### Blurb: **Bound by Fate: The Billionaire's Contract Bride** Alexander Whitmore, a billionaire heir with a seemingly perfect life, faces a daunting ultimatum from his domineering father: marry a woman of his approval or lose his inheritance. Desperate to retain control over his future, Alexander devises a plan that leads him to Elena Carter, a struggling waitress burdened with her mother’s medical bills and mounting debts. Elena’s world is turned upside down when Alexander proposes a contract marriage, promising financial stability in exchange for her hand in marriage. Torn between skepticism and the dire need to provide for her mother, Elena reluctantly agrees to the arrangement. As they navigate their lives under the constraints of a loveless marriage, Alexander and Elena discover hidden depths within themselves and each other. The initial coldness and distrust begin to melt away, giving rise to unexpected emotions and a burgeoning connection. However, their path to true love is fraught with obstacles. Alexander’s manipulative father, a vengeful ex-lover, and the ghosts of Elena’s past all conspire to tear them apart. Misunderstandings and betrayals threaten to unravel the fragile bond they’ve built. In a story filled with passion, intrigue, and the transformative power of love, Alexander and Elena must confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Can they overcome the forces against them and forge a genuine relationship, or will their contract marriage end in heartbreak? **Bound by Fate: The Billionaire's Contract Bride** is a compelling dark romance that explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties that bind two souls destined to be together.
Chapter 1 The Heir’s Dilemma
Alexander Whitmore stood at the edge of the Whitmore estate, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sprawling mansion behind him was a symbol of power, wealth, and the heavy burden of expectations. At thirty-three, Alexander had everything a man could desire—looks, intelligence, and an empire at his fingertips. Yet, despite his outward success, an emptiness gnawed at him, a constant reminder that something vital was missing from his life.
The estate was quiet, the kind of stillness that only vast amounts of money could buy. It was early morning, the sun just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the meticulously manicured lawns and gardens. Alexander often found solace in these moments, when the world was still waking up and he could pretend, if only for a little while, that he was free from the chains of his family’s legacy.
“Alex, your father wants to see you,” Sarah, his mother, called from the patio.
He sighed, turning away from the view. His relationship with his father was strained at best. James Whitmore was a man of rigid principles and high expectations, and Alexander often found himself falling short of those standards. His mother, on the other hand, was the only source of warmth in the cold, imposing Whitmore mansion. Sarah Whitmore had always been supportive, yet even she couldn’t shield him from his father’s iron will.
Walking into his father’s study, Alexander felt the familiar tension settle over him. The room, lined with dark wood and leather-bound books, was intimidating. James sat behind his massive mahogany desk, a stern look on his face. The air in the study was thick with the scent of cigars and old books, a testament to the power and authority that James wielded.
“Alexander, sit down,” James commanded.
Alexander complied, his expression unreadable. He knew this wasn’t a social call. Whenever his father summoned him, it was always about business or family matters, both of which came with their own set of complications.
“I’m not getting any younger, and it’s time you take on more responsibilities,” James began. “But there’s a condition you must meet to inherit the company.” Alexander’s brow furrowed. “What condition?”
“You must marry. And not just any woman—a woman I approve of.”
Alexander’s jaw clenched. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious. This family needs stability and continuity. You need an heir.”
Alexander stood up, anger flashing in his eyes. “This is ridiculous. You can’t dictate my life.”
“You’ll do as I say, or you’ll be cut off. No inheritance, no company,” James stated coldly.
Alexander stormed out, his mind racing. His life had been controlled by his father for too long, and now this ultimatum. He needed a plan.
As he walked through the grand hallways of the mansion, memories of his childhood flooded back. His father’s stern lessons, the constant pressure to excel, and the feeling of never being good enough. It was suffocating.
He found himself in the garden, the place where his mother used to take him when he was a child, to escape his father’s harshness. The roses were in full bloom, their fragrance filling the air. Sarah Whitmore had always told him that the garden was a symbol of hope and renewal. But today, even the beauty of the garden couldn’t lift the weight off his shoulders.
Sarah approached him, her face etched with concern. “Alex, what did he say?”
“He wants me to get married,” Alexander replied bitterly. “To someone he approves of, or I lose everything.”
Sarah sighed, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Your father only wants what’s best for you, in his own way.”
“What’s best for me?” Alexander scoffed. “All he cares about is the company, the family name. He doesn’t care about me.”
“That’s not true, Alex. He loves you, he just has a hard time showing it.”
Alexander shook his head. “I’m not sure I can do this, Mom.”
“You’re stronger than you think,” Sarah said softly. “And maybe…maybe this could be an opportunity for you to find something real, something meaningful.”
He looked at his mother, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. Sarah Whitmore was a woman of grace and wisdom, but even she couldn’t fully understand the pressure he was under.
“I need to clear my head,” he said, stepping away.
Chapter 1 The Heir’s Dilemma
29/06/2024
Chapter 2 The unexpected proposition
30/06/2024
Chapter 3 A Deal With The Devil
02/07/2024