The CEO'S Contract Wife

"Another double shift, Kaitlyn? You're going to kill yourself one day," Emma said as she folded laundry in the cramped living room of Kaitlyn's apartment. A small mountain of clothes sat between them on the worn-out couch, threadbare in some spots and stained from years of use.

Kaitlyn gave a tired chuckle and sank into the armrest with a soft sigh. "What choice do I have? The supermarket barely pays the bills, and the bar's the only place that gives me enough hours."

Emma raised an eyebrow and paused her folding. "You work too hard for so little. Just enough to cover rent and dodge loan collectors. This isn't living."

"I know." Kaitlyn rubbed her temples, exhaustion pressing behind her eyes. "But I can't afford to stop. If I don't work, we fall behind. Again."

Emma leaned in. "You and Andrew need a break. A miracle. Something."

Kaitlyn didn't respond at first. Her gaze wandered to the peeling paint on the wall, the faint water damage by the ceiling. The apartment smelled faintly of must and leftover noodles.

Emma nudged her gently. "What about Andrew? Is he helping at all?"

Kaitlyn looked away. "He says he is. But the salon's been dying for months, and he's too proud to admit it."

The two women sat In silence for a while, only the sound of rustling fabric between them.

Emma folded the last shirt and glanced at her friend. "You don't have to carry everything alone, you know. Maybe it's time to lean on someone else."

Kaitlyn smiled faintly. "I married him, Em. For better or worse, remember? I just didn't think 'worse' would come so fast."

A phone buzzed on the table. Kaitlyn picked it up, her face falling as she saw the caller ID. Horizon Collections.

Emma's eyes met hers. "Don't answer it."

But Kaitlyn did. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Mrs. Sanders. This is Lisa from Horizon Collections. Your account is long overdue. If the minimum payment isn't received by the end of the week, legal action will be considered."

Kaitlyn's voice was barely above a whisper. "I understand. I'm working on it."

After she hung up, Emma exhaled sharply. "That's the third time this month."

Kaitlyn nodded. "We're drowning, Em."

Later, Emma gathered her purse. "I've got a shift at the hospital, but I'll check on you later."

"Thanks," Kaitlyn said softly.

As Emma closed the door behind her, Kaitlyn turned toward the hallway leading to the bedroom. She could already hear Andrew shuffling around.

Inside, Andrew stood shirtless in front of the mirror, trying to fix a lopsided tie. His eyes were bleary, and his face unshaven.

"Morning," Kaitlyn said flatly.

"Didn't know you were up," he replied.

"I've been up since six. Laundry. Talking to Emma."

Andrew tugged the tie loose and let it fall around his neck. "She doesn't know our situation. She shouldn't interfere."

"She's not interfering. She's concerned. Like any friend would be."

He didn't respond.

Kaitlyn sat on the edge of the bed. "The rent's due again. We've got no savings. I'm behind on groceries. And now the loan agency is threatening legal action."

Andrew rubbed his hands over his face. "I know. You think I don't know?"

"I think you keep pretending it's not happening."

"I'm trying to fix it, Kaitlyn! The salon-"

"Is dead!" she snapped. "You keep holding on like it's one miracle customer away from success, but it's not. You barely get two walk-ins a day."

Andrew turned away from her, fuming in silence.

"We need to face reality," she continued. "We need help."

He looked over his shoulder. "What kind of help? Charity? You want to go begging people now?"

She stood, her voice low and steady. "I want a life. One where we're not dodging bills and eating noodles five times a week."

There was a pause.

"I might have a plan," Andrew said finally. "Someone I know... might lend me something. Just enough to keep the salon running for a bit longer."

Kaitlyn's expression darkened. "A loan? From who?"

"It doesn't matter. I've got it under control."

"No, Andrew. It *does* matter. Because if you make another mistake, we'll lose everything."

He stepped past her and grabbed his jacket. "I'll fix it, Kaitlyn. You'll see."

And just like that, he was gone.

Kaitlyn sat back down on the bed, her heart pounding with anxiety. She glanced at the door, then back at the pile of unpaid bills on the nightstand. Her hands trembled as she reached for one of the envelopes.

The weight of it all - the debt, the arguments, the fear - pressed down on her shoulders like an invisible hand. Something had to give.

And soon.

As she leaned back, a sharp knock on the door startled her. She walked over and opened it - just in time to see a red envelope being slipped under the door.

She picked it up, eyes widening as she read the front:

*"FINAL NOTICE – EVICTION PENDING."*