Married to Be Repayed, Not Loved

The rain wouldn't stop. It had been falling since midnight, drenching the city in a cold, gray wash that mirrored the storm inside Elora's chest. Her shoes were soaked, her coat clung to her frame like second skin, and her hands trembled as she gripped the coffee cup that no longer warmed her fingers.

Three days ago, she'd had a fiancé. A family. A life that, while far from perfect, at least felt real.

Now? Nothing.

The apartment she used to live in belonged to her ex-fiancé, Marcus. He'd thrown her out without hesitation after she caught him in bed with her own stepsister. Her mother hadn't even picked up the phone when she called in desperation. Her stepfather, the one who always smiled a little too long, had simply texted: You brought this on yourself.

She hadn't slept. She hadn't eaten. But she'd come to work-because work was all she had left.

"Elora Vance?"

The receptionist's voice startled her. She looked up, blinking fast. "Yes?"

"Mr. Drake wants to see you. Now."

Her heart stuttered. Kaelan Drake? The CEO? He never interacted with employees personally. The man was a legend-silent, ruthless, and terrifyingly brilliant. She had only seen him once, from afar, when he walked through the office flanked by bodyguards.

"Did he say why?" Elora asked cautiously, already rising.

The receptionist simply shook her head and offered a sympathetic look. "Better not keep him waiting."

The elevator ride felt eternal. Her pulse throbbed in her ears, louder than the quiet hum of the floors ticking by. By the time the doors slid open to the top floor, Elora's stomach was in knots.

His office was massive-floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the city drowning in rain. He stood by the glass, tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in black, as though mourning something the world didn't deserve to understand.

He didn't turn when she entered.

"You're late," he said coolly.

Elora's throat went dry. "I-I wasn't aware I had a meeting with you, Mr. Drake."

Now he turned. Sharp jawline, dark eyes like storm clouds. Kaelan Drake wasn't just powerful-he was magnetic in the most dangerous way. The kind of man you couldn't look away from, even if your instincts screamed at you to run.

"I'm making you aware now," he said, walking toward his desk. He didn't sit. "I've reviewed your file. You're intelligent, loyal, underutilized. But emotionally... unstable."

Her face flushed. "I'm going through personal-"

"I don't care," he interrupted, voice like ice. "What I care about is that your department is failing. I've already fired three of your colleagues. That leaves you."

She swallowed hard. "Are you... firing me?"

There was a silence that stretched far too long. He tilted his head slightly.

"No. I'm giving you a choice."

Elora's heartbeat quickened. "A choice?"

He walked around his desk and stopped just inches from her. His presence was suffocating.

"You're going to marry me."

The words landed like a slap. Her breath caught.

"What?"

"You heard me."

She stepped back. "Is this some kind of joke?"

Kaelan's expression didn't shift. "Do I look like the kind of man who jokes?"

"No," she whispered, her voice shaking. "You look like the kind of man who ruins people for fun."

He smirked. "Not for fun. For necessity."

She stared at him, trying to make sense of the madness. "Why would you ask someone like me to marry you? You could have anyone-"

"Exactly. And none of them would agree to disappear afterward."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

"This marriage will be for appearances. Three months. That's all I need."

"For what?"

He didn't answer.

"I-I don't understand. You don't know me."

"I know enough. You're desperate. Alone. No family to interfere. Clean record. And most importantly-" He leaned in, his voice dropping. "You owe me."

Her stomach flipped. "I owe you?"

"I've helped you three times, Elora. Once when I stopped to offer you a ride and you refused it. Once when I paid your rent anonymously so you wouldn't be evicted. And once when I silenced Marcus."

Her legs nearly gave out. "That was you?"

Kaelan nodded slowly. "Did you think men like Marcus just walk away without a push?"

Elora was silent, mind reeling.

"You're not the only one who's been betrayed," he said, voice lower now. "And I need someone I can control."

"So you chose me," she whispered, trembling.

"I chose the one person with nothing left to lose."

She looked at the door. Her instincts screamed to run. But where would she go? Back to the streets? Back to begging her mother to answer the phone?

"If I say no?"

"You'll be terminated today," he said calmly. "Blacklisted from every major company in the city. And trust me-my influence doesn't end at these walls."

Elora's jaw clenched. "You're a monster."

He smiled faintly. "Perhaps. But I'm offering you a lifeline. One signature. One lie. And in three months, you'll be free-with enough money to rebuild your life anywhere you want."

"And if I sign, what happens now?"

He moved to a drawer and pulled out a velvet box. Inside-an engagement ring.

"We announce the engagement by noon. And the wedding will be held... tomorrow."

Elora staggered back a step. "You're insane."

"Maybe. But I always get what I want."

He placed the box in front of her, his gaze never leaving hers.

"Decide, Elora. Right now."

Elora stared at the ring in front of her as if it were a ticking bomb.

"I don't even know you," she whispered, her voice cracking beneath the weight of disbelief.

Kaelan didn't blink. "You don't need to know me. You just need to play your part."

Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides. "What part is that? The obedient little puppet you parade around in front of investors? The fake wife you use to cover up something shady you won't even tell me about?"

"You can be whatever you want behind closed doors, Elora," he said coolly, "but in public, you'll be mine."

She felt something inside her twist. Her pride screamed to walk away, to spit in his face, to let the world crash down around her rather than submit to a man who thought he could buy her. But another voice-quieter, more desperate-reminded her of the cold nights ahead, the uncertainty of homelessness, the way her inbox was filled with job rejection after rejection.

He was right.

She had no one. And nothing.

Her chest rose and fell in rapid bursts as she tried to steady herself. "What exactly do you expect from me?"

Kaelan didn't hesitate. "Attend every function with me. Smile at every camera. Pretend you love me when the press is watching. Be silent when I say nothing. And sign a contract binding you to secrecy. Once the three months are over, you disappear-wealthy and anonymous."

"So I'm just a prop to fix your image?"

He lifted a brow, unfazed. "A useful one."

Elora stepped forward, her hands shaking. "And what do I get?"

"A fresh start," he replied. "A clean break from the people who destroyed you. I'll make sure they never touch you again."

The thought of Marcus, of her mother's betrayal, of her stepfather's smirk-it all flooded back in a single wave. Her heart burned with humiliation, with helplessness.

But mostly... with rage.

She slowly reached for the box. Her fingers brushed the velvet lid, but she didn't open it.

"When do I sign the contract?"

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Kaelan's face. "Right now."

He walked to the side of his office, pulled out a slim black folder, and laid it in front of her. The papers inside were thick, legal, cold. Elora's gaze skimmed through the words. Three months. Non-disclosure agreements. Termination clauses. Her role as "temporary spouse." A confidentiality fee-five hundred thousand dollars.

Half a million.

She swallowed hard.

"You really planned all of this," she murmured.

Kaelan's eyes darkened. "I always plan."

Elora picked up the pen he offered, but paused just above the line. "You said this would help me. That I'd be free after three months."

"You have my word," he said simply.

"You don't strike me as the kind of man whose word means anything."

Kaelan's gaze locked with hers. "No," he said softly. "But I do strike you as the kind of man who gets what he wants. And right now, Elora, that's you."

Her breath hitched.

She signed.

The moment the pen left the paper, she felt something cold settle in her chest. Final. Heavy.

Kaelan took the folder without a word and closed it.

"It begins now."

He walked to his desk, retrieved the velvet box, and opened it. The ring glittered under the low light-a massive emerald-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, elegant and precise. Just like him.

He stepped forward and took her left hand without asking. Slid the ring onto her finger.

It fit perfectly.

Of course it did.

"You planned everything," she muttered.

Kaelan's lips twitched. "I don't leave things to chance."

The weight of the ring on her finger felt unreal. Binding. Beautiful and suffocating all at once.

He released her hand. "You'll be moved into the penthouse tonight. My driver will pick you up at six. You'll find everything you need there."

"What if I say I want to keep my apartment?"

His gaze turned to ice. "You won't need it."

She took a step back. "You don't own me."

"I do for the next three months," he said, matter-of-fact. "And if you want to survive them, you'll follow every instruction without question."

Elora's eyes narrowed. "You're enjoying this."

"No," he said, his voice suddenly sharper. "Enjoyment has nothing to do with it."

He turned away and walked back to the window. For a moment, his reflection in the glass looked more human-tired, tense, almost haunted.

But when he turned back, the armor was back on.

"Elora," he said, voice low, "don't confuse necessity with affection. I didn't choose you because I care."

She felt a sting in her chest. She didn't know why.

"I chose you because you're forgettable."

The words hit her like a slap. Her mouth went dry, and for a moment, all she could do was stare.

Forgettable?

After everything? After she'd just signed away three months of her life?

She turned on her heel, walking toward the door, not trusting herself to say anything. But just as her hand touched the knob, Kaelan's voice cut through the silence again.

"Oh-and one more thing."

She froze.

"You'll need to meet my mother tonight. She thinks the engagement is real. Don't disappoint me."

The car pulled up to a sprawling estate in the upper hills of the city. Stone walls, iron gates, and armed security lined the perimeter like a fortress. It wasn't a home-it was a kingdom, and Elora felt like an intruder in someone else's war.

She sat silently beside Kaelan in the back of the car, her palms sweating against the fabric of her borrowed dress. It was an elegant black piece sent to her earlier by his assistant-tailored to perfection, yet it still felt like a costume. She kept her gaze ahead, avoiding the way Kaelan looked effortlessly regal in his charcoal suit, untouched by the storm brewing in her chest.

"Any last-minute instructions before I pretend to be your loving fiancée?" she muttered.

Kaelan didn't look at her. "Smile. Keep your voice calm. If my mother asks questions, let me answer them."

"That's it?"

He finally turned to her, his tone clipped. "Don't act like this is harder than it is. You signed the contract. Now act like it."

Elora's jaw clenched. "Don't worry. I'm a great actress."

As the car stopped, a uniformed staff member opened the door. Kaelan stepped out first, offering a hand she almost refused-almost. But she took it, and his grip was firm, controlled, like everything about him.

The entrance doors opened into a grand foyer lit by golden chandeliers. Marble floors gleamed beneath her heels, and oil paintings of men with Kaelan's eyes loomed down from the high walls.

"Elora."

The voice that called her name was warm, pleasant-almost too pleasant.

A woman appeared at the top of the staircase, descending with grace only years of refinement could teach. She wore deep emerald silk and pearls around her neck, her gray-streaked hair swept into a perfect bun. Her eyes were sharp as glass.

"Mother," Kaelan said, kissing her cheek. "This is Elora-my fiancée."

His mother smiled, and it was terrifying.

"Darling, you're even lovelier than the pictures."

Pictures?

Elora forced a smile, hating how quickly the mask was returning to her face. "Thank you, Mrs. Vale."

"Oh, call me Celeste," the woman said, linking her arm with Elora's. "Come, let's sit for dinner. I've been dying to meet the woman who finally tamed my son."

Elora cast Kaelan a sharp glance, but he only adjusted his cufflinks and followed behind them in silence.

Dinner was served in a dining room that felt more like a museum exhibit. A crystal chandelier glimmered above the long oak table, and three seats were set: one at each end and one beside Kaelan. Elora took her place quietly.

The food looked like something from a royal banquet, but Elora barely touched it. She could feel Celeste watching her, studying her every move.

"So, Elora," Celeste began, dabbing her lips with a linen napkin, "how did you two meet?"

Kaelan answered smoothly. "She started at the company a few months ago. We crossed paths. I noticed her. Simple as that."

Celeste's lips curved. "You noticed her? That's a first."

Elora chuckled lightly, trying to play along. "He wasn't exactly charming at first."

Kaelan shot her a warning glance, but she smiled sweetly.

"Sometimes it's the difficult ones who grow on you," Celeste replied. "My husband never smiled at me until our wedding night. And even then, it took champagne."

There was something bitter beneath the joke, and Elora filed that away in her mind.

Celeste leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But forgive me, Elora. Your name-it doesn't ring old money. Where is your family from?"

Elora's throat tightened. "I... was raised by my mother and stepfather. We're not... exactly society people."

Kaelan jumped in. "She's not here for status, Mother."

"I never said she was," Celeste replied, her smile icy. "But if she's marrying into the Vale name, it's only fair to know what we're absorbing."

Elora's nails dug into her palm under the table. "There's not much to absorb. My family's in the past."

Celeste's eyes lingered on her for a beat too long. "I see."

Silence fell, heavy and loaded. Kaelan signaled for dessert, and the servers moved in quickly to replace the plates.

But just as the plates were cleared, Celeste set down her wine glass and tilted her head.

"You know, Kaelan," she said slowly, "you never mentioned why this engagement was so sudden."

Kaelan's expression didn't change. "Does it matter?"

Celeste smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Only that I've never known you to do anything without a reason."

Elora glanced at Kaelan. For the first time, his jaw twitched.

"I don't owe anyone an explanation," he said quietly.

"No," Celeste said. "But you do owe me honesty."

Elora opened her mouth, but Kaelan's hand suddenly rested on hers beneath the table-a warning.

Celeste's gaze dropped to their clasped hands.

Then her smile vanished. "You didn't choose her. Someone made you do this."

The room dropped into silence.

Kaelan stood slowly, pulling Elora up with him. "Thank you for dinner. We have to leave."

Celeste didn't move. Her voice followed them as they walked away.

"She deserves to know what kind of man you are, Kaelan."

Elora's heart pounded as Kaelan gripped her hand tighter.

Back in the car, the silence between them was unbearable.

Finally, she snapped. "What was that?"

Kaelan stared ahead. "My mother is manipulative. Ignore her."

"She said someone made you marry me. What does that mean?"

Kaelan didn't respond.

"Kaelan," she said sharply. "Answer me."

He turned his head, his voice like steel. "You agreed to play a role, Elora. Not ask questions."

She stared at him, stunned by the coldness in his tone.

But deep down, a seed of doubt had already been planted.

Because no matter how much Kaelan wanted to pretend this was a business transaction...

Something about this arrangement didn't add up.

And Elora had a terrible feeling-one that twisted in her gut like ice-that whatever Kaelan was hiding...

Would destroy them both.