Claimed By The Billionaire's Contract

"Sign the papers," Emily's dad screamed, forcing the document into her hand. She stared at the contract papers, which stated a seven-year owner-servant contract.

"I'm not a commodity, Dad," Emily spat out in rage.

"Just sign the papers. It's no big deal," he said nonchalantly.

Emily stared at her father in disbelief, her fingers trembling around the document he'd forced into her hands.

"No big deal?" she repeated slowly. "You want me to marry a stranger because of your mistake."

Edward Carter sat calmly, watching the father-daughter drama like it was a movie. His brown eyes remained fixed on both of them.

Emily's eyes met Edward's, and she immediately redirected her anger toward him.

"Why would you do something like this?" she demanded.

"Your father made the offer. Since he couldn't pay his debt, I accepted."

"You would've rejected it," she growled.

"He owes me, Cupcake," he interrupted calmly. "And in my world, everything has a price."

"How much?" she asked.

"Five million dollars."

His words sent goosebumps across her skin.

"Fi...five million?"

Her father grabbed her wrist, squeezing it tightly. "Stop the drama and sign the papers."

Emily forcefully pulled her hand away.

"You want to gamble away my life just like you did with yours?"

"Watch your words!" her father spat, his eyes filled with fury.

"My words?" She smiled bitterly. "You are giving your daughter away like an object, and you're worried about my words?"

Her heart broke as she looked at the man she had spent her entire life desperately trying to please.

"Well, I'm not agreeing to it," she said firmly.

"Enough!" He slammed his hand against the desk. "I said enough, girl. Just sign the goddamn papers!"

Silence filled the room.

"I am not signing anything," Emily repeated, her voice echoing through the room.

Her father's gaze darkened.

"You ungrateful child," he spat. "Do you have any idea what kind of problem we're in?"

"It's your problem, not ours."

"I WILL DIE if you don't sign the contract!"

His words echoed through the room.

Emily trembled.

Fear slowly crept into her chest, tightening it until she struggled to breathe. She turned toward her father and saw something she rarely saw in his eyes.

He looked terrified.

"This is insane," she whispered.

Her father walked toward her and gently took her hands.

"Emily... please," he pleaded. "Even if it's the last thing you ever do for me, I would forever be grateful."

Her anger weakened.

Then, to her shock, her father fell to his knees.

Emily stared at him in disbelief.

For almost twenty years, this man had barely regarded her feelings. He had never treated her like his daughter. Yet, despite everything he'd caused her, she still loved him.

She came to a painful realization that she could hate what he'd done to her, but not hate him.

A bitter chuckle escaped her lips as she shook her head. She picked up the contract and slowly lifted the pen.

The entire room fell silent as she signed the papers, tears filling her eyes.

"Debt paid, right?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"We've got an agreement, Princess," Edward interrupted.

His gaze shifted toward her father.

"You are free. You can leave."

Her father released a relieved breath.

"Enjoy yourself, girl," he said nonchalantly before walking out of the room.

Emily watched him leave, and not once did he look back. That hurt her more than she wanted to admit.

She lowered her gaze to the contract in her hands, realizing that she had just signed away seven years of her life.

*****

Four months had passed since Emily signed the contract with Edward Carter.

After countless disagreements, she had slowly begun to understand that the arrangement wasn't as terrible as she had initially imagined.

At first, Emily saw it as the end of her dreams.

She had believed Edward would treat her like property because that was exactly what the contract made her sound like, but he never did.

Although the contract stated that she would be his servant, Edward never treated her like one.

To his family, she was his wife, in his office, she was his personal assistant. Behind closed doors, she was his secret wife and lover of the most powerful man in California.

The first few weeks had been difficult.

Emily did not know how to behave around him. She was constantly waiting for him to remind her of the contract or demand something from her.

But Edward surprised her.

He never forced her to do anything she didn't want to do.

He gave her a room of her own, bought her clothes when he noticed she was uncomfortable wearing some of the things she had brought with her, and even made sure she had everything she needed.

He had a strange way of caring for her without making it obvious. Whenever they went out together, he never allowed her to walk behind him.

He always kept her beside him.

And whenever someone asked about her, he introduced her with a confidence that often left her speechless.

"She is my woman."

Those words always made her heart skip a beat.

At first, she had assumed he was only doing it because of their arrangement.

But slowly, she began noticing the little things.

And it made her realize that Edward Carter was not the cold, heartless man she had expected him to be.

He was still arrogant, controlling, and incredibly infuriating, but there was another side of him that only she seemed to see.

And that side of him became difficult to resist.

Emily had also become more comfortable around him.

Their arguments had reduced, replaced by playful bickering and quiet conversations that sometimes led to crazy lovemaking. There were nights when they sat together watching movies together.

Edward had a way of making her feel cared for without asking for anything in return.

And that was the most dangerous part.

Because somewhere along the line, Emily stopped seeing him as the stranger she had been forced to marry. She began seeing the man behind the contract.

The man who made her laugh when she wanted to cry.The man who stood beside her when she felt alone.

The man whose presence had become comforting and safe. Before she realized what was happening, Emily had begun to fall for him. She didn't know when it happened.

She only knew that whenever Edward walked into a room, her eyes searched for him. Whenever he touched her, her heart reacted before her mind could stop it.

And whenever he was away for too long, she found herself wondering when he would return.

The contract is supposed to last for seven years.

But four months in, Emily was already in love with the man she'd been forced to call her husband.

And it felt like he loved her too.

"I'm letting you go, Emily," he said, pulling her away from his chest and leaning her backward.

"Meaning?" She asked, staring at Edward in confusion.

For a moment, he was quiet then he spoke.

"My Ex-fiance, she's back," he said, straightening his stance.

The word sounded vague for a moment; she tried to understand it, but she couldn't.

"I don't......could you come again?"

"The woman I was supposed to marry is back." He spat out, then continued.

"Her name is Natasha Bale. We started dating two years ago, six months ago she left California without saying a word to me. I searched for her, but to no avail. I was supposed to introduce her to my grandparents the week she left. That was why, when your dad made the offer I accepted. I needed someone to replace her, then you came in. I saw her yesterday, and apparently she's pregnant with my child." He explained without sparing her a glance.

"And you still want her?" Emily asked, her heart racing, scared of hearing the wrong answer.

"I do, I still want her." He said in a strong voice, as his utterances confirmed her fears.

She pushed away from him, creating a distance between them. It was as if she couldn't breathe properly with the way her heart was palpitating.

"H...he still wants her," she murmured, her lips slightly parted, as though the reality of the situation was sinking into her.

"I've always wanted her, now that she's expecting my child, I want her more." He interrupted her.

Silence descended upon them, dragging for almost an eternity as Emily's heart thudded loudly, her stomach was filled with pain she couldn't explain. All along she thought she meant something to this man, only to be dragged to the reality that she was nothing more than a replacement. A face for his fantasies and obsession.

His solution to his family's problem.

How had she fallen into such a messy situation?

"I know you've been amazing, Emily, but right now the woman for me is back, and I'm sure you understand. What we'd was my plan to convince my grandparents that I was worthy to keep the family's legacy both in the business and social world. I needed my grandfather off my back. And so far things have been going well, but with Natasha's return, everything will be perfect. I am letting you go and I have an opportunity to cut the lie and actually get myself a wife and a child, who doesn't have to pretend. A complete family."

These words struck her heart like daggers piercing into her heart mercilessly and ripping it hard to intensify her hurt. She still couldn't comprehend the fact that the same man she'd thought shared the same feelings and sentiments with her. Had only been using her for his selfish interest, until he could get rid of her.

Ignoring her current state, Edward continued.

"Though the contract stated, you'll be my servant for seven years. I'm ready to pay you for this entire year, even though we've been together for just four months. But on one condition?"

"W...what will that be?" She asked as her voice trembled.

"That you'll never show your face in this city again. I wouldn't want any disruption to the relationship I intend to build with Natasha. I also cannot risk my family finding out the truth about us. By tomorrow, I'll make arrangements to drive you to the airport, and for your payment, you will receive it before morning."

As he spoke, Emily couldn't see the man she'd fallen in love with. She was confused, the only man she could see was the cold billionaire she'd met four months ago.

"You're paying me to move out of the city just to hide your dirty secret?" She spat in rage, allowing her anger to get the best of her but Edward wasn't moved.

"Yes Emily, I've got a reputation to protect, and I am not ready to lose this opportunity of getting a complete family."

These words broke Emily more, her heart fell, and a gasp escaped her lips.

"W..why do..." she bit down her lips, swallowing her words, holding on to the last of pride.

Could she really blame him for it? She was the one who accepted being his slave to clear her father's debt, and they signed a contract. What was she expecting from it, after all he owned her. She was a debt settlement, and falling for him was never part of the contract. She should have known better.

Emily rose to her feet, deciding she wouldn't spend any more time with him.

"It's okay. I'll await the payment but I'm leaving tonight."

Not that she expected a response but his silence hurt more than his words. She left the living room heading towards the bedroom, to pack her things. The urge to let the tears choking her fall was a lot to hold but she told herself he wasn't worth it.

As she stepped into the bedroom, she slammed the door behind her. Her back leaned against the door for a while, then she collapsed to the floor.

She couldn't hold her tears anymore.

"H....he said I was just a replacement," she murmured to herself, sobbing.

"Just when I thought I was fortunate, fate proved me wrong," she said, still muttering to herself.

After a while, she stood up from the floor and walked towards the closet. She opened the closet, staring at her clothes, shoes, and jewelry, and how neatly arranged they were. They were all expensive designers bought by Edward.

She stared at them for some time, then she chuckled bitterly. "So this was my price for being a dirty secret...wow," she said to herself. She pulled out her suitcase and started to arrange her things.

As she packed each item, it took her down memory lane. The red bodycon sequin gown he insisted she wear to a dinner party. The peach gown was designed by Donna Karan herself. Her closets were all filled with dresses by top designers including Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren. Her shoes and bags were from Jimmy Choo, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and three Michael Kors bags sat pretty in her closet. Her jewelry was mostly Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Immediately she was done packing, she wiped every trace of tears from her face.

If Edward wants her to leave the city, then she will. She stepped out of the bedroom and stepped down to the living room. "It's been four months and it seems like I've lived half of my life here," she whispered to herself, staring at every corner.

Edward was sitting on the couch calm. He sat composed, as if the conversation they had just had meant nothing.

For a minute she thought he would stand up and stop her, but he was silent. This pierced Emily's heart again.

Emily tightened her hold on her suitcase handle, stepping towards the door.

That door was not just an exit to the house, it was also an exit to everything she foolishly believed in. As she got to the door, she held the handle about to open the door.

"Wait, don't leave!" Edward screamed abruptly.

Emily stops as she turns in his direction.

Her heart starts pounding. Maybe it was all a prank, she thought to herself.

Edward walks to her calmly.

"You forgot your Amulet," he said, handing it to her. "And the money has also been paid to your account," he added in a calm tone.

Emily's heart falls immediately, her hopes shattered.

"T...thanks," she said, turning and leaving, slamming the door behind her.

Holding her tears, the pain in her heart, and the anger boiling in her from the disappointment.

As she walked outside the gate, the cab she had booked was already waiting for her. She barged into the taxi without confirming if it was her ride.

"Where to, ma'am?" The driver asked, staring at her through the rearview mirror.

"Take me to any hotel outside this town," she replied, avoiding his gaze.

"Okay, ma'am."

Emily stared out of the window as she burst into silent tears.

"How did I fall into this?" she murmured to herself. "W.....why is fate so cruel? Where do I go now?" Emily asked quietly.

"Should I call my Dad?" she still murmured to herself. It immediately occurred to her that he was the root of her problem.

"No...not possible, I won't," she started sobbing. She thought to herself that it might be better if she cut ties with him if she really wanted to start again.

After about thirty minutes, they arrived at a hotel outside town.

"We've arrived, ma'am," the driver's voice cut through her thoughts.

Emily wiped every trace of tears from her face. She paid the driver and stepped out of the cab. The driver came down to assist with her luggage, but she refused.

She walked towards the hotel with her luggage.

As she got to the reception, she approached the chubby lady behind the counter.

"A room for a week," she said to the lady.

"That'll be five hundred dollars," the lady replied, adjusting her glasses resting on her nose to look up to Emily.

Without uttering another word, she handed her credit card over to the lady to make the payment.

"Have a wonderful stay," the lady said, handing her card back to her. She also gave her the key, which had the room number on it, along with the key holder.

Emily easily located her room, as she inserted the key into the keyhole to open the door. As soon as she was in, she locked the door from the inside. She checked every corner of the room if it was clean. She released a breath of relief as everything was properly arranged, including the co-joined toilet and bathroom.

"This will have to do for a week," she told herself. While standing, she started to feel lightheaded. She immediately stepped towards the bed and fell flat on it.

She napped for about half an hour before she was interrupted by a call. It was her best friend Betty who was calling, she wasn't ready to speak to anybody, including her best friend.

At first, she thought it was Edward, maybe he had come back to his senses, but she was disappointed. A few stray tears escaped her eyes but she furiously wiped them off, reminding herself that the man wasn't worth it.

She huffed in annoyance, trying to rise into a sitting position, but this time, the sudden urge to puke had her rushing towards the bathroom.

She emptied her bowels in the toilet.

After a while, she held onto the bathroom sink, leaning over it. She splashed some water on her face, as she raised her head her eyes met with her reflection in the mirror. She looked a bit pale for someone who always had tanned skin.

"I can't be sick," she murmured to herself, recalling that for the past five days she had been feeling weak and dizzy.

She didn't bother telling Edward because she had recently gone for a medical check-up and the doctor told her she was fine.

"Wait.... It's a new month." Her eyes widened to a realization, as she stared back at her reflection.

It's been five days into a new month and she hasn't seen her period. She was a week late, she had never in her life experienced a late period.

"How did I forget?" she asked herself. Suddenly, it felt as if her nipples were tingling. She had never experienced sore breasts or tingling nipples even during ovulation.

Fear crept into her chest abruptly.

"It...it can't be," she murmured to herself, as she shook her head in denial. "It was just once right?"

"But you didn't take pills." A small voice whispered in her head.

Her heart was slamming hard against her chest, scared of the possibility of the impossible becoming a reality. She flushed the toilet and sped out of the bathroom, quickly grabbing her purse and exiting the room.

"Where's the nearest pharmacy?" she asked the receptionist.

"Three blocks from here, to the right," he answered, even though he was displeased with her approach.

Emily wasn't patient enough to express her gratitude, as she quickly ran off in the direction the man had described.

About thirty minutes later, she returned to her room with about five pregnancy tests while fervently praying that her fears wouldn't come true. Immediately she urinated on all five of them, while awaiting the results.

As soon as they were ready she fell to the bathroom floor, as all five of them were positive.

"I can't be pregnant," she said, as tears of distress and regret streamed down her face.

How was she going to handle the situation? How did she land herself in such a hopeless and helpless state? She had a selfish father and she couldn't face her best friend. Could she really take care of a baby? How could she be pregnant for a man, who has clearly stated that he doesn't want her? Indeed, signing the contract with Edward was the biggest mistake of her life.

These questions and thoughts ran through her head as she continued crying.

After crying for more than an hour, she rose to her feet and exited the bathroom, heading for the bed. But the noise from the TV caught her attention as she heard the name of the same man who had left her in this terrible condition.

"CEO of Carter Textiles Ltd, Edward Carter, is back with his ex-fiancée who seems to be pregnant," the news broadcaster said, smiling excitedly. "It is said that they will be getting married soon."

A picture of Edward in an intimate position with a pregnant brunette came up on the TV. The presenter had explained that the picture had been shot at a social event where the billionaire had claimed that the woman who had been his date, Natasha Wills, was his soon-to-be wife and that they were expecting their first child.

This news broke Emily's heart more.

So this was the reason he didn't attend the event with her. Indeed, she was going to leave this city, not for him but for her and her unborn child.

She protectively wrapped her hands around her flat stomach.

"It's you and me against the world," she murmured in a broken voice.