THE BILLIONAIRE'S CONTRACT BRIDE (An Undeniable Love)

It was the kind of evening meant for memories or mistakes. The rain fell softly against the tall, glass windows of the mansion, a steady rhythm that blended with the haunting notes of "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, playing from the antique record player in the corner.

The sky hung heavy with thick, grey clouds, and the coolness of the evening air pressed against the walls like an uninvited guest.

In the heart of the house, within the dimly lit confines of his study, Joan - the richest billionaire - sat behind a grand mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He nodded slowly to the beat of the song, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Joan, are you there?" Felix, his buddy, called from the hallway leading to Joan's study.

Immediately, a long, sharp wooden door was pushed open, leading Felix into the room where Joan was sitting.

They shook hands, and Joan passed the bottle of whiskey and a glass cup to Felix.

"Bro, guess what?" Felix asked.

"Just spill it. You know I'm not good at guessing," Joan scoffed.

"You remember when you told me you needed to secure that huge contract but they'll only let you in if you're married?"

"Yes, I remember," Joan replied.

"Well, I've got a solution for you." Felix smiled, pouring another drink into his cup. "I met a girl yesterday in the hallway leading to my office - she was crying."

Joan immediately lowered the volume of the song playing in the background. He didn't like hearing about women crying.

"Okay, as I was saying... I went close to her, offered her my handkerchief to wipe her tears."

Anna, who had cried heavily - her eyes red, face puffed, legs shivering on the floor - collected the handkerchief from Felix.

"Thank you," she said in a coaxed voice.

"So, I took her to the nearest coffee shop and asked her why she was crying. She said 'Nothing,' with a weary, weakened face. I told her I wouldn't force her to talk, but I had an offer to make, because looking at her, she seemed like someone in deep trouble."

Anna raised her head immediately.

"Wait! What? How did you know?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"I'm a genius, you know." He called a waiter over to get them two cups of coffee, smiling lightly.

"Let me cut to the chase, because I don't have time. As you can see, I was already on my way home when I saw you there, crying your eyes out."

"I have a friend-"

"Wait!" Anna said, interrupting him. "Before you tell me anything, permit me to introduce myself and tell you my problems first."

"Okay, go on," Felix said.

Anna cleared her throat. "First of all, my name is Anna Delacruz. I'm a computer programmer. I've worked as a programmer for five years."

"Hmmmmm. Interesting, continue," Felix smiled, his dimples showing fully.

"There was a huge project that I was appointed to. I did my job so well, but something terrible happened on the D-day," she said sadly. "I was arranging everything I'd done so far when my phone rang.

"It was the hospital. They said my dad got into an accident and was rushed to the hospital, and he needed urgent surgery if we wanted him to survive.

"I left everything I was doing and rushed out while my director kept calling me, but I couldn't answer because my dad's life was on the line. I reached the hospital and deposited my life savings so they could start the surgery.

"My phone was ringing non-stop, but I wasn't thinking straight. I stood outside, panicking, until the doctor came out to tell me the surgery was successful. That was when I started breathing again.

"I called my director back, and his voice was so loud it felt like it would burst my eardrums. He told me if I knew what was good for me, I should return to the office immediately.

"I went into my dad's room, held his hand, and kissed it. I told him I'd be back very soon. I rushed out of the hospital, flagged down a taxi, and went straight to the office.

"As I entered, people stared at me, some pointing. The moment I stepped into my director's office, he threw a file full of papers at me and shouted,

'Why? Why? Do you see what you've caused? We lost a million-dollar project because of you!'

"I apologized, I explained what happened, but he didn't give me a listening ear. The next thing I heard was, 'You're fired!' fury blazing in his face.

"I knelt down immediately. I begged and begged and begged, but it was useless. He told me, 'I've filed a case against you. If you don't pay 10 million naira before the month ends, I'll have you thrown in prison.'

"That was when I knew I was finished. I packed up my belongings and went home with a heavy heart, thinking about how to pay him back."

"So, what were you doing in our company?" Felix asked.

"Oh, I came to meet an old friend to see if he could help me with some money, at least for my dad's bill."

"And?" Felix asked.

"He... he said..." she stammered, tears rolling down her cheek.

"Stop crying. Your savior is here." Felix handed her a tissue to clean her face.

"He said he couldn't help because his wife just gave birth. I'm finished," Anna cried out.

"Shhh, people are looking. I told you I'm here to help," Felix said, adjusting his necktie. He sipped his coffee and set the cup down.

"So listen up," he said gently. "I have a billionaire friend who wants to get into a contract marriage with any lady for just two months. And trust me, the pay is high."

Despite Felix saying billionaire friend, Anna wasn't moved. She knew her value and worth - she wasn't the type to fake love or marry someone for money.

"No, no. If this is the help you were talking about, I don't need it," Anna said, standing up fiercely and grabbing her bag from the chair. She went straight to the counter to pay for her coffee.

Felix chased her down to the bus stop, dragging her gently back.

"Think about it very well, young lady. You have to pay for your dad's hospital bill and settle your company debt. Where will you get that kind of money? Do you think it'll fall from heaven?"

"I know I'm in deep trouble, but how do you..." she paused, then continued, "How do you expect me to fake marry a billionaire for two months? What will people say after that? You want them to call me a divorcee? Huh? Tell me - how do you want people to see me?"

Felix replied, "Oh, so now you care about what people will say? Since you've been in this mess, has anyone asked you how you're coping? How you're going to pay that huge sum? My dear, this is for you. Now's the time to grab a golden opportunity."

"Okay, okay." She nodded quietly, forcing a smile. "I've thought it through. I don't have a helper, and I have to make use of this opportunity."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you so much, Anna, thank you!" Felix threw his hands up, a wide grin on his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card.

"Call me anytime you're ready to meet my friend."

They both turned, heading in the direction of their homes, when Felix suddenly remembered something.

"Anna, wait! Wait!"

"Oh, what is it?"

"I forgot something."

"What's that?" Anna asked.

"My bad, my bad. I'm Felix. Felix Henshaw." He stretched out his hand. "It was nice meeting you."

Anna hurriedly shook his hand and smiled. "Nice meeting you too. You really are a lifesaver."

"It's nothing," he joked. "Just give me a call when you're ready. Take care."

They both left.

Anna turned back to Felix and said, "I'll go into this contract marriage. But you guys don't really know what you're signing up for."

Hmmmmm, how do I go about this contract marriage? Anna murmured. She was sitting beside her sick dad, who was lying on the bed.

She felt a slight touch on her hand - it was her dad.

"Oh, Dad, you're awake," Anna said, smiling. "The surgery was successful, and the doctor said you have to stay in the hospital for two weeks for more observation."

"My daughter, thank you so much. I've stressed you too much today."

"No, Dad, it's nothing."

"Anna, look at me. What's bothering you?"

"Em... Dad," she scratched her cheek, "I'm okay, don't worry yourself."

"No, I know you too well. You're my daughter, and I know when you're okay and when you're not."

Anna thought, I don't want you to know that I've lost my job and the ten million naira debt I'm owing my company.

"No, Dad, nothing is bothering me. Okay, let me go and get you something to eat."

"Okay, my dear," he said.

Anna stood up and left. She stood in the middle of the hospital hallway outside, gazing at the bright stars in the sky for fifteen minutes, thinking about the offer Felix made.

On her way, she brought out Felix's card, dialed his number, and when he picked the call, she said, "I'm ready to meet your friend," then cut the call.

Felix smiled quietly.

"Wassup dude, who was that?" Joan asked.

"You see, I told you she would agree."

"She said she's ready to meet you."

"Who? Me?"

"Yes naa. The Anna girl I'm telling you about."

"Oh... but I'm not ready to meet anybody now. It's so sudden," Joan said without thinking twice.

"Dude, stop. I've told you her story. She needs the money. At least have some human sympathy. I mean, I'm the one that persuaded her. If not, I wouldn't be here now."

"Okay, okay, I've heard you. I'll meet her."

"Alright," Felix said. "Have you texted her my address? I want to meet her in my office, not in my house. I don't want a total stranger in my house all of a sudden."

"C'mon dude, she's gonna be your wife soon."

"Please, Felix, be specific. It's just a contract marriage and that's it - period," Joan said angrily.

"Alright," Felix stood up. "We're gonna talk tomorrow after your meeting with her to discuss the remaining matters. And please, be cool and gentle with her tomorrow."

"Are you leaving or not?" Joan asked. "And by the way, you're not the one to tell me how to act towards her."

Felix left and shut the door while Joan increased the volume of his music and filled his glass with whiskey. He took a sip and nodded.

---

It was 6:00 o'clock in the morning. The wind was blowing through the curtains. A picture of Anna and her dad on her graduation day sat on the table beside Anna's bed. An iron bed, a comfy foam mattress, and a squishy pillow made the room warm and cozy.

A phone buzzed. Anna, who was lying like someone who had worked on a farm from morning till night, rolled on her bed and stretched her hand to check her messages.

She opened her message box and saw a message from Felix which said:

You will be meeting Mr. Joan in his office by 8:30 am. His company is Chanwell Real Estate. He doesn't like latecomers, so be there on time.

The journey is about to begin, she soliloquized while getting up from her bed to shower.

She stopped walking and thought, I have to first go see Dad at the hospital before going to that Chanwell whatever, and she smirked.

Anna wore a white shirt and black pants, with a little touch of makeup, her red heels, and a luxury Gucci bag her dad had gotten her for her birthday. She looked so demure.

Anna first dropped by a restaurant near the hospital to get food for her dad Zendeya. She bought a latte with a burger for herself. Immediately she entered her dad's room, her best friend Zendaya - who she had called to come stay with her dad - was already there.

"Oh bestie, good morning!" They hugged.

"Thank you so much, bestie. I've already got food for you both. I'll be back soon."

She rushed to where her dad was lying, pecked him on his forehead, and turned to leave.

"Bestie, bestie, wait," Zendaya called Anna. "Um... I thought you said you lost your job. Where are you going in a hurry dressed so elegantly?"

"Bestie," she hmmm-ed, "It's a long story, and I promise to tell you everything when I come back. For now, I'm in a hurry."

"Alright, if you say so."

A taxi dropped Anna in front of Chanwell Real Estate. She walked five steps toward the entrance and stood there for three minutes, staring at the company's name.

"I can do it. I know I can," Anna touched her chest while saying it. She walked into the company and went straight to the receptionist.

"Hello, good morning. I'm Anna, and I'm here to see Mr. Joan."

"Do you have an appointment with him?"

"Oh yes, by 8:30."

The receptionist dialed Mr. Joan's office line.

"Hello sir, Joan. The lady you have an appointment with is here already."

"Okay, bring her to my office."

"Yes sir."

"Excuse me, ma'am."

"Yes?"

"He said I should bring you to his office."

"Alright, dear, let's go."

Anna followed the receptionist and they entered the elevator.

The receptionist:

"Ma'am, I'm not being too nosy, but you've got to be careful around Mr. Joan. Everybody is scared of him. He doesn't like mistakes. I don't know the reason you're meeting him, though, but you have to be careful - especially if it's work-related."

Anna:

"Is he that scary? Anyways, thanks for the piece of information."

The elevator beeped.

"Ma'am, we're here already. Just walk straight. His office is the third and last door over there."

"But why aren't you taking me there?" Anna asked.

The receptionist laughed awkwardly.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't want to see his face this early in the morning so my mood won't be ruined." She ran away immediately.

"Hey, hey, we are not-" but Anna looked back and the receptionist was gone. That's when she realized the battle had just begun.

With everything the receptionist had told her, she was no longer confident if she could face Mr. Joan alone. But since she was already there, there was no turning back.

She walked straight to his office. She knocked the first time - nobody answered. She knocked a second time - still no response. That's when she started believing everything the receptionist had said. She knocked a third time.

"You can come in," Mr. Joan said with a very deep, frightening voice.

Anna marveled. She pushed the door handle and went inside the office. A very tall man with broad shoulders was standing with his back to Anna. He wore a navy-blue German suit, perfectly ironed.

Mr. Joan turned around after two minutes. He was a very handsome man with thick skin, fair in complexion, with full, dark, shiny hair and dark brown eyes.

Anna stood like a lost soul, staring at Mr. Joan, admiring him.

"Hey, hello, Ms. Anna."

"Oh!" she shouted. "I'm sorry sir, I'm sorry sir!"

Mr. Joan frowned immediately.

"Please, I don't have time for this. Or if you're here just to admire me, you can get yourself a bed so you can lie down and stare at me properly."

He went back to sit on his executive chair.

Anna was so shy and ashamed of herself. She tried to lighten the mood.

"I'm Anna Delacruz," she faked a smile.

"I'm Joan, the CEO and founder of Chanwell Real Estate."

"It's nice meeting you."

They shook hands. Anna thought, OMG, why are his hands so soft like a baby's hand?

Mr. Joan immediately removed his hand from Anna's.

"You can sit over there," he said.

Anna sat down. There was a bit of silence in the office. Joan was busy going through his laptop, not minding that someone was sitting in front of him.

"Sir, please, are we waiting for anybody?" Anna asked.

"Yes. My lawyer will be here soon. Since we're going into a contract marriage, I think it's best for us to call a lawyer. He's also coming with the contract."

"So if I didn't ask you, you wouldn't tell me anything?" Anna murmured.

"Are you talking to me?"

"Ah ah, no."

"Better."

After five minutes, Joan's lawyer came in.

They greeted each other.

"I'm sorry for keeping you guys waiting. The traffic was too much."

Anna smiled. "It's fine. I haven't been here long." She looked at Joan's face, but he wasn't smiling or even a bit pleased.

"So, did you come with the contract?"

"Ah yes. I printed two because both of you need one, since it will be an agreement between the two of you."

"Okay, you can bring it out."

The lawyer brought out the printed contracts and handed them to both of them.

Joan dropped his own on the table while Anna was lost in thought, staring at the contract's do's and don'ts.

The lawyer cleared his throat, and Anna snapped back to her senses immediately.

"You both have to sign two contracts each," he said. "You'll each take one copy, and I'll keep the remaining two."

They both did as instructed.

"Okay, I'll leave you two now so you can handle the rest," the lawyer said, gathering his files.

"Okay, Mr. Lawyer," Anna replied.

"Till then," Joan added.

"Thank you for your services," Joan said as the lawyer nodded and exited the office.

Joan turned to Anna. "Hey, Ms. Anna, let's proceed with the reading of the contract."

"Alright, Mr. Joan."

"As you can see," Joan began, "according to the contract, there will be no feelings attached. No unnecessary conversations, whether inside or outside. We can only hug and hold hands in public - but once we're indoors, we split. You're not to come near my room, and the cooks will provide you with whatever you need. You can call me 'Joan' in front of everyone, but when we're alone, strictly 'Mr. Joan.' Stay away from my study, don't touch my things, and don't ask me about my family - and I won't ask about yours either."

Anna was momentarily speechless. "Excuse me, sir... are these really the rules for our marriage? Isn't this a bit too much?"

"It's not," Joan replied curtly. "It'll all be over in two months. Besides, I'm paying you a huge sum and helping you pay off your debt. So, it's a fifty-fifty deal," he said coldly.

Anna mumbled, "Yeah... fifty-fifty."

"So, sir, if that's all, I'll be taking my leave now."

"Wait. Before you go... I'll be announcing our marriage to the media first week of next month. You need to prepare yourself. As you know, I'm a man of principle and well-known in this city. The paparazzi will be all over you - they'll want to know who my wife is." He adjusted his tie.

"Alright, sir. I'm fully aware of what I'm getting into, and I'm prepared for it," Anna said confidently. She grabbed her bag from the chair and left his office.

Joan let out a deep sigh and muttered with a small smile, "Huh... I like her spirit."

---

Anna walked down the alley leading to the hospital where her dad was admitted, counting her steps and softly humming her father's favorite song.

"Hey bestie, you're back!" Zendaya called out, rushing to grab Anna's hand. "Where have you been since morning? I've been calling, but your phone's off!"

"Oh yeah, my battery died."

Before Anna could say more, she spotted Felix approaching. Instinctively, she slipped her hand from Zendaya's and quickly pulled Felix aside.

"What are you doing here, Felix?" she asked sharply.

"I... I..."

"Stop. Felix, I know I agreed to your offer, but that doesn't mean you can just show up whenever you like. I don't want my dad knowing this marriage is a contract, and for my bestie here - I'll be the one to tell her everything. Got it?"

"Whoa, wait! Gosh, Anna, you talk so fast. Listen, I'm not here for any of that. I came for-"

A light touch on Anna's shoulder made her turn. It was Zendaya.

"Oh, Zen, sorry I left you there."

"Wait... do you two know each other?"

"No."

"Yes."

They both answered at the same time.

"Uhm... Anna?" Zendaya narrowed her eyes.

Anna stammered. "Okay... this guy here is Felix. He... um... helped me find my wallet at a coffee shop near my old company."

"Yep, that's me," Felix added quickly.

"Okay... anyway, Mr. Felix is my boss," Zendaya said.

"What?!" Anna exclaimed in shock.

Zendaya looked confused. "Yeah, he's my boss. He just came to drop off a document I need to review because I missed today's meeting."

"Ah... oh, so he's truly your boss. Mr. Felix, we meet again. Zendaya is my bestie, my childhood bestie. I asked her to stay with my dad at the hospital today because I had an important meeting."

"I've known Zendaya for three years now," Felix said with a smile. "She's a good person and does her job well. Nice to know she's your bestie." He checked his watch. "Alright, I have to get going."

"Zendaya."

"Yes, boss?"

"See you tomorrow at the office."

"Yes, sir."

"Goodnight, sir."

"Bye, Felix," Anna added.

---

"I'm exhausted," Anna sighed as she sank into a chair on the hospital balcony. "I love this breeze... and look at the stars - they're so bright tonight."

Zendaya handed her a cup of hot coffee. "Thank you, bestie. I really needed this."

"Anything for you," Zendaya smiled.

"So, how's my dad?"

"He's fine. Well... guess what?"

"Just say it. You know I'm terrible at guessing."

"You're such a killjoy," Zendaya teased, shifting closer. "Okay, the good news is - the doctor said your dad's fully recovered!"

"Oh my God," Anna sighed in relief. "Thank you, God."

"But... the bad news," Zendaya added, "is that the doctor said you have to settle the hospital bill before the third week of next month. He's giving you a grace period to come up with the money."

Anna threw her hands up. "I knew it. Money, money, money - all the time."

"Take it easy, bestie. You need to find a job soon to pay off your debt. Remember, you also owe your company."

"Ugh, don't remind me. I'm trying my best. I can't kill myself."

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll support you with the little I have."

A tear rolled down Anna's cheek as she hugged Zendaya. "Thank you so much, bestie."

"It's nothing, my baby girl. Anything for you."

---

"Alright, Zen. You should go home and rest. I'll stay with my dad tonight. He might be discharged tomorrow morning."

Zendaya grabbed her hand. "You think I'll let you leave without telling me where you've been all day?"

"Zen, not now. I'm stressed. I need food and sleep."

"Nope. You promised to tell me everything when you returned. And here you are. Spill it." She flicked her fingers dramatically.

"Okay, okay. You win. Remember when I lost my job because of Dad's accident and I owe my company ten million naira?"

"Of course. I remember."

"Well... I lied about Felix. We actually met the day I lost my job. He saw me crying and gave me his handkerchief. Then he took me to a coffee shop, and we talked. I told him everything. He offered to connect me to his billionaire friend for a contract marriage. I thought about it for a while and decided to meet the guy. That's where I was today."

Zendaya's eyes widened. "No, bestie. No. I can't let you do this. This is your first relationship and it's fake? No way."

"Zen, lower your voice. People are staring."

"Call him now, cancel it. Or I'll call Felix myself."

"Stop it! Do you think I like this? But if I don't pay my debt, I'll be in jail - and who'll take care of Dad? It's only two months. One-time offer, Zen."

Zendaya's face softened. "Fine. If you're doing this, you have my support. But if he mistreats you, I'm coming for you."

"You're the best."

"By the way, what's the billionaire's name?"

"Zen, stop." Anna laughed. "It's Mr. Joan Chanwell."

Zendaya gasped. "Wait - the Joan Chanwell? Girl, you hit the jackpot. He's every girl's dream."

"Is he really that famous?"

"Of course! I heard he dated a girl when he was broke and she ran off with his money. Since then, no one's seen him with another woman. Social media will go wild when he announces this marriage."

"Zen, you and gossip."

"I'm serious! Who knows? He might fall for you."

"Stop dreaming. He'll never fall for a girl who lost her job and owes ten million naira."

"What's his reason for this marriage anyway?"

"He said he needs to secure a huge contract, but it's only open to married men."

"Hmm." Zendaya smirked. "Like I said, if he acts up - call me."

"Yes, boss." They both laughed.

---

But just as Anna raised her cup of coffee to take a sip, a message notification popped up on her phone.

It was from an unknown number.

"You don't know me, but stay away from Joan Chanwell if you value your life."

Anna's hand froze mid-air.

"Zen..." she whispered. "You need to see this."