BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT

Chapter One

One Night Stand

Caroline's POV

"No... no, no, no."

I bolted upright, my head was spinning as I clutched the silky white sheets around me. My body ached, and the air smelled of expensive cologne and... sex.

What the hell happened? My eyes widened.

My heart began to beat as I looked around the strange room...no, penthouse. From Floor-to-ceiling to windows. A skyline view. The black and gold furniture. This was not my apartment.

I swallowed hard. Think, Caro. Think.

Last night was supposed to be fun. Gina had convinced me to go out and sell my art, at the art gallery event.

And then... him.

Tall. Breathtaking. Eyes that saw right through me. Kane.

Oh God.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Tell me I didn't.

I shifted under the covers and felt nothing but bare skin. My stomach dropped. I slowly peeked down...

Naked. I was completely and utterly naked.

A sharp breath escaped me.

What did I do?

My hands trembled as I yanked the sheet tighter around me. My clothes were everywhere, my heels were near the door, my dress was thrown over a chair, and my bra was on the damn lamp.

I pressed my fingers to my temples. "This is bad. This is so bad." Gina had given me a chance to sell my craft and I failed her in this way?

Where was he?

I turned to the other side of the bed. But it was Empty.

Of course.

I let out a bitter laugh, but it came out shaky. What did I expect? Breakfast in bed? A goodbye kiss?

Tears burned my eyes. I don't even remember if we used protection.

Shame curled in my chest. I didn't even know his last name.

How could I be this stupid?

I took a deep breath and wiped at my face. Crying won't fix this.

I needed to get out of here.

I slowly slid out of bed, but my legs were weak as I stood. The cold floor sent a shiver up my spine as I tiptoed across the room, picking up my clothes one by one.

My hands were trembling as I buttoned my shirt, rushing to get dressed and get out of there.

My head was also whacking, and my body ached in places I didn't even want to think about. I still couldn't believe what had happened last night.

I bent down to grab my purse from the floor when my eyes caught something on the nightstand. A thick envelope. My heart stopped.

Slowly, I reached for it. The weight of it alone told me what was inside, just like I thought, it was a huge amount.

And a folded note was attached to it. I grabbed it, breathing fast as I read the words.

"I'm sorry for what happened last night. It wasn't my intention at all. Take the money. It covers your paintings and any inconvenience this may have caused you. Thank you."

Tears filled my eyes.

I felt cheap and Used.

I held onto the paper and was also tearing it due to how tight I held it. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. He was sorry? He wasn't even here to say it to my face. Just a note and a pile of cash. I guess this was all I was worth.

I wiped my tears, inhaled deeply, and grabbed the money, shoving it into my purse. If this was all I was worth to him, fine. I would take it.

Just as I was about to leave, the door suddenly swung open.

I jumped back, with my heart hammering in my chest.

A middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform stood there, her expression was unreadable.

"Good morning, miss," she greeted politely. "Master asked that I assist you in leaving. There's a taxi waiting for you downstairs."

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

I didn't say a word. Shame held my tongue hostage.

I just nodded and walked past her, feeling her judgmental gaze on my back as I stepped out of the room.

By the time I got home, Gina was already up, sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, enjoying her breakfast. It was her day off, so she looked relaxed.

"Hey, you're back," she greeted, taking a sip of her coffee. "So, how did it go? Did you sell all the paintings?"

I dropped my purse on the table and sank into the chair across from her.

She frowned. "Why do you look like someone just sucked the life out of you?"

I exhaled slowly. "Gina... something happened."

She set her cup down immediately, giving me her full attention. "What do you mean? What happened?"

I hesitated, and gripped the hem of my dress. "I... I spent the night with him."

Gina's eyes widened slightly, but to my surprise, she didn't react the way I expected. No shock, no judgment...just silence as she processed what I had just told her.

However, I felt ashamed, because Gina had begged her boss for an extra invite for me.

"And?" she prompted, bringing me out of my thought.

"And... when I woke up, he was gone." My voice cracked slightly. "He left money. A lot of money. With a note."

Gina leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees. "What did the note say?"

I swallowed hard. "That he's sorry. That it wasn't his intention. That the money is for the paintings and... any inconvenience."

Gina exhaled, rubbing her face.

"Did you at least get his name?" she asked, looking me dead in the eyes.

I hesitated before shaking my head. "Just his first name. Kane."

Gina groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "Caroline... you slept with a man you don't even know his full name?"

"I thought I knew him! He was interested in my art! He... " I stopped myself. None of that mattered now. I didn't have any excuse. I messed up.

Gina sighed. Then, to my shock, she pulled me into a hug.

I stiffened. "You're not mad?"

She pulled back, shaking her head. "No. I'm not mad, Caro. I just... I want to make sure you're okay. It's just a mistake and I'm sure you never planned any of it."

I blinked back fresh tears and nodded.

"Listen," she continued, trying to make me feel good. "We're going to find out who this guy is. I'll help you."

Weeks passed, and I tried my best to move on. I focused on my art, on selling more pieces, on anything but him.

But then, the nausea started. The dizziness. The sudden fatigue.

And then I missed my period.

I knew. I knew.

Still, I went to the hospital just to be sure. But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw on the ultrasound screen.

"Congratulations," the doctor said with a smile. "You're pregnant."