From Contract to Love

Chapter One

JANE POV

I was stuck in a rut, big time. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had nothing to do. My friends were all busy with their husbands, and I was solo. Again.

I'm Jane, by the way. I'm 24, single, and not exactly thrilled about it. Don't get me wrong, I love my independence, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one not living the dream.

As I lounged on my couch, my phone rang. Mom. I let it go to voicemail. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture about finding a nice guy and settling down.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out to the mart. I needed some fresh air and a snack. As I strolled in, I bumped into someone at the entrance. Literally.

"Watch where you're going, clumsy!" a voice growled.

I looked up to see a rugged, charming guy with messy dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a strong build, like he worked out regularly, but his scowl made him look intimidating. But for some reason he looks familiar.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I said, feeling a bit taken aback by his tone.

"Well, maybe you should be," he snapped. "You almost took me down."

I bristled at his attitude. "Hey, I said I was sorry. No need to be rude."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm being rude? You're the one who bumped into me."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. Sorry again, okay?"

He snorted. "Save it. But hey, since you're so sorry, how about you buy me a coffee to make up for it?" he said with an annoying smirk on his face.

I hesitated for a moment, then agreed. We walked to a nearby cafe, his silence making me feel uncomfortable, like really really uncomfortable.

As we sipped our coffee, he finally spoke up. "So, what's your name? And what makes you so clumsy?" he said with an annoying smile.

I bristled at his tone, but answered anyway. "I'm Jane Williams and I'm not clumsy. I'm just a little distracted, that's all. I'm just...adventurous."

He snorted. "Adventurous? That's one way to put it. I'd say you're just plain reckless."

I felt a surge of anger, but tried to keep my cool. "Well, maybe I am. But at least I'm not a grumpy, rude stranger who can't even be polite," I said and stole a little glance at his beautiful blue eyes.

He smirked. "Oh, I'm polite. I'm just not afraid to speak my mind. And if you can't handle a little bit of honesty, then maybe you're not as adventurous as you think you are," he said with no emotions.

And with that, he finished his coffee and walked out, leaving me feeling both annoyed and intrigued. Who was this guy, anyway? He really seems familiar for some reason.

I shifted my thoughts and stormed out of the coffee shop, still fuming from my encounter with his rude behavior. I was used to guys being so nice to me, not insulting me. And it was all because of my pretty face.

I'd always been the one to dish out the sass, to play hard to get. Guys would fawn over me, trying to get my attention, and I'd revel in the power it gave me. But for once, someone had turned the tables on me. And I didn't like it one bit. Or does he think he is that handsome?

As I drove home, I couldn't shake off the annoyance. Who was that guy? And why did he have to be so...rude? Why does he seem like I've met him somewhere but I can't remember or probably he is a celebrity I've seen on TV?

I pulled into my driveway, still seething. I needed a shower and a nap to get over this awful day.

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The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Or so I thought. As I was getting dressed, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Emily.

"Hey, girl! I'm having a party tonight, and you have to come!" "No" is never an option she squealed.

I hesitated for a moment but then agreed. Maybe a night out was just what I needed to forget about the rude stranger. Besides Emily must want me to be there.

I quickly ordered a black diamond gown that would suit tonight's party, 'cause Emily's husband flows with celebrities.

As I arrived at Emily's party, I was greeted by the usual crowd of admirers. But as I made my way through the throng of people, I noticed a familiar face. The rude stranger from the coffee shop was standing by the bar, sipping a drink. Why is he here?

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met. And for once, I was speechless. I just stood looking at him as he walked towards me.

He walked over to me, a smirk on his face. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The queen of mean herself," he said as he got so close to me.

I rolled my eyes, distracting myself that I find this rude guy attractive, like this is the first time I have found someone attractive. "What do you want? Why are you even here?" I asked.

"It's a party, or am I not allowed to be here?" he said. I was about to reply when his mood changed and he said, "I want to talk to you," his voice low and serious. "Outside," he said and started walking outside. What is his deal this time? I thought but then followed him out to the balcony. The cool night air was a welcome respite from the crowded party.

"What do you want?" I repeated, my arms crossed.

"I want to propose a contract marriage," he said, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.

I laughed. "You've got to be kidding me." Anyway what is the contract about?

But he wasn't smiling. "I'm dead serious, Jane. I need a wife, and you need a husband. Let's make a deal."

I was taken aback. Who told him I need a husband? No one had ever asked me to marry them before, "because I was not ready to marry" my subconscious mind tells me. "Who told you I need a husband?" I yelled at him and turned to go.

He held my hand and I turned to him. "Because if you had a husband you wouldn't be here alone," he said.

There was something about him that intrigued me. Maybe it was the way he didn't fawn over me, or the way he seemed to see right through me. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny that I was curious.

"I remember my mom and her wish for me to get married," So tell me about this contract I said, my voice softer than I intended.

"Let's go to my car," he said and I followed him behind.

And with that, he began to lay out his proposal. A contract marriage, with terms and conditions. It was crazy, but...

I couldn't help but be tempted. He is every girl's dream man, most especially my type. I thought and smiled in my head.

"Since this is all what the contract marriage is, I will think about it and get back to you in two days," I said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Okay, here's my number," he gave me a card and walked away.

I looked at the card and my eyes widened in shock. He is the Blackwoods son!!!!!!