pressed the button to open the private elevator. "Are you sure? I can take the stairs," she suggested, but he stood firm. As they made their way up, her mind ran in circles, trying to understand why the CEO wanted to see her. She hadn't received any complaints so far and saw no reason for him to want to see her. She would only know once she arrived. Once again, she found herself on the fourth floor of the company, the executive floor. This was the floor housing the offices of the president and the vice president, although she had never met the latter. They walked past the conference room to the end of the hall where a gold plaque on a door read: CEO. "You may go in," Turner gestured, opening the door for her. She stepped inside. The space was vast, furnished exquisitely with Italian pieces. She hadn't imagined a room could be so expansive. Her eyes roamed the opulent space before landing on a seating arrangement near a l

Ashleigh!” The shriek jolted Ashleigh out of her seat. Heart hammering, she turned to see James doubled over, laughing his head off. She swatted him repeatedly, trying to steady her breathing. “You idiot! You scared me half to death!” “Okay, okay! I’m sorry!” he wheezed between chuckles, raising his hands in surrender when her hits grew stronger. Finally, when she relented, he plopped into the chair she had just dusted. “You disappeared after that call from the secretary, so I came looking for you.” Ashleigh sighed, resuming her task of wiping down the desk with a damp rag. “Sorry, James. I just have a lot on my mind right now.” “Why? What was the meeting about?” He leaned forward, eyes glinting with curiosity. “You left with that hot secretary and didn’t give us the tea after!” Ashleigh stilled, then spun to face him. “Wait… James!” she exclaimed, narrowing her eyes. James scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “What? He looks fine, but he always seems out of it whenever

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze settling on Ashleigh. "I feel we should discuss the living arrangements. After you left the office with your aunt yesterday, I made some arrangements." Ashleigh's eyes narrowed as she studied him, already bracing for something she wouldn't like. "Aunt, I’ve arranged for a penthouse for you. It’s not far from where we’ll be staying, so Ashleigh can visit whenever she pleases." Ashleigh frowned, glancing at her aunt, who seemed pleased but hesitant. "Adrian, this really isn’t necessary. I should be the one giving you both a gift, not the other way around," Mrs. Smith protested gently. Adrian remained firm. "Aunt, this is a trivial gesture compared to what you’ve given me. More importantly, I want the assurance that you’re safe and comfortable. It’s non-negotiable." Mrs. Smith exhaled softly, realizing she wasn’t going to win this argument. "Alright. Thank you, Adrian." Ashleigh, however, stiffened at his words. "I do not wish to stay