All Chapters of The Billionaire's Contract Bride: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Sarah's POV The night before my forced wedding, sleep was impossible. I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, my heart hammering so loudly. The clock on the wall ticked mercilessly toward midnight.I swallowed hard.No… I can't do this.With trembling hands, I sat up and quietly pulled out the small black backpack I had hidden under my bed. Inside were only a few clothes, my worn out sketchbook, a bottle of water, and the little cash given to me by Kael.We had planned that he'll pick me up by 10 p.m. at our meetup point.My hands shook as I changed into dark jeans on a black hoodie. I tied my hair back tightly and slipped on my sneakers. I cracked my bedroom door open and peeped into the dark hallway.Silence.The mansion was eerily quiet. My parents had gone to bed early, exhausted from the final wedding preparations. Heart pounding, I slipped out and closed the door softly behind me. I moved on tiptoe, pressing myself against the wall whenever I heard the slightest click.I reac

Sarah's POV“So, Sarah,” Eleanor began, her voice smooth as chilled wine, “how are you finding life at Moretti House? It must be quite the adjustment from… whatever it was you were used to.”I forced a small smile. “It’s beautiful. I’m still learning my way around.”“Learning,” she repeated. “Yes. One does have to learn, doesn’t one? Some things simply aren’t instinctive.”The maid placed a plate in front of me. I picked up my fork, but my appetite had already fled.Eleanor took a delicate sip of her red wine. “Tell me, dear, did your mother teach you anything about running a household? Or was she more… occupied with other matters?”I looked at Adrian expecting him to say something but he just continued scrolling on his phone while eating.I breathed out, not knowing what to say.Eleanor continued. “You know, bearing the Moretti name is something everyone would jump at.”Adrian cleared his throat. “Mother, the food tastes very nice.”It was the first thing he’d said since we sat down.

Sarah's POV My phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a notification from Kael, confirming the time for our coffee meet-up. I told myself there's nothing more, but the thought of stepping outside these walls, even for an hour, felt like oxygen. Downstairs, the breakfast nook glowed under soft morning light filtering through the windows. The table was perfectly set as always, fresh berries in crystal bowls, warm pastries, and coffee steaming in a silver pot. Eleanor sat at the head, flipping through a newspaper with those perfectly manicured fingers. She looked up the moment I entered, with a sharp smile. “Sarah, dear. You’re up. And dressed to go out, I see.” Her eyes swept over my casual clothes, lingering just long enough to make it uncomfortable. “Where are you headed this early morning?” I ignored the bait and reached for the coffee, pouring myself a cup. “Just stepping out for a bit to clear my head.” Eleanor set the newspaper down, her pearls catching the light. “Stepping

Sarah's POV The crystal chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom of the Moretti Plaza Hotel dripped light like frozen diamonds, casting everything in a golden haze that felt both magical and oppressive.The gala was in full swing, the annual Moretti Foundation Charity Auction, where old money mingled with new tech fortunes, politicians shook hands with CEOs, and every smile hid a calculation.I stood at the edge of the crowd in a floor-length emerald gown the tailor had insisted on, the silk cool against my skin perfectly.My hair was swept into an elegant updo, pearls at my throat, Eleanor’s choice, of course. “Something classic,” she’d said during the fittings.Adrian’s hand rested lightly on the small of my back as we descended the sweeping staircase, a picture-perfect couple for the photographers lining the entrance. His tuxedo was impeccable, his jaw clean-shaven, but the touch felt scripted. “Smile, Sarah,” he murmured, lips barely moving. “This is important for the reporters.”I forc

Sarah's POVThe Sinclair's arrived promptly at four, ushered in by the housekeeper. Marko Sinclair, my father, entered first. Tall and silver-haired, his accountant’s posture rigid in a worn but respectable suit. Clara followed, my stepmother’s face pinched with perpetual disappointment, clutching her handbag like a shield. Ivy, my younger sister, trailed behind in a floral blouse.Eleanor rose from her high-backed chair like a queen receiving supplicants, pearls glowing against her cream silk blouse. “Marko, Clara, Ivy, how kind of you to come on such short notice. Please, sit. We have much to discuss regarding Sarah’s recent performance.”Adrian stood near the fireplace, briefcase set aside but his suit still crisp from the office. He offered a polite nod to my family, his hand brushing my shoulder briefly as he passed. “Good to see you all,” he murmured.I swallowed hard as they settled across from me. Dad cleared his throat, avoiding my eyes. “Mrs. Moretti, we appreciate the invit