Contract Marriage With The Billionaire.

She pushed herself violently into the crowd. Apologizing swiftly at the people she bumped into.

Some people paused their activities to stare at her. Some are already familiar with her, she wasn't new to the hospital. She came around often. She literally looked like someone whose life was in great danger. She ran like her entire life depended on it.

" whoa! Slow down Amanda. The ground is slippery, you might get hurt", Linda cautioned. Pulling her back. Linda is a nurse at the hospital Amanda's mom is registered in. And she's also Amanda's closest friend.

" How's she? Is she fine now?" Amanda asked breathlessly. She was at her second part-time job at the café when she got a call that her mother had collapsed again. This will be the second time in two weeks.

She was scared. What if this was the end? She used to have health problems once every four to five months. But these past weeks have been alarming. She has been having constant health scares that have been putting the family in intense tension.

" She's fine. But this time around you need to pay up Amy. The hospital can't keep treating her on loan. You've to pay up" Linda hated breaking such news to her, but she had to. Doctor Ben, who's in charge of Amanda's mother, had threatened her to make her friend pay up. In his words, " We aren't running a charity home here, Linda."

Amanda bit her lower lip and took her head down in embarrassment. She knew Linda would never talk about her debts unless words spread around. She guessed the doctors had been talking a lot about her. She sighed dejectedly and looked up at Linda. " I'm trying my best. I work four hours per day. I'd have done more, but I'm just a single body. And I can't tell my dad to go out and work. He's old and fragile. I'm trying, Linda, I really am trying." She cried softly.

Linda felt a thick blanket of guilt cover her up in an instant. Why didn't she lay it out to her in a more mature way?

" I know you're doing your best, Amy. And I'm sorry for sounding that way. Just that your mom has been placed on oxygen and they cost a lot. The hospital can't afford that." Linda explained softly, trying to comfort the weeping girl in front of her.

Amanda snapped her head in that direction with wide eyes. "Oxygen what?!" She snapped unintentionally.

Linda gave her a sad look, but Amanda ignored her and rushed into her mother's ward. She stopped close to her bed and a heavy weight started piling up on her chest. Her lips quivered as she stared at her mom's pale figure lying on the hospital bed with an oxygen mask on her nose. Her eyes trailed the pipe connecting to the mask down to the oxygen tank it was connected to, then her eyes fell on the weak old man resting his head on the sides of the bed.

Tears fell from her eyes. This is not the sight any child should behold. A dying mother and a drained father.

Men her dad's age were still young and agile. He was in his late forties but looked like he was in his late sixties. Both of her parents were still young. Back then, when they still had the family business, Her parents were the perfect definition of a power couple. They stood by each other in everything. Her dad and mom looked like they were in their twenties. Some of her friends back in college always doubted they were her parents whenever they came to visit her in school.

Now just look at them. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a waterfall. She wished she could do something – anything.

The doctor walked in and met her lost in her thoughts. He shook his head in pity and tapped her.

She jerked a little but calmed down when she saw it was her friend, doctor Tim. He had always helped her in any little way he could, so she was very free with him.

" You just have to understand that if it isn't her time to go she's going nowhere, but if otherwise is the case, then you just have to be strong" he said in a soft tone so as not to wake up the sleeping man and his wife.

Amanda nodded calmly, wiping away her tears.

They stepped outside to talk better.

" Is it really that bad?" She asked, hoping for better news.

" I can't tell. I'm not the one in charge of her case. But I did take a look at her file and all I can say is that she really needs that surgery as soon as possible. If her other kidney fails as well, then I'm afraid she might not make it and, by the appearance of things, it's already happening. She's already finding it hard to breathe" Dr Tim explained calmly.

" Finding a kidney donor was difficult for us when we had money, but now that we're completely broke it would be near impossible", Amanda lamented bitterly.

Dr Tim sighed sadly. He wished he could help the young lady, but he just didn't have the financial capability to. " Why don't you take her home? The more she stays here, the more your bills pile up. Don't worry about the payment for the oxygen tank. I will be able to clear it in the first three days. At least that's enough for you to figure something out". Amanda flew into his arms immediately. Crying loudly and thanking him profusely at the same time.

Dr Tim laughed at her childish behavior, but didn't push her off. Amanda always made him feel like he had a sister. Something he had always wished for.

He gently placed her down and gestured at her mom's ward. "I'd go prepare your discharge slip and get you a taxi. Go get her prepared. The oxygen

Tanks will be delivered to your home tomorrow.

He just sat in his seat, just staring at nothingness. His shareholders exchanging words, their voices ringing from every corner of the room. He wasn't in his right frame of mind to put them in their place, which he'd have really loved to. But he's on the verge of losing the most important contract of his life and being strict won't solve a thing. He sure was in a tough pickle.

He glanced at his PA and the man swung into action immediately. "Silence! The boss has something to say.

Julian looked at the client before replying to his earlier question. " And how does me being married help the company?" He replied to him with a question.

The simple looking man smiled at him before replying. " I run a very respected organization, Mr Clair. And any scandalous activity can greatly affect my company's image. And I'm sure you and I wouldn't want that.

Julian raised a brow in confusion. He still doesn't understand where his companion falls in.

Mr Cameron smiled, sensing Julian's confusion. " Well, I'm sorry to say Julian, but your love life has greatly affected your company in ways you'd be too proud to accept. I'm pretty sure you've gotten wind of the rumors flying around?" Mr Cameron asked with a calm voice, which annoyed Julian.

Mr Cameron owns the most successful multi-billion tech company in the UK and a lot of companies have been desperately trying to get him to partner with them. And one of those companies is JC Tech Com. Owned by Julian Saint Clair himself. He's the most successful tech company owner in the US, with different branches planted around the globe. But like they say. Every man is a king in his own empire. He's a king in his empire and Cameron is a king in his as well.

Julian knows merging the two companies will take him to greater lengths. So, as badly as he doesn't want to accept it, he's also desperate for this contract.

Julian scoffed at the mention of the said rumor. " I don't see why a respected man such as yourself would get involved with a social media nuisance. I don't like the fact that people keep trying to dictate which hole I choose to date. I'm single because I chose to and not because I'm hiding my sexuality" If there's one thing this man hates more than losing, then that's explaining himself.

" If that's the case, Julian. Prove to me and my team that you can control the rumors about you and show us how responsibly you can handle scandals". With that. Mr Cameron stood up with his team and waltzed out of the conference room.

Julian's jaws hardened. He hates the feeling of vulnerability. He instills fear in people and not the other way round. He sets alternator people and not the other way round.

"The meeting is over. Everyone out!" He ordered angrily.

They all hurriedly packed this stuff and rushed out of the room, leaving Julian and Mike – his PA.

" Sir, what do we do now? We've been working hard for this for months now. Are we just going to let it slip off our fingers? And let our competitors win", Mike questioned confusingly. He had always known his boss as someone who loved to win. So seeing him this quiet was confusing.

" I won't lose to anybody. Get me a wife immediately. You have twenty-four hours. Now get out!" He ordered sternly. Clearly, he wasn't pleased with his decision.

* Amanda's Home *

She and her dad sighed tiredly as they threw themselves on the couch. They had carried Susan ( Amanda's mom) all the way from the taxi to the couch. She was too weak to move on her own, so all her weight was on them.

" I know you must be starving dear. I'd go get some noodles down the road and prepare them for you. Just get some rest", her dad said. Standing up to head out of the house.

" You also need lots of rest, papa. Why don't you relax while I go get it", Amanda disagreed. Trying to get the cash out of his palms.

" I insist, my dear. You've done enough. Let me do this little thing for you". Her father persuaded her, but Amanda refused. Still trying to take the money from him. " What am I even doing? I'd use my money instead. So sit down and rest.

" Why do you keep doing this?" Her dad questioned tearfully.

Amanda was taken aback. What could she have done to make him cry?

" You always treat me like I'm some kid that needs to be taken care of. You've shouldered all my responsibilities at your age. You're still a child, my dear. I know I can't do anything to help, but at least let me help in the little ways I can. Please" He cried silently. So as not to wake his wife up.

Amanda was speechless. She felt a huge lump in her throat that she couldn't swallow. She never thought she made him feel that way. She had always thought she was relieving him of all his worries. She never knew she made him feel less.

She quietly nodded her head and sat down. Urging him to go. She was too stunned to say anything.

He gave her a reassuring smile before rushing out of the house. Just in case she changes her mind.

Her thoughts were all over the place. She rushed her head on her palms, wallowing in deep frustration. She sat there for what felt like forever but stood up when she remembered her mom hadn't drunk water since they left the hospital. Dr Tim had specially told her to always keep her hydrated.

She was heading to the sink when she saw the envelope she had thrown on the table earlier in the day. The mail had come in earlier, but she was in a rush to attend to it.

" Maybe I should see what's inside. It might be my paycheck from the library. It's about time, they've refused to pay for a week now". She took it and tore the first layer open to reveal the contents of the mail.

She unfolded the piece of paper and read through the content and her heart sank into her stomach.

Amanda stood frozen, clutching the eviction notice in her trembling hands. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she gazed around their small, worn apartment.

When she had thought her problems had lessened, here is another holdup. She doesn't even have a solution to this. Only a miracle could save them at this point.

" What are you staring at with so much bitterness in your eyes?" A weak voice said, snapping her out of a pitiful trance.

Her mother, Susan, who had helped herself to sit on the couch, pale and frail, asked, staring at her with so much pity and worry in her eyes.

" Amanda, what's wrong?" Susan asked again when she had refused to speak up, concern etched on her face.

Amanda hesitated, hiding the notice behind her back.

" Nothing, Mom. Just...bills."

Susan's eyes narrowed.

" Amanda, tell me, or I'll stop taking my meds." She threatened.

Amanda panicked and surrendered, handing her the note.

Susan's face crumpled.

" We can't lose our home," Susan whispered, tears gathering at the corner of her eyes.

" And we won't. I promise you, I-just have to take on more shifts and apply for a loan at one of my per-time jobs. Surely one of them will give me something. I'd just have to take extra hours. You don't have to worry, mother. We won't be thrown out" Amanda hurriedly took the note from her hand and hugged her reassuringly.

" Is going to be fine. I promise" She coed softly while her mother wept bitterly

After some minutes, she was able to calm down and laid her back on the couch. She slept off after a few minutes.

Later that evening, Amanda was on her bed, scrolling through job vacancies. She was desperate at that point. Earlier on, she had lied to her mother about taking a loan from one of her jobs. None of her bosses accepted this. She should know, because she has tried countless times and has been threatened with her job if she keeps pestering them.

So right now. She was ready to do anything. Anything to get a quick buck to help her parents out. She was tired of listening to their cries every night.

She scrolled through different ads and just couldn't find the right one. They're either far away or the pay is very low. She was almost at the verge of giving up when a new ad popped up. The person had just posted it so she was the first to see it.

" Seeking arrangement: wealthy business person seeks companion. Discreet, mutually beneficial."*

Amanda's heart skipped. It felt unreal, was the universe trying to play tricks on her? This must be a scam. Who looks for a wife online?

She took a look at the ad again and again. She kept reminiscing on the last line "mutually beneficial.

Is this a sign? Is this the miracle she was hoping for? What else does she have to lose? She's poor and has a sick mother, and they're about to go homeless. Being a wife is far better than being homeless. With that....

With trembling hands, Amanda sent a response, her heart racing with uncertainty.

Hours passed, and then came the reply: an invitation to meet at the Grand Plaza Hotel and a strict warning – come alone!

Amanda's palms sweated as she considered the risks. But with their home and livelihood hanging in the balance, she felt compelled to take a chance.

She was still contemplating when another text came in. " You have 30 minutes to get here, if not, don't bother coming.

She sprang up in an instant, rushing into the bathroom. Five minutes later, she dashed out with a towel in hand, drying her wet body. She wore a simple off-shoulder floral gown with a mini black jean jacket to cover up. It was a little chilly outside.

After checking herself out in the mirror for barely a minute, she dashed out of the house, not giving room for questioning from her stunned parents.

Amanda arrived at the Grand Plaza Hotel, her nerves on edge. The opulent lobby overwhelmed her, its grandeur a stark contrast to her humble life.

As she approached the designated meeting point, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall, imposing, and devastatingly handsome, Julian Saint Clair. A man who exuded confidence and power.

His piercing gaze locked onto Amanda, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. This was the man who could save her family – or destroy her.

Julian's eyes narrowed as he assessed Amanda. Her rough hair came into view first. It was obvious she had rushed here, she was sweating profusely. She looked fragile, yet determined. He sensed the desperation lurking beneath her surface.

Without a word, Julian led Amanda to a private suite, where a contract lay waiting.

He sat down on the only available seat in the room, not caring if his legs were hurting or not.

" The rules are simple. Act like my wife in public, warm my bed but don't grasp feelings. When we're alone, you will stay five feet away and when we're at home don't talk to me and mind your business. Understood?" His voice was void of any form of warmth. This almost made Amanda reconsider her decision, but she kicked against it.

Those were simple rules she could abide by. Looking at this man alone, she sure doesn't want to have anything to do with him.

She had a lot of questions, but she was scared of annoying him, so he didn't change his mind. But she picked two important ones she was desperate to know. " What about ... .I mean...umm... what I am trying to say is. What am I to gain in this union?" She asked nervously.

His cold grey orbs looked up at her and a smirk formed on his lips. " Amanda Donald, 22, an only child with a sick dying mother. And a father who can't even run a proper business. Hmm, what can I say? Your gain is me. I'd be

Helping your careless family out of the misery they put themselves in.