From Contract to Love

Chapter One

JANE POV

I was stuck in a rut, big time. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had nothing to do. My friends were all busy with their husbands, and I was solo. Again.

I'm Jane, by the way. I'm 24, single, and not exactly thrilled about it. Don't get me wrong, I love my independence, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one not living the dream.

As I lounged on my couch, my phone rang. Mom. I let it go to voicemail. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture about finding a nice guy and settling down.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out to the mart. I needed some fresh air and a snack. As I strolled in, I bumped into someone at the entrance. Literally.

"Watch where you're going, clumsy!" a voice growled.

I looked up to see a rugged, charming guy with messy dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a strong build, like he worked out regularly, but his scowl made him look intimidating. But for some reason he looks familiar.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I said, feeling a bit taken aback by his tone.

"Well, maybe you should be," he snapped. "You almost took me down."

I bristled at his attitude. "Hey, I said I was sorry. No need to be rude."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm being rude? You're the one who bumped into me."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. Sorry again, okay?"

He snorted. "Save it. But hey, since you're so sorry, how about you buy me a coffee to make up for it?" he said with an annoying smirk on his face.

I hesitated for a moment, then agreed. We walked to a nearby cafe, his silence making me feel uncomfortable, like really really uncomfortable.

As we sipped our coffee, he finally spoke up. "So, what's your name? And what makes you so clumsy?" he said with an annoying smile.

I bristled at his tone, but answered anyway. "I'm Jane Williams and I'm not clumsy. I'm just a little distracted, that's all. I'm just...adventurous."

He snorted. "Adventurous? That's one way to put it. I'd say you're just plain reckless."

I felt a surge of anger, but tried to keep my cool. "Well, maybe I am. But at least I'm not a grumpy, rude stranger who can't even be polite," I said and stole a little glance at his beautiful blue eyes.

He smirked. "Oh, I'm polite. I'm just not afraid to speak my mind. And if you can't handle a little bit of honesty, then maybe you're not as adventurous as you think you are," he said with no emotions.

And with that, he finished his coffee and walked out, leaving me feeling both annoyed and intrigued. Who was this guy, anyway? He really seems familiar for some reason.

I shifted my thoughts and stormed out of the coffee shop, still fuming from my encounter with his rude behavior. I was used to guys being so nice to me, not insulting me. And it was all because of my pretty face.

I'd always been the one to dish out the sass, to play hard to get. Guys would fawn over me, trying to get my attention, and I'd revel in the power it gave me. But for once, someone had turned the tables on me. And I didn't like it one bit. Or does he think he is that handsome?

As I drove home, I couldn't shake off the annoyance. Who was that guy? And why did he have to be so...rude? Why does he seem like I've met him somewhere but I can't remember or probably he is a celebrity I've seen on TV?

I pulled into my driveway, still seething. I needed a shower and a nap to get over this awful day.

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The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Or so I thought. As I was getting dressed, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Emily.

"Hey, girl! I'm having a party tonight, and you have to come!" "No" is never an option she squealed.

I hesitated for a moment but then agreed. Maybe a night out was just what I needed to forget about the rude stranger. Besides Emily must want me to be there.

I quickly ordered a black diamond gown that would suit tonight's party, 'cause Emily's husband flows with celebrities.

As I arrived at Emily's party, I was greeted by the usual crowd of admirers. But as I made my way through the throng of people, I noticed a familiar face. The rude stranger from the coffee shop was standing by the bar, sipping a drink. Why is he here?

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met. And for once, I was speechless. I just stood looking at him as he walked towards me.

He walked over to me, a smirk on his face. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The queen of mean herself," he said as he got so close to me.

I rolled my eyes, distracting myself that I find this rude guy attractive, like this is the first time I have found someone attractive. "What do you want? Why are you even here?" I asked.

"It's a party, or am I not allowed to be here?" he said. I was about to reply when his mood changed and he said, "I want to talk to you," his voice low and serious. "Outside," he said and started walking outside. What is his deal this time? I thought but then followed him out to the balcony. The cool night air was a welcome respite from the crowded party.

"What do you want?" I repeated, my arms crossed.

"I want to propose a contract marriage," he said, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.

I laughed. "You've got to be kidding me." Anyway what is the contract about?

But he wasn't smiling. "I'm dead serious, Jane. I need a wife, and you need a husband. Let's make a deal."

I was taken aback. Who told him I need a husband? No one had ever asked me to marry them before, "because I was not ready to marry" my subconscious mind tells me. "Who told you I need a husband?" I yelled at him and turned to go.

He held my hand and I turned to him. "Because if you had a husband you wouldn't be here alone," he said.

There was something about him that intrigued me. Maybe it was the way he didn't fawn over me, or the way he seemed to see right through me. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny that I was curious.

"I remember my mom and her wish for me to get married," So tell me about this contract I said, my voice softer than I intended.

"Let's go to my car," he said and I followed him behind.

And with that, he began to lay out his proposal. A contract marriage, with terms and conditions. It was crazy, but...

I couldn't help but be tempted. He is every girl's dream man, most especially my type. I thought and smiled in my head.

"Since this is all what the contract marriage is, I will think about it and get back to you in two days," I said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Okay, here's my number," he gave me a card and walked away.

I looked at the card and my eyes widened in shock. He is the Blackwoods son!!!!!!

Chapter Two

MAX POV

After two years of staying in the States, I decided to return home. Dad was so much in support of my return for his selfish reasons, while my mom misses her son dearly.

Being the only son, my parents' love and affection I got it more, to the extent I became proud and so no lady could fit in that space. I don't believe in any other shabby love apart from my mom's own.

I stepped off the plane, exhausted from the long flight from the States. My dad's summons had been urgent, and I knew what was coming. Sure enough, as soon as I arrived at the mansion, the secretary to my dad took me into the study where my dad was sitting with a medicated glass on his eyes and glancing through a book on the desk.

I bowed and greeted my dad with respect as the secretary walked out of the room.

"Max, you're 30 now. It's time to settle down and take your rightful place in the company," Henry Blackwood said, that's my dad's name. He removed his glasses and looked at me straight in the eyes.

I sighed inwardly. Here we go again. "Dad, I don't need a wife to run the company." Besides you can't ask how my trip was, you just start talking about marriage the minute I arrive here. I said with a little bit of frustration in my voice.

Henry's expression turned cold. "You'll do as I say Max. All my friends' sons are married and already receiving grandchildren and do you know the worst part? They don't get scared to rub it in my face that my son is 30 and single. No rumor that the only son of the Blackwoods has ever dated. Or if you don't want to get married I'll make sure Alex inherits the company. You know I mean it, Max." my dad said with no single emotion but a bit of pain in his eyes.

I felt emotional all of a sudden and nodded reluctantly, knowing my dad wouldn't back down and I would be his biggest regret. "Fine, I'll find someone."

As soon as those words left my mouth he stood up with a smile and left the study. I felt trapped. I needed some fresh air to clear my head.

I entered my rocky car and headed to the nearest mart, grabbing a snack and some alcohol to clear my head and I bumped into a beautiful woman at the entrance.

She was a definition of beauty, even with her messy hair and huge sweater.

In my life I have never been attracted to someone, so why do I feel this way right now? I thought but shifted the thought from my head.

"Watch where you're going!" I snapped, looking at her.

The woman's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she just said sorry.

Being the rude brat that I am I prolonged the matter and she ended up buying me a coffee.

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I left there and went to my best friend's house.

We did a lot of catching up since it's been long since we met each other. Can't believe even Jack my best friend has a fiancee already, no wonder dad's pressure on me is high.

I left Jack's place after he begged me to attend a party with him tomorrow. I agreed, I need to find a wife anyway. So basically I was forced to attend a party.

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I got home and mom prepared my favorite meal. She was so happy to see her only son, it was a feast in the Blackwoods home for my return. Just my mom, dad and me.

I have two younger sisters but I will talk about them some other time.

I was happy to be back home, I miss my mom.

,,,,,,,,,,,,

After the meal mom decided to have a private conversation with me. Luckily she was not forcing me to get married, she totally understands my decision and it makes me love her more.

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It was a cool evening, Jack had called to remind me about the party. I wore a gold suit with black trousers.

I drove my sports car and arrived at the party. It was not looking fun so I headed to the bar, while Jack went to greet the people celebrating.

As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on the woman from the mart. She looked even more stunning now, laughing and chatting with friends. I'm sure they were complimenting her beauty 'cause she is definitely one.

And then it hit me - why don't I propose a contract to marry her? It was a crazy idea, but it just might work. I thought and I felt joy for some moments. But then what if she has a boyfriend or a fiance? I thought but I gathered the courage and walked towards her.

I made my way through the crowd, my eyes fixed on the mysterious woman. I felt a sense of determination building up inside me. This was the answer to my problems - a contract marriage with this beautiful stranger.

As I approached her, she looked up and caught my eye straight at her. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. But I composed myself.

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The proposal of asking her to marry was not as bad as I thought.

She seems calm and just told me she will think about it.

I will need her to hurry to give me a reply, to avoid any more uncomfortable meetings with my dad.

I entered my car and called Jack I was leaving.

I got to my house and the maids were uncomfortable about my return.

The rude, annoying, bachelor of the Blackwoods is finally at home.

Nancy one of the maids ran towards me to hug me, of course I hugged her back. It's been ages, she was young when she was brought to our house and we basically grew up together. She made me laugh at times and she ate meals I was forced to finish.

A lot of people will think the Blackwoods are very rude and selfish. Yes we are rude and selfish but Nancy was only loved by me, that was why I took her in when I bought my own house.

"So how was your trip?" Nancy asked as she put her hands around mine.

"It was fine, can you beli...."

We talked as we headed to my room.

She is the only worker I talk to nicely and she understands me even when I'm sad.

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It's been two days since I gave this pretty lady days to think and yet no reply from her.

I asked my private investigator to give me her house address. I'm definitely going to pay her a house visit till she accepts.

>>>>>>>

I stood by her door and gave a slight knock.

"Coming!" I heard her say and my heart pounded heavily.

Chapter Three

JANE POV

Over the next two days, I kept thinking if it's a dream or a reality. This is "Blackwoods," one of the richest tech industries in the world. They had just one son and his name was Max, and this card clearly says Max Blackwoods' private number.

I had hit myself to wake up from this dream but I'm still stuck in it.

I took my system out to know more about the Blackwoods and guess what? I'm not up to a quarter of their standard. I can't call him, I said and stared at the card.

I heard a knock on my door. "Coming!" I said as I walked down the stairs. Probably Emily and Mary want to hang out today, so I did not bother checking the footage of who was at the door.

I opened the door and the last person I expected was standing right at my door. Okay, someone really should wake me up from this nightmare, I pleaded in my heart, but all this is happening, it's reality. Or maybe he is not the one, he just had his boss's card, I thought and calmed myself.

"You did not call so I had to find you and get your reply. Time is no longer on my side," Max said.

"I'm not interested in your proposal," I said, trying to sound firm but my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Oh, come on," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're not going to tell me you're still holding out for Prince Charming, are you?"

I bristled at his tone, but he just kept going. "Listen, Jane. I'm not looking for love or romance. I need a wife who can help me secure some business deals and fulfill my father's wish. And you, with your pretty face and charming smile, are perfect for the job."

I was taken aback by his blunt honesty, but also a little offended. "And what makes you think I'm qualified for this job?" Just because I have a pretty face? I asked, trying to keep my cool.

He snorted. "Qualified? Please. You're a socialite, Jane. You're used to attending parties and looking pretty. That's all I need."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but then he dropped a bombshell. "By the way, I'm Max Blackwood. CEO of Blackwood Industries."

My eyes widened as I realized who he was. So it's really true, he is the only son and heir to the Blackwood Industries. No wonder he seems familiar, no wonder he is rude, no wonder he is f**king good looking, no wonder he is perfect.

"You're...you're the Max Blackwood?" I stuttered.

He nodded, his expression unimpressed. "I thought you might find out already through the card. Anyway, I need a wife who can help me secure some deals. Besides, it's just a year contract, I promise to pay you after the contract ends. So, what do you say, Jane? Are you in?"

I was taken aback by his proposal, but also a little tempted. The idea of being married to one of the most powerful men in the world was both thrilling and terrifying.

And then there was the fact that he was still being incredibly rude to me...

I was still trying to process the fact that the rude stranger from the coffee shop was actually the CEO of Blackwood Industries. And now, he was proposing a contract marriage to me?

"I have thought about it, so what will your parents say, since I'm not from some elite company?" I asked.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Don't bother about what they think or not. Besides, they want a wife and I'm going to give them a wife," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, I will tell my mom about it to see her reply. I bet she will be so shocked."

He shrugged. "Fine. But don't take too long. I hope she is in support of this," he said.

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling both frustrated and intrigued.

I couldn't even bring him inside, so rude of me.

We actually fit since we are both rude to each other.

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Over the next few days, I couldn't stop thinking about getting married to Max. It was crazy, but a part of me was tempted. The idea of being married to someone as powerful and successful as Max Blackwood was both thrilling and intimidating.

As I weighed my options, I did some research on Blackwood Industries that I could not finish that day, since I've been busy with work. And what I found out was impressive. Max's father had built the company from scratch, and it was now one of the most successful companies in the world.

The Blackwoods have four children. Max is the last child and only son. Basically, he is the heir to the Blackwoods.

But there were also rumors of his ruthless business tactics, and the way Max treated his employees like dirt and also a Mafia lord. But rumors will always be rumors.

My mom was so happy that I have finally decided to settle down. It will hurt her the most when she finds out it's a contract marriage.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It was a cool Saturday evening. Max gave me a heads up that I will sign the contract that day.

And that's when Max showed up at my doorstep, looking more breathtaking than ever.

I allowed him in unlike before and treated him with a coffee.

"Well?" he said, his eyes narrowing. "What's your mom's reply?" as he took the cup of coffee in his mouth.

I took a deep breath. "She is happy for me," I said finally. "But only if you agree to treat me with respect," I added.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Respect? You want respect from me? Why will your mom want me to treat you with respect, are you some kind of gold?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, I am. I'm her only child so it's clear I'm her gold. And if you can't give it to me, then this deal is off," I said.

"Hold on, pretty," Max snorted. "Fine. I'll try to be on my best behavior. But don't expect me to start treating you with love or anything," he said without any emotions.

And with that, he pulled out a contract and handed it to me.

I signed the contract, feeling a sense of trepidation. What had I just gotten myself into?

As I looked up, I saw Max's expressionless face. "Good," he said, taking the contract from me. "It's official, then. We're getting married."

"I will let my parents know today. After a year we go our separate ways.

Wear this ring, 'cause my dad is really a curious man."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling like I'd just made a deal with the devil.

But why did Max Blackwood, one of the most powerful men in the world, want to marry me? I was just a socialite, a nobody. He would have been able to marry someone bigger than me.

I moved the thought aside and called Mary to hang out if she is not busy.

Later at night, I saw a message bump on my screen from Max.

"You will be meeting my parents next week. I will send my driver to pick you up. I will also send some money for you to look good that day."

The text reads. I hope his family loves me and doesn't treat me as trash, I thought and drifted to sleep.