Alle Kapitel von The Billionaire's Contract Bride : Kapitel 1 – Kapitel 8

The room erupted in applause.I smiled.For the first time that evening, I truly believed I was the happiest woman alive.My fingers tightened around the small bouquet of white roses as I looked across the beautifully decorated ballroom. Crystal chandeliers glittered above us, champagne glasses sparkled on every table, and dozens of familiar faces had gathered to celebrate my engagement.Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of my forever.I looked at my fiancé.Daniel stood beside the stage in his perfectly tailored black suit, looking every bit like the man I had fallen in love with five years ago.Our eyes met.He didn't smile.A strange feeling settled in my stomach.Before I could ask what was wrong, Daniel stepped toward the microphone."Ladies and gentlemen," he said.The room slowly became quiet."I have an announcement to make."I smiled nervously.Maybe he was going to surprise me.Maybe he was going to announce our wedding date.My heart fluttered.Then Daniel turned tow

I barely slept that night.The contract sat on my bedside table, staring at me like a warning.Ten million dollars.One year.A fake marriage.It sounded simple.But nothing about Alexander Kane felt simple.By seven the next morning, I was sitting across from him in a private office at Kane Enterprises.The building was enormous.Glass walls stretched toward the sky, while employees in expensive suits hurried through the lobby with their heads lowered.Everyone seemed afraid of Alexander.I understood why.The moment I entered his office, the entire atmosphere changed.He sat behind a large black desk, reading through a document.He didn't look up."You're late."I glanced at my phone."By three minutes.""Three minutes is late."I rolled my eyes."You invited me at seven. It's seven-oh-three."His eyes finally lifted.Cold.Sharp.Unamused.I immediately regretted arguing with him."Sit."I took the chair opposite him.He pushed a second folder across the desk."The contract."I ope

I couldn't stop staring at Daniel."Alexander threatened you?"He nodded."Yes."My heart felt like it was being crushed all over again."Then why didn't you tell me?"Daniel looked ashamed."Because he threatened your family."I shook my head."No. You're lying.""Sophia—""You betrayed me in front of everyone.""I know.""You stood beside my sister and announced that you were marrying her.""I had no choice."A bitter laugh escaped my lips."Everyone has a choice, Daniel."He looked down."I was afraid.""Afraid of Alexander?""Yes."I wanted to believe him.I really did.But there was something about the way he looked at me that made me suspicious.Then my father spoke."Daniel is telling the truth."I turned toward him."Dad?"My father's face was pale."Alexander Kane has been involved with our family for years."I stared at him."Why didn't you ever tell me?""Because I wanted you to have a normal life.""A normal life?"My voice broke."You let me spend five years with a man wh

My father's name echoed inside my head.Your father was responsible for my father's death.I stared at Alexander."No."The word barely left my lips.His mother looked away.Alexander remained completely still."No," I repeated, louder this time. "My father couldn't have done that.""You don't know what your father was capable of," Alexander said.I shook my head."You're lying."His jaw tightened."I wish I were."I stepped backward.My fingers trembled."Then why did you marry me?"Alexander didn't answer."Was this your plan from the beginning?"Still nothing."You knew my family was in trouble. You knew my engagement was falling apart. You knew everything."I looked at the ring on my finger."You planned all of this."His silence was answer enough.Tears burned my eyes."Was the ten million dollars just another part of your revenge?""No."His answer came immediately.That surprised me."Then what was it?"Alexander walked toward me.I stepped back."Don't."He stopped.His eyes w