Jade's life is turned upside down when she's wrongfully convicted of drug trafficking. Upon her release, she discovers that her boyfriend, Luke, has been cheating on her and now has a child with her childhood best friend. Just as her world crumbles, fate steps in with an unexpected twist. Grayson Westbrook, a billionaire with a cold and distant demeanor, has sworn off marriage and children after a devastating event in his past. When his mother's pressure becomes unbearable, he proposes a deal to Jade: a marriage of convenience. But what starts as a business arrangement soon stirs deeper emotions. Grayson's words are dry, his affection seems absent, but there's something in his touch that stirs an undeniable passion in Jade. As they navigate their complex and troubled lives, secrets begin to unravel: Will Jade accept the proposal, despite the pain it brings? What truly led to Jade's wrongful conviction, and who betrayed her? What dark trauma haunts Grayson, making him swear off love and commitment?
Chapter 1 1
Jade stood on the steps of the courthouse, her heart a heavy weight in her chest. The warm spring breeze tousled her hair, but she hardly noticed. Everything felt unreal, like a bad dream she couldn't wake up from. A place that had once been her home-the place where her friends, family, and dreams resided-now felt like a foreign land.
Her fingers curled into fists as memories of the last few years flooded her mind. The wrongful conviction. The years behind bars. The betrayal by the man she had loved and trusted, and the betrayal by the best friend who she thought would always stand by her. It was too much for one person to bear.
The sharp click of heels against the pavement drew her attention. She turned and saw her mother, her face creased with worry, walking toward her. The woman had aged since Jade's arrest, her once-vibrant face now a reflection of the anguish she had endured.
"I don't know how you managed to stay so strong," her mother said, wrapping her arms around her daughter. Jade's tears, which she had kept at bay for so long, began to fall freely.
Her mother's arms tightened around her. "It's over now, Jade. You're free. You can finally move on."
But could she?
The truth still lay buried beneath the surface, the real reason behind her conviction. And then there was Luke.
The idea of facing him again was almost too much to bear. How could he have done this to her? He was supposed to be the one person who never turned his back on her. Instead, he had betrayed her in the worst possible way. She had been locked away, and he had moved on. With her best friend, no less.
Grayson Westbrook had no idea how badly she needed to get away from the memories that were now strangling her life. But when he made her an offer, everything changed.
---
Hours later, Jade sat in a small, nondescript coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Her fingers drummed nervously against the edge of the table as she waited for him. Grayson Westbrook-the billionaire who had made her an offer she couldn't refuse.
The door to the shop opened with a soft chime, and in walked Grayson, his tall frame casting a shadow over the table. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. He was everything she had imagined-handsome, powerful, composed-but there was something cold about him. A sharpness to his movements, as though he had been hardened by something that no one could see.
Grayson took a seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. He studied her with an intensity that unsettled her. Jade opened her mouth to speak, but the words got stuck. His presence was suffocating, and she couldn't find the strength to voice the questions that had been circling in her mind for days.
"Jade," Grayson finally spoke, his voice low and controlled. "I'm glad you could meet me."
He placed a folder on the table, its edges crisp and untouched. "I have a proposition for you. One that could benefit both of us."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Grayson's lips twitched into the faintest smile, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I understand that your situation is complicated, and I'm aware of the betrayal you've experienced. But I also know what it feels like to have the world expect things from you, to have your every move scrutinized."
She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What are you talking about?"
"A marriage of convenience," Grayson said plainly. "I need a wife. Someone who can help me with family matters and my business dealings. You need security, a fresh start, and someone to help you put your life back together. I've studied your case, Jade. I know your history and what you've gone through." He paused, his gaze piercing hers. "You don't have to like me, but we can both benefit from this arrangement."
Jade felt a chill crawl up her spine. "You want me to marry you?" Her voice was incredulous, even though she knew the answer. This wasn't a fairytale. This wasn't love. It was a business deal.
"That's right," Grayson replied, his expression unfazed. "This will be a marriage based on mutual needs, nothing more. A way to keep the pressure from my family off my back and to give you a chance to rebuild your life without the constant reminder of what you've lost."
Jade stared at him, her mind racing. She had no idea what he was hiding behind those cool eyes, what kind of trauma had turned him into this man who saw everything as a transaction. But for the first time in weeks, she saw an opportunity. A way out.
"What's in it for you?" Jade asked, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. "Why would you need a wife? What does it do for you?"
Grayson exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "I've made it clear that I don't believe in relationships. Marriage and children are things I've sworn off. But my mother doesn't understand that. She's been pressuring me for years, trying to set me up with women she deems suitable for my 'status.' This," he gestured between them, "is a way to stop her from meddling in my life."
Jade nodded slowly, absorbing the information. This was a man with a past-a past that haunted him, and now it was threatening to dictate his future.
She didn't know if she could trust him. The idea of marrying a stranger who was offering her security out of sheer necessity felt wrong. But at the same time, there was something in his eyes-a vulnerability he didn't want anyone to see. A side to him that hadn't been hardened by money or power.
Grayson opened the folder in front of him and slid a piece of paper across the table to her. "This is the contract. It's simple. We live as husband and wife in name only. You'll have access to the funds you need to get your life back on track. I'll provide for you, and in return, you'll help me with my family's expectations and maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage."
Jade scanned the document quickly. There were no hidden clauses, no fine print that would come back to haunt her. It was as straightforward as it could be, but the reality of what she was about to do hit her with full force.
"I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, her hand trembling as she touched the paper.
"You don't have to love me," Grayson said, his voice softer now, though still distant. "Just trust me, for now. We'll go through with this and see where it takes us. I'll be nothing but professional with you. We both need this. You know that."
Jade took a deep breath, looking at the man in front of her. She had no other options. This was her way out, a lifeline thrown to her when everything else had failed. The contract before her wasn't just a piece of paper-it was her ticket to freedom.
Slowly, her fingers reached for the pen, and with one quick motion, she signed her name at the bottom.
"Deal," she said quietly, looking up to meet Grayson's gaze.
The moment their eyes locked, Jade knew her life would never be the same again.
Chapter 1 1
31/12/2024
Chapter 2 2
31/12/2024
Chapter 3 3
31/12/2024
Chapter 4 4
31/12/2024
Chapter 5 5
31/12/2024
Chapter 6 6
31/12/2024
Chapter 7 7
31/12/2024
Chapter 8 8
31/12/2024
Chapter 9 9
31/12/2024
Chapter 10 10
31/12/2024
Chapter 11 11
31/12/2024
Chapter 12 12
31/12/2024
Chapter 13 13
31/12/2024
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