All Chapters of The Billionaire's Island Bargain: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Emily POVThe shrill ring of my alarm jolted me awake. Still groggy from too little sleep, I groaned and fumbled to switch it off.Before I could bury my face back in the pillow, the door creaked open and my mom walked in.“Get up, Emily, or you’ll be late for work,” she said, pulling the curtains wide. Bright morning sunlight flooded the room.“Can’t I sleep for just a few more minutes, Mom? Please…” I begged, already turning over.“Stop being lazy and get up. Didn’t you say you have a presentation today?”The word “presentation” hit me like cold water. I shot out of bed.“Oh no! The presentation!”I dashed into the bathroom, showered in record time, threw on my clothes, and shoved my feet into my heels. My colleagues and I had spent weeks perfecting this pitch. I couldn’t afford to mess it up now.I raced downstairs, nearly tripping over my own feet.“Why are you in such a hurry, dear?” my dad asked from the dining table.“She woke up late. Today is the big presentation,” Mom answer

Cade POVI stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring down at the bustling streets of Los Angeles, waiting for her.Why did she follow me all the way here?Most likely to beg for the contract. Their presentation wasn’t terrible, but I had rejected it anyway — partly because of her little outburst this morning, and partly because something about it still felt… incomplete.A soft knock sounded on the door.“Come in.”Emily Wilburn stepped inside, still wearing the same simple white shirt and black trousers from earlier. Even without a trace of heavy makeup, she was striking. Beautiful, actually. With the right styling, she would be stunning.“Have a seat, Miss Wilburn.”She sat down cautiously while I remained standing, studying her.“You chased after me the moment I left your office,” I said, a hint of amusement in my voice.“I had to. I couldn’t just let it go.” Her voice was steady, determined.“You seemed ready to accept my decision earlier. What changed?”“My family. My colleagu

Emily POVI woke up feeling drained and heavy. Sleep had been almost impossible last night. I kept replaying everything — Rose’s threats, Cade’s ridiculous proposal, and the terrifying realization that my mother and I could soon be homeless.When Mom had been hospitalized and needed emergency surgery, Rose had offered to pay the huge bill without hesitation. She had even said I could repay her whenever I could afford it. But that kindness had vanished overnight. I knew how ruthless Rose could be when collecting debts. I had watched her ruin other people’s lives over money. I wouldn’t be any different.I pulled the covers over my head, wishing I could hide from reality.The bedroom door flew open.“Emily, you need to see this right now!” Mom rushed in, waving a piece of paper.I took it with trembling hands.Eviction Notice.My heart sank. “How is this possible? We’ve always paid on time.”“That’s what I want to know!” Mom cried. “We’re not behind on rent. What kind of nonsense is this

Emily POVI couldn’t believe this was happening. I was being kissed by a man I barely knew — a man I didn’t even like.I tried to pull away, but Cade tightened his hold and kissed me deeper. For one dangerous second, my body betrayed me. Heat rushed through my veins, and my mind went blank. I hated how good it felt. I hated him even more for making me feel it.When he finally pulled back, I was breathless and furious.I shoved at his chest. “You don’t have the right to kiss me like that!”“I had to,” he replied calmly. “There were reporters watching. It was necessary for my reputation.”“Wow. Your reputation,” I said sarcastically, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.Cade’s expression remained cool. “We agreed to play the part of a happily engaged couple. We have to start somewhere.”“You said pretend. You never said anything about kissing me!”“You can’t expect people to believe we’re in love if we never touch.” He stepped closer. “Or is the idea of me touching you really that r

Emily POV“Legalize those documents immediately,” Cade instructed his lawyer. “I want a copy with me at all times so Emily here never forgets she’s now bound to me.”“Yes, sir. I’ll have them ready right away.” The lawyer turned to me with a polite nod. “I wish you a quick recovery, Miss Wilburn.”The moment the door closed behind him, silence filled the room. My mind was spinning with a thousand worries — what would happen during this fake marriage, what would happen after, and how deeply I had just trapped myself.“Stop thinking about Brad,” Cade said suddenly. “It’s for your own good.”“I already told you — there’s nothing going on between Brad and me!” I yelled.“And as I’ve said, I don’t believe you.” His voice was cold. “Brad played a big role in your life. I won’t tolerate him showing up and claiming you when I’ve already made you mine.”“First of all, Mr. Callaghan, I’m not yours,” I shot back. “And I don’t belong to Brad either. You made it very clear in that contract that yo