The Ceo’s Contract Lover

“Have you fallen in love with me?”

After he finished speaking, silence descended in the air. Other than their mixed heartbeats, one could hear nothing inside the empty study.

For a moment, time seemed to have frozen in its place. Nina’s heart skipped a beat as she met Jayden’s intense gaze.

Originally, Jayden just wanted to tease her. But when the words were laid out, his breath tightened as he anticipated her response.

Suddenly, a mocking laugh resounded inside the room.

Nina turned her gaze away, refusing to meet Jayden’s eyes. “I don’t dare fall in love with you, Mr. Luxton,” she replied bitterly. “I can’t afford it.”

Taken aback by her words, Jayden couldn’t hide the disappointment in his eyes and his countenance changed. This time, it wasn’t just coldness; it was an intense and foreboding aura that seemed to radiate from him, causing Nina to involuntarily shiver.

He raised his hand, his broad palm cupping Nina’s cheek with a firm grip, and pushed her against the door.

The strength of his hold made her feel as though her jaw might be dislocated.

Panicking, she struggled to free herself, but Jayden pinned her against the door, trapping her between his sturdy chest.

“Since you’re not, then don’t forget your place,” he declared, his words were like shards of ice, cutting through the tense atmosphere, “Just be my obedient wife. Do your duties as Mrs. Luxton, and perhaps I might still want you for a little longer.”

With force, he flung her aside and opened the door, striding out of the study,

The door behind slammed shut with a bang, leaving Nina in solitude.

With Jayden’s departure, the tears she had been struggling to hold back finally burst open. Her legs gave way beneath her, and she slid down the door until she was sitting on the floor. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she buried her face in them, as her shoulders shook with the weight of her silent sobs.

Nina’s emotional struggles weren’t something new; they ran deep and had roots in her troubled past.

Growing up in an abusive household, her parents had treated her like a money-making machine. From friends to partners, she needed constant reassurance, because she feared they might abandon her, just like her parents had.

This fear had led her to keep her emotions guarded, and she never revealed them, dreading that people might not reciprocate her feelings.

It was as if she needed validation, a reassurance that it wasn’t merely her one-sided, wishful thinking and that she mattered.

Alas! Her husband was a blockhead. A man of a few words.

All along, it had really been a marriage of convenience. So why did she have to fall in love with him?

She was aware of the dangers he possessed, yet she had to make him the center of her attention and revolve her entire life around him.

Other than her own stupidity, she also blamed him for treating her so well.

Why did he have to treat her as his most treasured possession when he obviously had someone else in his heart?

If only they had stuck to their original intention…

—

Jayden stepped out onto the balcony. He fished out a cigarette and lit it; the nicotine providing him temporary relief from his inner turmoil.

Back in the study, he didn’t want to be rough with her. But her words had thoroughly infuriated him.

Her nonchalant sneer had deeply angered him, and it frustrated him that she treated their relationship with indifference.

Was it that difficult for her to admit to her feelings?

It was clear that she was deeply affected by it, yet she tried to maintain a facade of strength.

He really felt that all her conscience had been fed to a dog. No, even a dog would appreciate its owner after spending time together.

But that unappreciative wench was clearly worse.

—

It was unknown how much time had passed.

As the throbbing pain in her head became intense, Nina raised her head. With a shaky hand, she wiped away the lingering tears.

In a single day, her identity, worth, and place in Jayden’s life were all distorted.

She adjusted her emotions, refusing to be affected by his heartlessness.

Fine.

Since he wanted her to be an obedient wife, then she would be one. Anyway, there wasn’t much time left before the contract expired. Until then, she would put up with him and not cause any trouble.

—

“No, you won’t,” Nora said aggressively.

“Why do you think you should be the one to back down? Remember, You are the woman he married. Every night, You are the one who sleeps beside him. The name registered on your marriage certificate is Nina Santiago, not Emilia Moore.”

Nora really wanted to pry open and see what was wrong with her brain. How could she admit defeat without even putting on a fight?

“But, that’s his ex-girlfriend!”

“So what? Who doesn’t have a past? Before we met Liam also had many girlfriends. But isn’t he tied to me now?”

Nina seemed to be in a deep thought as she mused over her words.

Actually, Nora was aware of her insecurities. However, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. One had to fight their way to succeed.

If she wanted to protect her marriage, she had to overcome this hurdle!

“Nina, don’t think too much into it,” a woman with ink-black hair passed her a glass of juice and sat on the couch opposite her.

She was Krystal Steele, Nora’s cousin, who had recently moved to Spring City. After a few interactions, Nina and Krystal hit it off pretty well and quickly became close friends.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Given the turmoil in her relationship, Nina decided to confide in her two friends, hoping that they would help untangle the mess in her mind.

“Since Jayden has already assured you he has no feelings for that woman, you should believe him,” she said. “Because if you create a scene, he will find you unreasonable and it might even drive him away.”

Besides, if he genuinely liked Nina and respected their relationship, no matter what methods others tried, nothing would change his heart.

“Also, since Emilia hasn’t done anything yet, it will be useless to approach her first. Let her make a move before confronting her.” Nora chimed in.

“Normally, what most women do is they hold the third party accountable, not realizing that if their men weren’t reliable and had an ounce of self-control, they would have never cheated.”

“Society blames the women for being a home-wrecker, yet ignores the men for having loose morals.”

“As I’ve said earlier, you just need to grab hold of his heart,” Krystal advised. “As for that woman, take things one step at a time. No matter what obstacles you encounter, we’ll be there to support you.”

Hearing their words, Nina grew silent.

What they said indeed made sense. But they were unaware of one thing.

She and Jayden were bound by a contract marriage. She did not even know if he had any feelings for her.

Hence, she could not help but be paranoid, reluctant to harbor even the slightest bit of hope.

Nevertheless, she was grateful for their support and for making her feel better. As they said, she shouldn’t think too much about it and just trust her husband.

Unbeknownst to Nina, this was only an appetizer to the chaos that was about to fold in her life.

—

At an outdoor cafe.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Jayden apologized as he sat opposite the woman.

Letting out a small chuckle, Emma shook her head lightly. “You’re still the same.”

“I’ve ordered the regular Irish coffee with no sugar.” She informed.

“Thanks,”

As she stirred her coffee, she said. “I miss the Cured Salmon at the Capital Gourmet. Let’s visit them for lunch tomorrow.”

Back when they dated, this cafe was the spot they frequented. As such, Emma assumed that he had invited her to reminisce about their past.

“Emma, I know what you’re thinking but,” Jayden paused before continuing. “It’s impossible between us. I’m satisfied with my married life and don’t plan on divorcing. So don’t hold on to any hopes.”

Emma’s hand, which was on the spoon, froze.

“Why?” she asked in disbelief. “I mean, I’ve seen her before. Didn’t you marry her because she resembles me?”

“Believe me when I say it’s just a coincidence.” Jayden clarified.

Doubtful, Emma looked at him for a moment and could not help but voice. “Everyone in Spring City says that you were heartbroken when I left and have been waiting for me all these years.”

“This is why I asked you out today. Rumors are called rumors because they don’t have any credibility. So don’t believe any of the nonsense that you hear. Besides,” Jayden took a sip of the bitter coffee as he said coolly. “If I had deep feelings for you, I wouldn’t have agreed to break up,”

Given his possessive nature, it was impossible to get out of his clutches. Naturally, he did not mind their separation.

“Ouch! Your tongue is still as poisonous as ever,” she said, appearing to be hurt.

Jayden shrugged.

After a while, Emma confessed. “I won’t lie. When I returned, I wondered how good it would be if we could get back together. And the rumors further ignited a hope.”

“It’s a pity though,” she sighed. “But I hope this little episode won’t affect our cooperation.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,”

“Fine,” Emma grinned. “Next time, bring your wife along. I have yet to meet her properly.”

Jayden nodded and the two of them continued to talk about business for some time before Jayden excused himself.

After he left, Emilia leaned back in her chair, deep in thought.

Back then, she had agreed to break up so easily because she knew Jayden’s character. He was a workaholic and had little time for romance. He was loyal to the core and never indulged himself in debauchery.

Hence, she had thought that one day if she were to return, he would still accept her.

Who would’ve thought he’d change so much after just being married for two years?

But it was alright.

She was not one to give up easily. Besides, who did not like challenges?

From the moment she was born, Emma had gotten everything she put her finger on.

And if she couldn’t obtain it, she’d do whatever it takes, even if it meant crossing moral and ethical boundaries. What was hers could only belong to her!

Her family was on par with the Luxtons, and she had the brains and the looks.

Compared to her, Nina, who came from a miserable background and was also considered her substitute, obviously did not stand any chance of winning against her.