Chapter 2

Liora went to the law office and immediately handled her divorce from Noah. Bella was there too, smiling in triumph, her belly now slightly rounded in a tight-fitting dress. Liora's face was pale, but like it or not, she had to sign the divorce papers right away.

"Good! With this, I can marry Bella. Oh, by the way, I should tell you that our house—well, more accurately, my house—won't be repossessed by the bank because Bella's parents will pay it off. You know her parents are wealthy business owners, right?" Noah asked, mocking Liora a little.

"You really are shameless," Liora said.

"Don't be mad, Liora! You'll still enjoy paying off the debt at that other bank because I'm not paying it. At least that debt can be a souvenir to remind you of me."

Liora didn't care and refused to let her emotions get the better of her. She just needed to finalize this divorce as soon as possible and figure out how to pay off the debt left behind by this worthless man. Bella stepped closer and clung to Noah's arm. The woman felt no remorse for stealing her best friend's husband—in fact, she looked pleased.

Three hours later.

A taxi dropped her off right in front of Wrenford Company's lobby—a 48-story building with a blue glass façade. Liora stared at the gold nameplate at the entrance: Wrenford Company.

Six months ago, when her business with Noah began to crumble due to hidden debts, Liora secretly accepted a job offer from this company as a temporary secretary for their rarely seen CEO, Xavier. As she passed the reception desk, several employees turned their heads and whispered among themselves.

On the 45th floor, Liora went straight to her desk. A minimalist white desk with a computer, stacks of project folders, and Xavier's meeting agenda. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, replying to emails, scheduling video calls, doing everything as if her life were extraordinary.

But the buzzing phone broke her focus. Liora peeked at the screen—it was the bank again for the third time that morning. She pressed the silent button. Some of Noah's piled-up bills were starting to choke her. The house, the car, even the credit cards were still under her name.

"How am I supposed to pay all this off?"

The glass door to her office opened, and Xavier appeared in the doorway. Tall, wearing a dark gray suit, a plain black tie, and an expensive watch on his left wrist. His black hair was neatly styled, his strong jaw and cold eyes traced Liora from head to toe. Liora quickly stood up and gave a slight bow.

"Good morning, Mr. Xavier. I'm sorry I came in late today, but I did send you a message about it beforehand," Liora said professionally, though her heart still ached.

Xavier's icy blue eyes pierced through her. He never spoke more than necessary, forcing Liora to constantly guess what he was thinking. He stepped closer, and Liora swallowed hard, ready for any reprimand.

"So, Astervale Holdings belongs to your husband?" Xavier asked.

Liora was startled. "Yes."

"Did you take this job to spy for him?"

"No, I really needed the money," Liora answered, lowering her head.

Xavier's assistant then turned on the TV, which showed news about Noah's company merging with Bella's family company, as well as the announcement of their upcoming wedding, scheduled for this month. Max, Xavier's assistant, handed him a folder, which Xavier then gave to Liora.

"What's this, Mr. Xavier?" Liora asked.

Xavier didn't answer. He sat on the sofa, observing Liora so intently that she felt uneasy. Liora opened the folder; inside was a document titled "Marriage Contract."

"What is this?" Liora asked, staring at him.

Xavier didn't respond, so Liora looked for the answer in the document itself.

She read every point in the contract carefully. Her eyes widened when she realized what it said—Xavier Wrenford was offering her a contract marriage. He would pay off all her debts, including Noah's. Liora would receive a monthly allowance as his "contract wife" for two years, extendable if both agreed. She would accompany Xavier to official events as his wife and protect the Wrenford family's reputation. There would be no emotional ties beyond what was necessary for appearances. Upon the contract's expiration, Liora would receive an additional sum of money and rights to specific properties.

Liora looked up, confused. "Why are you offering me this?"

Xavier raised an eyebrow and answered flatly, "We both benefit."

"How?" Liora still didn't understand.

"I need a wife for business reasons and to avoid an arranged marriage. You need money to keep your life from financial ruin, and I can help you get revenge on that worthless ex-husband of yours."

Liora stared into his eyes, searching for any sign of deceit or hidden motives. But Xavier's face remained cold and unreadable.

"And if I refuse?"

Xavier smirked slightly. "Do you have another choice? Your debt will bankrupt you within a month. Noah has left you, and you have nowhere to go."

He was right. Liora had nothing left. Even months of her secretary's salary wouldn't be enough to pay off her debts.

"I need time to think about this," Liora said.

Xavier stood and strolled closer to her. "You have twenty-four hours. If not, I'll withdraw this offer and you can handle your problems alone."

Now they stood face to face. Xavier had to lower his head to look into her pretty eyes, while Liora wondered what new problems might come if she accepted this offer.

"Yes."

"Hm?" Xavier frowned.

"I accept this contract marriage. But are you sure? I'm barren—I can't give you an heir," Liora said.

Xavier lifted her chin, their eyes locked. Her soft lips looked tempting—perfect to bite—but instead, he leaned closer to her ear.

"If we end up having a child during this marriage, that's a bonus," Xavier whispered.

"Yes, I agree, Mr. Xavier," Liora answered, a hint of excitement in her voice.

"You seem quite happy about this?"

Liora nodded. "Of course. This is my chance to get back at that shameless ex-husband."