My contract marriage to the moviestar billionaire

*Elijah*“Like all of you, I am completely in awe of his artistic talent. But I can tell you this: it’s a much greater privilege to know Elijah Grant… the person, the real guy behind the actor. If you witnessed his energy while doing charity work or heard him share his personal experiences at the Institute of the Higher Mind, you would see someone so positive and genuinely committed to improving the lives of those around him. That’s why I feel honored and grateful to call him a colleague, and most importantly, my friend. Elijah Grant, everybody!” My friend and mentor, Silas, shakes my hand as the camera flashes.I made it. I guess that’s what they would say… getting my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, posing and smiling for the fans and press. This is a dream come true.Two years ago, I would never have believed this was possible. I had struggled to break into the big leagues of Hollywood and often felt like an outsider, battling self-hatred and anxiety. But then I met Silas, and h

*Nina*I’m at a club with two of my best friends, Hope and Shaun, and of course, they’re asking about the audition. I’ve told them about those strange questions and about running into that Sofia woman again… the one who landed the HBO role.“So, how do you think Sofia’s answers were?” Hope asks, drowning her shot.“Better than mine.” I twirl the liquid in my glass but don’t drink. “No one was fawning over me when I left.”Shaun shakes her head. “Asking such personal questions at an audition... it seems really unprofessional.”“I guess no one has ever asked you to take off your top during a deposition,” Hope says with a grin. Shaun works as a legal aide for a law firm.“No one has ever asked me to do anything during a deposition,” Shaun rolls her eyes. “Because it’s... a deposition.”I slam down my shot. “The whole world wants to work with Elijah Grant; he can pretty much do whatever the hell he wants.”“It’s just surprising... I always had this image of him as a grounded, evolved guy,

*Elijah*“My job has been to know you better than you know yourself, so I can design a perfect way to kill you. You will respond, and the agency will wait. It… is… foolproof.” The semi-famous actress delivers her lines stiffly, devoid of any passion.“Very nice. Thank you,” Silas says, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.I flash a smile at her. “Yeah, that was great.”“Really? I was so nervous,” she replies, rising to her feet.“Seriously? I couldn’t tell at all,” I say, beaming at her. “I was just thinking, ‘God, this girl is really, really good.’ You were fantastic.” I pull her in for a warm hug, and she clings to me like she’s drowning.Before walking out the door, she shoots me that look… the hungry one that sends chills down my spine.As soon as she leaves, I turn to Silas, Cassandra, and the casting director, Benny. “Who the hell was that supposed to be?”“Uh, Gretchen…” Benny stumbles over his words.“I know who she is, but who was she supposed to be? Some CIA pod person? Is t

*Nina*I find myself perched on the back of his motorcycle again, my mind racing as we speed toward an unfamiliar destination. The roar of the engine drowns out my thoughts until he suddenly veers into a private airport, the sprawling tarmac unfolding before us. He steers the bike directly into a hangar, the massive doors closing behind us with a resounding thud.As I dismount, I yank off my helmet, shaking my hair free. “Your meeting is in an airplane hangar? Are you seriously considering buying a plane or something?”He chuckles, unfazed, and replies, “My meeting is in Zihuatanejo... I’m thinking about buying an island there.” The casual nonchalance in his tone makes it sound like he’s discussing the weather.“Wait, what?” I blink, needing to confirm that my ears haven’t betrayed me. “An island?”He turns to face me, his eyes bright with excitement. “An island... near Zihuatanejo... it’s in Mexico.”“I know where it is! But you can’t expect me to go.” My voice wavers slightly, betra

*Nina* I awaken to the gentle glow of morning light filtering through the curtains, stretching languidly while savoring the cool, soft embrace of the luxurious bed. Yet, as I open my eyes fully, a wave of realization washes over me… I am very much alone in this sumptuous haven. I rise, a heavy, satisfied feeling lingering in my body, remnants of a night filled with unforgettable passion. I step out onto the deck, where I’m greeted by an exquisite breakfast laid out on the table, the aroma wafting toward me like a warm invitation. Next to the spread, a handwritten note catches my eye. ’Off to my meeting. The car will take you to the airport when you are ready. Best night EVER! Love Elijah.’ I pick up the small flower that is delicately attached to the card, bringing it closer to my nose. Its sweet scent fills me with a mix of emotions. Would I have preferred him to be here with me now? Definitely. But this gesture… this classy, thoughtful note… feels both sweet and bitters