Chidimma never imagined her life would be flipped upside down overnight. One minute, she's chasing her dreams... the next, she's being forced into a marriage with a total stranger to pay for a debt she didn't owe. He's cold. Arrogant. Rich. And completely uninterested in love. But what happens when sparks begin to fly and secrets begin to unfold? Will this marriage of convenience turn into something real, or destroy her completely? ---
---
Chapter 1: The Man at the Altar Wasn't Him
I stared at the man in a black tuxedo standing confidently at the altar. But something was wrong. That wasn't Daniel-my fiancé.
My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I looked back at my father. He gave me a stiff nod, pushing me forward.
"Go," he mouthed.
The priest smiled. "Shall we begin?"
I took slow steps down the aisle, confusion turning into fear. Where was Daniel?
The man ahead had a sharp jawline, eyes like cold steel, and a face I'd never seen before. He looked... annoyed. Almost angry.
When I finally stood beside him, I whispered, "Who are you?"
He didn't look at me. He just replied, "Your husband."
---
Chapter 2: The Price of a Debt
The ceremony ended in a blur.
No vows. No kiss. Just papers signed, photos taken, and polite claps from strangers I didn't recognize.
Back in the limo, I finally turned to him.
"Where is Daniel?" I asked, my voice shaking.
He adjusted his cufflinks, calm like this was just another business deal. "He ran away last night."
"What?"
"Didn't even leave a note. Just vanished."
I stared at him in disbelief. "So you just... replaced him?"
He finally met my eyes. "Your father needed this marriage to happen. I made sure it did."
I didn't understand. "Why would you do that?"
He smirked. "Because your father owes me twelve million dollars. And you... are the payment."
---
Chapter 3: The Contract Bride
My hands were shaking.
"I'm not a piece of property," I whispered.
He leaned closer, voice cold. "Then you shouldn't let your father treat you like one."
I felt heat rise to my face-not from embarrassment, but rage.
"What's your name?" I asked sharply.
"Adrian Black."
And suddenly it clicked. Adrian Black-the billionaire investor. Ruthless. Untouchable. Dangerous.
"I want out," I said.
He tilted his head. "Then pay me twelve million dollars."
Silence. He knew I couldn't.
Adrian turned to the window. "Until then, Mrs. Black, you belong to me."
---
Chapter 4: A Stranger's Mansion
The mansion was cold-like its owner.
Marble floors. Gold chandeliers. Walls lined with abstract art that meant nothing to me.
"I'll show you your room," a maid said quietly.
"My room?"
"You'll sleep across the hall," Adrian said as he walked past. "This isn't a love story."
I flinched at his words.
Once inside, I locked the door and let the tears fall. This wasn't a honeymoon. It was a prison-with velvet walls and luxury sheets.
And I had no idea how to escape.
---
Chapter 5: Secrets in the Study
The next morning, I wandered the house-trying to make sense of my new world.
I passed by Adrian's study and heard voices inside.
"...she doesn't know anything," someone said.
"Keep it that way," Adrian replied. "If she finds out about the deal with her brother-"
I froze.
My brother? What did he have to do with this?
The door creaked slightly, and silence fell.
I quickly tiptoed back down the hall, heart pounding.
This marriage wasn't just about a debt. There were secrets hidden in this mansion- And I was going to find them.
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