CEO's Contract Marriage

"Lunch to room no. 403, Khushi." A colleague instructed me."On my way," I said as I wheeled the food trolley towards the staff elevator.Khushi Acharya, a 21-year-old woman, belonging to a lower-middle-class family, was employed at Kolkata's renowned five-star hotel as a waitress, "Star Palace." It was a makeshift arrangement until I could find something more substantial. Or, at least, that's what I assumed.Only if I had done better in school, like my sister and Sushant, might I have gotten a high-paying job like them. Despite being the group leader and planner, I had the lowest academic ranking. In a nutshell, I'm cool with my buddies but a loser in society.My parents were constantly concerned for my future. But, as usual, I was careless, and I got what I deserved. However, I had no complaints. I was content in my current situation since I could eat, sleep peacefully, and help my parents with money. And I still wondered if I had any specific goals in my head. Maybe my goal was ju

The car ground to a standstill in front of the Star Palace's back door. It was the same hotel where I was evicted a while back. Even though I didn't particularly enjoy my job, it was humiliating to get kicked out. I exited the car once the man unlocked the door for me. "This is—""Star Palace." He completed the sentence for me."Please follow me." Turning toward the hotel's back door, he included it."Uh, Mr.—, uncle Hemant?" I blurted out, unsure of what to name him. I didn't want to address him by his first name as he requested.Uncle Hemant stopped in his tracks and spun around. His orbs were wide with wonder."Do you mind if I call you Uncle Hemant?" I inquired, observing his unwavering stare."As you wish. I won't mind." Finally, he spoke out, smiling. Uncle Hemant seemed like a nice person."All right, Uncle Hemant, I just wanted to let you know that the manager won't let me in since I lost my job, and he forbade me from ever coming back." I briefed him on the existing scenari

"So, you're the so-called wealthy businessman, Darsh Sinha?" My father enquired with wrinkled brows. To which Darsh replied while stuttering, "Y-yes, Sir."I brought Darsh to my house the same night since I knew my parents would slaughter me if I appeared in front of them without conclusive evidence after the false news circulated. He served as a shield between my parents and me.I urged him to construct a storyline about how we could get out of this dilemma and proclaim our wedding to my parents. It was a contract marriage, but we chose to keep it hidden from my family since they were too conservative to accept it.Darsh swallowed, awkwardly seated on our living room couch, peering at my father. Uncle Hemant was striving desperately not to laugh as he watched Darsh getting terrified of my father."Where do you live?" With each query, my father's tone rose more acrimonious. My mother only glared at Darsh as the cops scrutinised their suspect."I live in Delhi," Darsh responded."How d

After a long night, the wedding rituals were completed. We were provided a room to rest in because Darsh and I both had been fasting since the previous day. Fasting was a prerequisite for the wedding ceremony. The dawn was approaching, and we had no choice but to spend it awake. The bride and groom would stay awake and chat or talk with other family members as part of the "Basor Ghor" tradition. It was a bonding ritual."Now you can eat." Mandira, along with my other cousins, walked into the room. Her platter was piled high with various foods. And, after nearly a day of fasting, the plate of food made me feel like throwing up."I'll be fine with a glass of water," Darsh spoke out, sounding just as sick as me. His gaze was directed at mine."And I'm sure Khushi is good with it as well." He then patted my head gently after spotting my nearly green face.He is showing his caring side once again? No, Khushi, you need to focus. It's a contract marriage for crying out loud!Heaving a sigh, I

◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆I stood in front of the mirror, appraising my appearance. It was my reception party at the same hotel where some people attempted to trap me in a vicious scandal. I let out a chuckle as I had reflected on the snakes who tried to destroy my life and how I used the adversity to my advantage.Marrying a poor girl out of love not only restored my reputation and business but also enhanced it. Despite my enormous riches, everyone began to regard me as a humble and generous man."Thanks to whoever planned it," I smirked and straightened my tie. Although, for a brief moment, the trap almost got me there. It would have been quite difficult to deal with the issue if I hadn't spoken with my lawyer, Rohan Yadav.I have to meet him as soon as I get back to Delhi.I was dressed in a royal blue tuxedo with matching shoes and my favourite wristwatch.Another brilliant idea of mine was to not allow the media into the party with the excuse of celebrating it discreetly with a few peopl