The Billionaire's Contract Bride

Rain poured heavily outside the hospital window, creating a monotonous rhythm that echoed through the silent corridors. The distinctive aroma of disinfectant mixed with the damp night air. Dim lights illuminated room number 312, where a middle-aged woman lay weakly. An IV was inserted into her wrinkled, aging hand. Her breaths were labored, as if each inhalation was a final, exhausting battle.Hazel Gabriella sat quietly at the edge of the bed. Her trembling fingers grasped her mother's increasingly cold hand. Hazel's lips quivered, but she forced herself to remain strong. Maria Gabriella—the only family left, the sole reason Hazel continued to endure despite the world's relentless blows."Mom... please hold on. I promise I'll find a way. I won't leave you," she whispered, her voice breaking. Tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking the pristine white blanket covering Maria's frail body.The woman who was once full of energy and spirit was now a shadow of her former self. This cruel di

The room felt colder, even though the air conditioner’s temperature hadn’t changed. Only the ticking of the wall clock broke the silence, making every second feel heavier for Hazel. The marriage contract lay before her like a curse, ready to change her life forever.Theo Filbert still sat across the desk with a relaxed demeanor, in stark contrast to the tension enveloping Hazel. His face remained unreadable, as if he already knew the decision Hazel would make even before she opened her mouth.“Take a moment if you need to,” Theo said, his voice flat and emotionless. Yet, his tone clearly conveyed impatience. “But the decision must be made tonight.”Hazel bit her lower lip, feeling the sharp sting. Her heart pounded hard, echoing in her chest like a war drum.Am I really going to do this?Her mind was in turmoil. A small voice inside her wanted to refuse, to fight back, to find another way to save her mother without having to surrender her freedom to a man who didn’t even believe in lo

Theo smiled thinly, a cynical smile. “Good. Because that will make everything much easier.” He turned and walked toward the door, but before leaving, he glanced back once more.“One more thing, Hazel.”Hazel stared at him, trying to remain calm even though her heart pounded wildly.“We might be married on paper, but never forget that I’m still in charge here.” The door closed with a loud bang, leaving Hazel with mixed feelings—anger, hurt, and helplessness.Hazel realized one thing very clearly: her life with Theo Filbert would never be easy.***The next morning, Hazel awoke with a heavy head and puffy eyes. Last night, she had barely slept. Her mind was filled with worries—about her mother, about the sham marriage that now bound her, and about the cold man who was now her husband.She looked into the large mirror before her. A pale face with dark circles under her eyes stared back. With a heavy sigh, Hazel tried to muster her strength. There was no time to appear weak, especially wh

After the call ended, Hazel stared at her phone for a long time, as if hoping for another answer to appear, something that could free her from this situation. But there was nothing. Only a tightening sensation that increasingly squeezed her chest.Guilt crept over her. Guilty for leaving her mother, guilty for having to play a role that felt foreign to her, and guilty for being trapped in a relationship she did not want.Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for the jacket hanging on the back of the chair. But before leaving, she approached the bed again, knelt beside her mother, and gently held the woman's hand."Mom... Hazel has some business to attend to. I promise I won't be long," she whispered, her voice sounding faint. She carefully stroked the back of her mother's hand, trying to convey the warmth she could give.Maria slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was still tired, but she offered a small smile."Be careful, dear..." she said softly, full of affection.Hazel bit her li