Contract Marriage with My Billionaire Friend

Ailee Dawson looked at herself in front of the mirror, twirled around in a beautiful wedding dress that clung to her ideal body.

"What do you think?" she asks Jason Killian, her best friend. The 27-year-old man looked at her in awe, his eyes were sparkling.

"Ailee, you are already beautiful when you wear ordinary clothes. When you wear this dress, you look like a fairy," replied Jason while praising. The woman was his best friend since they were in college. Her slim body, with chubby cheeks and round eyes, makes anyone excited and want to hug her.

Her blonde hair flowed down to her waist, and her skin was not too white but clean, looking very healthy. But Jason never imagined that Ailee would ask him to accompany her to a wedding dress fitting. Jason had always held a deep love for his best friend Ailee, as they had been close since their college days. However, he never anticipated that she would introduce him to her boyfriend, which left him with mixed emotions. Despite his desire for Ailee's happiness, he couldn't shake off the way he felt.

Even so, he still harbors feelings for Ailee to this day, and he feels happy moments when he sees Ailee tossing her hair or walking in a wedding dress while smiling at him.

By the way, where is your future husband? Shouldn't he be the one who came to this place together with you?" Ailee stopped in front of Jason, her face looked gloomy."Hey hey, why are you making a face like that? "The bride and groom should smile beautifully and gracefully, not mope," said Jason as he got up and patted Ailee on both cheeks gently.

"I told him last night, so he wouldn't forget to come to this place. However, he didn't read my message at all, until now. I thought maybe he was too tired because of his busy schedule, he had been appointed by the Board of Directors of his company, as a Manager in the production department. I understand he is busy, but I also feel quite surprised that he did not come on such an important day."

Ailee finally complained in front of Jason, trying to hold back all her anxiety, but because the man had asked her, she had to tell the truth.

"Didn't you go to his house to check on him?" Jason asks again with a frown.

"Ah, I haven't time to stop by there, you know, I also just got a promotion at my company. I've been in the office since morning directing the work of my subordinates, and then I came here afterward," Ailee answered while flipping her long hair. Jason was silent and surprised by the situation Ailee was facing, the 26-year-old woman then went into the dressing room to change into a work blouse, then she approached Jason while he standing near the window.

"What are you looking at?" Ailee asks while looking out the window.

"No, I just saw the hustle and bustle out there," Jason answered as he turned his head and looked at Ailee. The woman was so sweet that it melted his feelings.

"The hustle and bustle of the city can sometimes be very annoying during rush hour," said Ailee as she sat on the sofa and opened her cell phone screen. She then checked the latest notifications, her work email, and personal messages. One message made her look excited, she immediately opened it.

Message from Jeremy!

But in an instant, her face immediately turned pale, her body trembled when she read the message from her fiancé. Her body felt so weak that the cell phone she was holding almost fell if Jason had not quickly caught it."

"What happened Ailee? Why does your face look so pale?" Jason asked worriedly, he touched Ailee's body, and cold sweat flowed down Ailee's body. The woman looked at Jason and tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

"What should I do, Jason?" he asked with trembling lips, he was curious, and Jason immediately read the message that was still on the cellphone screen.

'I'm sorry, Ailee...

But really, I'm not ready to marry you.

So, don't look for me'

It was surprising and painful. The wedding was supposed to take place in a week, but in such a short time, Jeremy decided to leave Ailee. Jason put down the cell phone and immediately hugged Ailee. The beautiful woman cried without making a sound, which made Jason's heart break even more.

"We're going to the apartment now, I have to find out what happened," said Ailee, her voice trembling, punctuated by soft sobs. She tried to stand up, but her legs felt so weak.

"Ailee, calm yourself first, you can't leave like this," Jason advised Ailee. However, Ailee insisted on going to see Jeremy immediately.

"I have to go see him now. Why did he suddenly decide to separate? If his not ready, why he come to proposed me? Now he walk away and leave me, do you think it's fair? That's not fair to me!" Ailee hardened her heart and made Jason feel like he couldn't bear it, he grabbed Ailee's arm and helped the woman to stand up straight. Ailee looked at her friend's face in astonishment.

"I will accompany you, to meet that man. After all, you are my best friend, how could a man have the heart to dump my best friend?

"I'll help you deal with it," Jason said while forcing himself to smile, he was sad when he heard the unpleasant news.

How could anyone have the heart to hurt Ailee's feelings? While he was a friend, he had never made her sad, since the first time they met. He even always looked after Ailee, so that she wouldn't get hurt. Because of this, he suddenly felt angry when he knew that Jeremy had hurt his best friend.

"How could he hurt my best friend like this? Your not deserve, Ailee, that is the reason why I need to help you, let's go to Jeremy's apartment!" Ailee nodded her head firmly and obeyed Jason's words, Jason led Ailee, leaving the fitting room, they walked to the basement. When they were in the car, Jason held Ailee's finger tightly and stared at each other.

"Be strong, Ailee, I will try to help you, whatever happens."

Jason wanted Ailee to feel calmer before meeting Jeremy. Not a single word came out of Ailee's mouth, Jason was reluctant to ask because he was afraid the woman would cry again. But of course, he couldn't understand what had happened.

Why did Jeremy suddenly decide to leave his best friend, when their wedding day was almost here? Damn you, Jeremy! How dare you leave Ailee alone, you are such a coward!

Jason cursed in his heart, he felt so annoyed and angry that the veins in his hands were popping out because he was gripping the steering wheel so tightly. The car they were driving turned and entered an elite apartment complex. They passed through an asphalt road specifically for vehicles and entered a parking lot in the basement of the apartment building. Jason parked his car and rushed out of the car. He opened the door for Ailee, who still looked unsteady from shock.

"Ailee, are you okay? Would it be better for me to meet him?" Jason looked at Ailee's face, which still looked pale.

"I-I'm fine, this is my problem, I am the one who has to find out the truth," Ailee answered with trembling lips. Jason couldn't bear to see Ailee, trying to steady her heart by biting her lip. He grabbed Ailee's fingers and held them tightly.

"Don't worry, don't panic, I will accompany you," said Jason in a very gentle voice. He immediately closed the car door and followed Ailee's steps. The woman tried to strengthen her steps and forced herself to walk, they entered the elevator, then Ailee pressed the button for their destination floor. The elevator moved up to the 37th floor, a silence enveloped the two of them.

Jason could see Ailee's face from the reflection on the elevator wall, her nervous and sad face was visible. Jason sighed, he looked at Ailee's fingers, which were still in his hands. Occasionally Ailee wiped away tears, which dripped again and wet her cheeks. He pulled Ailee's hand so that the woman's body turned towards him and immediately embraced her in his arms. He hugged Ailee so tightly and let Ailee cry on his chest.

"Cry if you want to cry, stupid," he said in a trembling voice, Aile let go of Jason's embrace and stared into his eyes.

"I can still survive, Jason. I'm sorry if I look fragile and annoying," she said while forcing herself to smile.

"It's you," Jason couldn't say anymore, he just stroked Ailee's long hair gently while wiping the tears from the woman's face. The elevator doors opened, and they immediately went to their destination apartment. Ailee pressed the apartment bell, she hoped that Jeremy would come out soon and give her an explanation. But there were no signs of anyone coming out from there.

Then she unlocked the door button of the house and pressed the password, the door opened, and she immediately stepped slowly and entered Jeremy's apartment, there was nothing left there. Ailee then rushed to open the bedroom door, then went through the bathroom and other rooms, then opened the balcony door. But she couldn't find Jeremy anywhere.

With shaking hands, Ailee looked for Jeremy's cell phone number in her cell phone contacts and then immediately called the man. However, the phone never connected, Ailee tried many times to call her again, but she only got through to voicemail. Ailee's knees felt weak, and she fell and sat on the cold tile floor, Jason was surprised to see this.

He immediately approached Ailee and hugged her body from behind. Ailee turned around and immediately hugged Jason tightly, tears spilling from her eyes instantly. Now she realized that Jeremy's message had not been a joke, the man had left her with their wedding plans. Her dream was broken in just one day, she couldn't understand whether she had done something wrong, so the man changed his mind and left her. Jason just let Ailee cry in his arms, he could feel every vibration of Ailee's body which felt so strong.

"Ailee, calm yourself," Jason ask as he stroked Ailee's hair and occasionally patted her back gently. His heart felt broken, when he saw the woman he loved crying bitterly, this was the first time he saw Ailee's truly 'broken' figure.

"I, I don't know what a mistake I've done, so he left me. Would it make sense to you, if he left me, just because he felt less ready for marriage? If that's the case, why did he propose to me and just leave me? Was he just intending to play with me all this time? What should I tell my parents and family?"

Questions by question flowed from Ailee's mouth, punctuated by endless sobs. Jason pondered, his gaze wandering, his heart feeling very hot. If Jeremy were in front of him right now, he can imagine that he would not let that man off easy. He would not hesitate to teach him a lesson.

I did everything I could to look after Ailee, ever since our time in college. I made sure that nothing and no one would hurt her. So why, at a time like this, is she being hurt by the person who should love her more than anyone else? Why is this happening?

For some time, they remained in the same position, until Ailee felt so exhausted that she began to cry and eventually fell asleep in Jason's arms. Jason looked at Ailee's face, which was messy from her tears, and then he gently smoothed her hair. He lifted her body and they left Jeremy's apartment, walking slowly.

Despite the whispers of the several people they passed by, Jason paid no attention to them. All that was on Jason's mind was to get Ailee away from that place as quickly as possible. He swiftly got into the car and gently placed Ailee inside. Once they arrived at the parking lot in the basement, Jason took a moment to stare at Ailee before quickly fastening his seat belt and taking the driver's seat. He started driving slowly, his heart filled with a mix of sadness and anger.

"That irresponsible man, how dare he leave Ailee and destroy her dreams. I can't even imagine what he's doing right now. Doesn't he feel the slightest bit guilty towards Ailee? Why would he propose to Ailee, only to leave her because he wasn't ready?" Jason asked himself so many questions that had no answers. He glanced at Ailee, who was still asleep. However, Ailee suddenly woke up and realized they were at an intersection near her house. She immediately panicked and grabbed Jason's arm.

"Don't take me back to my house, please take me to your place, Jason. I'm begging you," she pleaded with him.

Jason was shocked when he heard Ailee's request, which he took very seriously. He could see the frustration on her face as she covered it with her palms. Her words echoed in his mind as his pupils dilated with concern.

"Don't play around, Ailee, do you understand what you're saying?" he asked.

"I'm not kidding, Jason. I can't possibly go home in this condition. What should I say to my parents?" Ailee replied, looking very upset. Jason took a deep breath and looked at the woman he loved, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart.

"Okay, I'll take you to my apartment. You can stay there until your mood improves and calms down," Jason offered, patting his best friend on the shoulder. He hated to see Ailee in such a messy and distressed state.

As Ailee wiped her tears, she expressed her gratitude to Jason.

"Thank you, Jason. Thank you," she said. Jason turned around and headed back to the city, driving towards his apartment. Ailee's family's luxurious house was located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by elite residences. In contrast, Jason's apartment was situated in the city center, which was quite strategic as it was surrounded by public facilities that were always at their disposal.

The sports car they were driving turned into a luxury apartment complex. With nimble hands, Jason turned the steering wheel and entered the parking lot in the basement. After he parked the car, he rushed to open the door for Ailee.

"Is it okay if you stay here?" Jason asked again, concerned for his friend's well-being.

"I have nowhere else to go, Jason. Haven't I told you this before? I've never had a true friend as good as you. Most of my friends are just losers who only stick around because of my family's wealth. I don't want to take any chances with them in this situation," Ailee replied gratefully.

Ailee's answer made sense to Jason, he quickly nodded his head and invited Ailee to go to his apartment. Jason's apartment was located on the 50th floor of the building, they immediately entered it, he closed the door and immediately invited Ailee to enter the living room.

As Ailee looked around the tidy and clean apartment, she complimented Jason on how much better it looked since the last time she visited.

Jason joked, "So you're saying I was such a mess, huh?" They both laughed, and Ailee took in the beautiful decor of the apartment, complete with an aquarium and indoor plants. Jason offered Ailee a change of clothes, and she accepted them with a smile on her face. As she changed into Jason's t-shirt, he busied himself making hot chocolate and preparing dinner. Ailee sipped her hot chocolate while Jason cooked up a storm in the kitchen.

After a while, Ailee asked Jason why he thought Jeremy left her. Jason stopped cutting potatoes and thought for a moment before answering, "It wasn't your fault he left, Ailee. He just wasn't ready. You are too perfect. What man wouldn't want you? You are beautiful, your personality is good, you have a harmonious family, and you even have a good position in your company. In other words, you don't have any shortcomings. It's just that this man doesn't deserve you."

Ailee was stunned by Jason's words, realizing that he had always been there for her even when Jeremy wasn't. As she watched Jason grill steak for dinner, a crazy idea crossed her mind.

"Jason, will you marry me?" she blurted out.

Jason's hand jerked away from the grill when he heard Ailee's words.

"Ailee!" he exclaimed, whipping around to face her.

"What did you just say?" His face was tense, his jaw visibly set. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Ailee met his gaze with a flat expression.

"I'm fully aware of what I said, Jason," she replied evenly.

"That's why I'm asking you to marry me." Jason's eyes widened. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"What about your family?" he asked, his voice strained.

"What will they think?" Ailee's face fell.

"I know it's presumptuous of me to ask," she said, looking down at the floor.

"But I don't know what else to do. I can't bear the thought of embarrassing my family any further."

"But have you ever thought about that beforehand?" Jason couldn't believe what Ailee was asking him to do.

"Do you have a girlfriend yet, Jason?" Ailee asked, looking at him closely. Jason was silent for a moment, realizing that he had just ended a relationship with Paula Maurice, which no one knew about. He had accepted Paula's love when he was feeling empty, but now, the woman he loved needed him. A strong feeling of love took over him again and he shook his head slowly in front of Ailee, feeling like he was lying for her feelings.

"Therefore, it shouldn't be a problem if you marry me. Don't worry, we won't be married forever. Let's stay married for half a year and then part ways on good terms," Ailee explained to Jason, trying to reassure him. Jason was stunned to hear the request of the woman he loved and was even ready to marry her forever.

"This is a contract marriage, I will give you an agreement that will not harm you. Because of that, please help me just this once, Jason, for the sake of my parents," Ailee continued with a pitiful face, approaching Jason and touching his cheek.

"I know this sounds very selfish, but this is my selfish request, for the first and last time of you," she added, lowering herself as low as possible in front of him. Since then, Ailee has never asked anything from a man, not even her father. If given something, she will receive it, but if she has to ask for it, she never does anything like that. Jason was still frozen and looking at the girl, his mind in turmoil.

Half of his heart said that this was a good opportunity because he would finally marry the girl he loved. But on the other hand, his heart said that if it was a futile act, why was the marriage a contract? Didn't that mean he was also being used? Ailee looked at Jason, who looked confused and unable to make a decision immediately. Of course, Ailee knew that Jason was not the type of man who would act rashly, especially in matters like this. Even though Ailee was his best friend, he would not easily make decisions on problems, which he considered serious, like now.

Ailee felt resigned and let go of Jason's hand, turning her body away. But quickly, Jason grabbed her soft fingers again, looking at her sharply with a tinge of sympathy in his eyes. He loved Ailee more than himself, and that was something that couldn't be denied.

"If it helps you, then let's get married," Jason said, agreeing to Ailee's request. Ailee was shocked and looked at Jason in disbelief, but she was sure she had heard him correctly.

"Why do you look confused, Ailee? Let's do it, a wedding. You can't disappoint your parents, right?" Jason said, trying to reassure her. Ailee's body went limp, and she almost fell if Jason hadn't caught her.

"Are you okay, Ailee?" Jason asked, worried about her condition.

"I'm fine, Jason, don't worry about me," Ailee answered, looking up at him. This kind, handsome man had been by her side for nine years, always looking after her as requested by her parents when their two families met. His father, Philip Dawson, had not approved of his relationship with Jeremy Anderson, because the young man was too ambitious and lacked composure. The father had even expressed his disappointment because Ailee had no intention of separating from Jeremy at that time. Ailee wanted to confirm once again if Jason would help her.

"Yes, Ailee, I will accept your contract marriage offer. You have to calm your mind first, okay? After that, we can think again about what we should do next. I'm sure your father must have felt angry when he heard this, but whatever happens, I will help you explain the situation to your father. Agree?" Jason smiled broadly, showing off his white teeth.

Ailee complained in her heart, "Damn you, Jason, why do you look handsome at a time like this?" Jason asked if they still wanted to continue their dinner, and Ailee answered in a slightly shrill voice.

"Of course, I still want to eat. How could we let that food go to waste there?" Jason heard this and was shocked, but he held back his laughter and turned around, restarting the grill and frying potatoes to save time. Ailee asked what Jason was going to say to his father later, knowing exactly how his father had behaved when Jason had brought Jeremy there. Jason reminded her that it was not her father who was disappointing her, but Jeremy. Ailee's eyes filled with tears again, but this time she quickly wiped them away and took a deep breath, looking away.

"Then, what do you think I should do?" she asked Jason.