BILLIONAIRE'S HIDDEN WIFE

CHAPTER 1: THE ESCAPE.

The towering skyline of Ravengold City shimmered under the moonlit sky, a beacon of wealth and ambition. The streets below pulsed with energy-luxury cars gliding past, high-end restaurants brimming with the elite, and the distant hum of nightlife filling the air.

Kareem Al-Fayeed stood on the rooftop balcony of the grand Al-Fayeed estate, nursing a glass of whiskey. Below him, in the grand ballroom, a gala was in full swing-an event hosted by his parents to celebrate the legacy of Al-Fayeed Designs. But Kareem knew the real reason behind tonight's gathering.

He was about to be caged.

His father, Samir Al-Fayeed, had made it clear-no marriage, no inheritance. The billion-dollar fashion empire would go to someone else if Kareem didn't find a wife.

Kareem scoffed, swirling his drink. Marriage? He had spent his life avoiding commitment, indulging in casual flings, living life on his own terms. And now, because of his father's outdated traditions, he was expected to settle down.

The worst part? He had no way out.

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Kareem, you look like a man planning an escape."

He turned to see Victor, his best friend, smirking as he leaned against the balcony railing.

"I might be," Kareem admitted.

Victor chuckled. "Don't tell me your dad finally backed you into a corner."

Kareem exhaled. "It's worse. He expects me to pick a wife from this damn party."

Victor's grin widened. "And here I thought you had a way with women."

Kareem smirked but said nothing. He had a habit-whenever he passed a beautiful woman, he counted to three under his breath. One... two... three... and by then, he was usually already interested. But lately, even that trick wasn't working.

Victor clapped him on the back. "You're screwed, my friend."

Kareem rolled his eyes. "Not if I find a way out first."

With that, he set his glass down and disappeared into the shadows of the estate, determined to avoid his fate.

---

Meanwhile, Across the City...

On the other side of Ravengold City, in a modest neighborhood far from the glamour of the Al-Fayeeds, Ayshe Yılmaz paced her small bedroom, her heart pounding.

Downstairs, her family was preparing for Sabri's arrival. The man they expected her to marry.

Her mother, Selma, had been adamant-Sabri was a good match. He came from a well-off family, had a stable job, and, most importantly, he was interested in Ayshe.

But Ayshe wasn't interested in him.

"I'm not doing this," she muttered under her breath.

Her older brother, Hamza, had made it clear that she had no say in the matter. After all, her last relationship had ended in humiliation. Kerem, the man she had once loved, had walked away the moment he saw her with another man-never bothering to hear the truth.

Ayshe clenched her fists. She wouldn't let herself be controlled again.

Then, a knock at the door sent a shiver down her spine.

Sabri was here.

Without a second thought, Ayshe grabbed her coat, pushed open her bedroom window, and climbed out into the night.

---

Ayshe ran through the city streets, her breath visible in the cold night air. She didn't stop until she reached the one place where she always felt safe-her office at Al-Fayeed Designs.

The building was mostly empty this late, and as she entered, she let out a shaky breath.

She just needed time. Time to think, time to figure out her next move.

But as she turned a corner, she collided with something solid.

No-someone.

Strong hands caught her, steadying her. She looked up, her heart still racing, and met the sharp hazel eyes of Kareem Al-Fayeed.

For a moment, the world stood still.

Kareem's gaze swept over her, curiosity flickering across his face. "In a hurry?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ayshe swallowed hard. "I... I just needed some air."

He raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're running from something."

She hesitated, then exhaled. "I am."

Kareem chuckled. "Funny. So am I."

Ayshe blinked. She had expected indifference, maybe even annoyance, but not this-this strange sense of understanding between them.

He leaned against the wall, studying her. "Let me guess. Arranged marriage?"

Her eyes widened. "How did you-"

"I've been in your shoes," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "I know the look."

Ayshe crossed her arms. "And what are you doing here, then?"

"Hiding," he admitted. "My father thinks marriage is the key to my future."

Ayshe let out a humorless laugh. "Sounds familiar."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Then, as if struck by an idea, Ayshe looked up at him.

"What if..." she began, choosing her words carefully. "What if we helped each other?"

Kareem narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"You need a wife to inherit the company. I need to get my family off my back." She met his gaze. "What if we got married?"

Kareem tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "A contract marriage?"

"Exactly."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You know, this might be the craziest idea I've ever heard."

Ayshe lifted her chin. "So... yes or no?"

A slow smirk curved his lips. "Alright, Ayshe. You've got yourself a deal."

As their hands met in a firm handshake, neither of them realized that this deal would change everything.

The morning sun filtered through the sleek glass windows of Al-Fayeed Designs, casting a warm glow over the modern office space. Ayshe settled into her desk, still feeling the rush from her impulsive agreement with Kareem. The thought of a contract marriage was surreal, yet a thrill coursed through her veins-this was her chance to take control of her life.

As she flipped through sketches for an upcoming project, her mind drifted back to Kareem. His hazel eyes had sparkled with mischief, and the way he had easily accepted her proposal had taken her by surprise. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of man he truly was. The more she thought about him, the more intrigued she became. He was not just a billionaire's son; he was someone who understood the pressures of expectations, someone who had the potential to be a true partner.

Meanwhile, Kareem stood in his father's office, staring at the framed photographs of the family legacy-each one a reminder of the expectations weighing on his shoulders. Samir Al-Fayeed entered, his presence commanding, his expression one of concern and authority.

"Have you made a decision yet?" he asked, his tone brokering no nonsense.

"Actually, I have." Kareem took a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts of Ayshe. "I'm getting married."

His father's brows furrowed in confusion. "Married? You haven't even introduced anyone to the family."

Kareem forced a smile, trying to mask the nervous energy swirling inside him. Meanwhile, Kareem stood in his father's office, staring at the framed photographs of the family legacy-each one a reminder of the expectations weighing on his shoulders. Samir Al-Fayeed entered, his presence commanding, his expression one of concern and authority.

"Have you made a decision yet?" he asked, his tone brokering no nonsense.

"Actually, I have." Kareem took a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts of Ayshe. "I'm getting married."

His father's brows furrowed in confusion. "Married? You haven't even introduced anyone to the family."

Kareem forced a smile, trying to mask the nervous energy swirling inside him. "I know, Dad. It's a personal decision I've made. I'll introduce her soon."

Samir's expression softened slightly, though the concern remained. "Just make sure you're ready for this commitment. Marriage is a serious matter."

Kareem nodded, his heart pounding. "I understand, Dad. I'm ready."

As Samir began to express his hopes for the future, Kareem felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He hadn't lied-he was getting married, and in his mind, the contract marriage with Ayshe felt like the best choice for both of them. The secret they shared would be their bond, one that no one else needed to know.

The First Meeting

Later that day, Ayshe arrived at the company's conference room for a team meeting. Her stomach fluttered with a mix of anticipation and nerves. She had always been passionate about her work, but now the stakes felt higher. This contract marriage could either elevate her career or entangle her in a web of complications.

As she entered, her friend Goncha was already seated at the long table, reviewing design proposals. Goncha was a talented designer, always brimming with ideas, and Ayshe valued her friendship deeply.

"Hey! You look a bit flustered. What's up?" Goncha asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ayshe forced a smile. "Just a lot on my mind."

Goncha raised an eyebrow. "Is it about Sabri?"

Ayshe shook her head, grateful for her friend's understanding. "No, it's... more complicated than that."

Before she could elaborate, the door swung open, and Kareem strode in. The room fell silent as everyone turned to face him. He was undeniably captivating, with an air of confidence that demanded attention. Ayshe's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. The initial agreement to marry felt real now-being in the same room made it all too tangible.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Kareem greeted, his gaze locking onto Ayshe. She felt her pulse quicken. There was something magnetic about him that was hard to ignore.

"Today, I wanted to address some changes we're implementing in the upcoming collection. Ayshe, can you present your ideas?" Kareem asked, gesturing for her to take the lead.

Ayshe blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, sure." She gathered her thoughts, pushing aside her nervousness. This was her chance to shine.

As she began her presentation, she could feel Kareem's eyes on her. The way he listened, leaning slightly forward, ignited a spark of confidence within her. She spoke passionately about her designs, pouring her heart into every word, highlighting the intricacies and vision behind her work.

When she finished, there was a moment of silence before Kareem nodded appreciatively. "Those concepts are fresh and innovative, Ayshe. I think they could be a game-changer for us."

Ayshe's heart swelled at his praise, but she quickly composed herself. "Thank you, Kareem. I'll work on refining them."

The meeting continued, but Ayshe couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship was shifting. The initial agreement to marry felt real now-she could see a future with him, filled with both challenges and possibilities.

---

Later That Evening

After a long day at work, Ayshe found herself walking through the bustling streets of Ravengold City, the lights twinkling like stars against the twilight sky. The initial excitement of her contract marriage had begun to settle, replaced by a sense of trepidation. What would this new life look like? Would she truly be able to separate her emotions from the arrangement?

As she approached the Al-Fayeed estate, she hesitated, unsure of what awaited her. Would Kareem be there? What would they discuss? Would they have chemistry beyond the business agreement?

Taking a deep breath, she entered the lavish mansion. To her surprise, Kareem was waiting for her in the grand living room, casually leaning against the marble fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked effortlessly handsome, the flickering firelight casting shadows across his strong features.

"Hey," he said, his voice smooth yet tinged with a hint of nervousness. "I thought we could talk about our... arrangement."

Ayshe's heart raced. "Right. The arrangement."

Kareem straightened, his expression serious. "I know this is unconventional, but I want us to set some ground rules, and they must stay between us. No one can know this is a contract marriage."

Ayshe nodded, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"

"First, we keep things professional. No public displays of affection." He paused, gauging her reaction. "Second, we both get to date other people if we choose, but we can't let anyone find out about our arrangement."

Ayshe bit her lip, contemplating his words. "That seems fair. I don't want anyone to know, either."

"And third," Kareem continued, "we support each other in front of our families. This needs to look genuine, no matter what."

She met his gaze, feeling the weight of his proposal. "Agreed. We'll keep it a secret."

"Good. Let's make this work," he said, raising his glass in a toast.

As Ayshe clinked her glass against his, a sense of hope blossomed within her. Maybe this contract marriage could lead to something more-something neither of them had anticipated. The connection they were beginning to form felt different from anything she had experienced before.

As the evening wore on, Ayshe couldn't shake the feeling that this was the start of a new chapter in her life-one filled with possibility, excitement, and perhaps even love.

The city of Erindale stretched beyond the glass windows of the office, its bright skyline illuminating the night. Inside, the air was thick with tension as Ayshe stared at Kareem, his proposal hanging between them like a delicate thread ready to snap.

A contract marriage.

The words sounded insane, and yet, in her desperate situation, they were the only thing keeping her from being trapped in a fate she never chose.

She folded her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on Kareem. "You're serious about this?"

Kareem leaned against the desk, arms crossed, exuding confidence. "Completely."

Ayshe scoffed, shaking her head. "You expect me to marry a man I barely know?"

He shrugged. "You were about to be forced into a marriage with Sabri. At least with me, you get a choice."

Her jaw clenched. "A choice? You call this a choice?"

Kareem's smirk softened. "More than what they're giving you, isn't it?"

She hated that he was right.

Her mother and brothers had already made their decision for her. Sabri's family was expecting her as his fiancee. There was no way out-except this.

She took a slow breath, trying to think clearly. "And what do you get from this?"

Kareem's expression darkened slightly. "My father's company."

Ayshe blinked. "So this is about money?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. "No. It's about control. My father thinks he can manipulate me into a marriage for his own legacy. I refuse to let that happen."

She tilted her head, intrigued. "And marrying me helps how?"

A playful glint flashed in his eyes. "Simple. I get married, he gives me the company, and once the contract ends, we go our separate ways."

Ayshe let out a bitter chuckle. "Sounds convenient."

Kareem straightened, watching her intently. "For both of us."

She bit her lip. The deal was tempting, but it came with risks.

"What about after?" she asked. "When will the contract end?"

"You'll be legally free from your family," Kareem said. "They can't force you into anything after this. And I..." He exhaled. "I'll have secured my position in the company."

Ayshe shifted on her feet, weighing the options. She wasn't naive. Something like this would require absolute secrecy. If anyone found out, her life-and his-would turn into chaos.

"What if someone suspects?" she asked.

Kareem smirked. "Then we make them believe it's real."

Ayshe's stomach twisted. "You mean...?"

He nodded. "Public appearances, family visits, the whole act."

Her pulse quickened. "You think we can pull it off?"

Kareem's confidence didn't waver. "I know we can."

She hesitated, staring at him. This man, with his effortless charm and playboy reputation, was offering her a way out. A risky one, but an escape nonetheless.

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind. You will marry Sabri. You have no choice.

But now, she did.

Ayshe inhaled deeply. "Fine."

Kareem raised a brow. "Fine?"

She straightened. "I'll do it."

A slow smile tugged at his lips. "Smart decision."

Ayshe wasn't sure if it was. But it was the only one she had.

Kareem extended a hand. "A deal, then?"

She hesitated before gripping his hand firmly. The warmth of his skin sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Their fate was sealed.

But neither of them realized that pretending to be in love might be more dangerous than they ever imagined.