THE BILLIONAIRE'S CONTRACT BRIDE (An Undeniable Love)

It was the kind of evening meant for memories or mistakes. The rain fell softly against the tall, glass windows of the mansion, a steady rhythm that blended with the haunting notes of "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, playing from the antique record player in the corner.

The sky hung heavy with thick, grey clouds, and the coolness of the evening air pressed against the walls like an uninvited guest.

In the heart of the house, within the dimly lit confines of his study, Joan - the richest billionaire - sat behind a grand mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He nodded slowly to the beat of the song, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Joan, are you there?" Felix, his buddy, called from the hallway leading to Joan's study.

Immediately, a long, sharp wooden door was pushed open, leading Felix into the room where Joan was sitting.

They shook hands, and Joan passed the bottle of whiskey and a glass cup to Felix.

"Bro, guess what?" Felix asked.

"Just spill it. You know I'm not good at guessing," Joan scoffed.

"You remember when you told me you needed to secure that huge contract but they'll only let you in if you're married?"

"Yes, I remember," Joan replied.

"Well, I've got a solution for you." Felix smiled, pouring another drink into his cup. "I met a girl yesterday in the hallway leading to my office - she was crying."

Joan immediately lowered the volume of the song playing in the background. He didn't like hearing about women crying.

"Okay, as I was saying... I went close to her, offered her my handkerchief to wipe her tears."

Anna, who had cried heavily - her eyes red, face puffed, legs shivering on the floor - collected the handkerchief from Felix.

"Thank you," she said in a coaxed voice.

"So, I took her to the nearest coffee shop and asked her why she was crying. She said 'Nothing,' with a weary, weakened face. I told her I wouldn't force her to talk, but I had an offer to make, because looking at her, she seemed like someone in deep trouble."

Anna raised her head immediately.

"Wait! What? How did you know?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"I'm a genius, you know." He called a waiter over to get them two cups of coffee, smiling lightly.

"Let me cut to the chase, because I don't have time. As you can see, I was already on my way home when I saw you there, crying your eyes out."

"I have a friend-"

"Wait!" Anna said, interrupting him. "Before you tell me anything, permit me to introduce myself and tell you my problems first."

"Okay, go on," Felix said.

Anna cleared her throat. "First of all, my name is Anna Delacruz. I'm a computer programmer. I've worked as a programmer for five years."

"Hmmmmm. Interesting, continue," Felix smiled, his dimples showing fully.

"There was a huge project that I was appointed to. I did my job so well, but something terrible happened on the D-day," she said sadly. "I was arranging everything I'd done so far when my phone rang.

"It was the hospital. They said my dad got into an accident and was rushed to the hospital, and he needed urgent surgery if we wanted him to survive.

"I left everything I was doing and rushed out while my director kept calling me, but I couldn't answer because my dad's life was on the line. I reached the hospital and deposited my life savings so they could start the surgery.

"My phone was ringing non-stop, but I wasn't thinking straight. I stood outside, panicking, until the doctor came out to tell me the surgery was successful. That was when I started breathing again.

"I called my director back, and his voice was so loud it felt like it would burst my eardrums. He told me if I knew what was good for me, I should return to the office immediately.

"I went into my dad's room, held his hand, and kissed it. I told him I'd be back very soon. I rushed out of the hospital, flagged down a taxi, and went straight to the office.

"As I entered, people stared at me, some pointing. The moment I stepped into my director's office, he threw a file full of papers at me and shouted,

'Why? Why? Do you see what you've caused? We lost a million-dollar project because of you!'

"I apologized, I explained what happened, but he didn't give me a listening ear. The next thing I heard was, 'You're fired!' fury blazing in his face.

"I knelt down immediately. I begged and begged and begged, but it was useless. He told me, 'I've filed a case against you. If you don't pay 10 million naira before the month ends, I'll have you thrown in prison.'

"That was when I knew I was finished. I packed up my belongings and went home with a heavy heart, thinking about how to pay him back."

"So, what were you doing in our company?" Felix asked.

"Oh, I came to meet an old friend to see if he could help me with some money, at least for my dad's bill."

"And?" Felix asked.

"He... he said..." she stammered, tears rolling down her cheek.

"Stop crying. Your savior is here." Felix handed her a tissue to clean her face.

"He said he couldn't help because his wife just gave birth. I'm finished," Anna cried out.

"Shhh, people are looking. I told you I'm here to help," Felix said, adjusting his necktie. He sipped his coffee and set the cup down.

"So listen up," he said gently. "I have a billionaire friend who wants to get into a contract marriage with any lady for just two months. And trust me, the pay is high."

Despite Felix saying billionaire friend, Anna wasn't moved. She knew her value and worth - she wasn't the type to fake love or marry someone for money.

"No, no. If this is the help you were talking about, I don't need it," Anna said, standing up fiercely and grabbing her bag from the chair. She went straight to the counter to pay for her coffee.

Felix chased her down to the bus stop, dragging her gently back.

"Think about it very well, young lady. You have to pay for your dad's hospital bill and settle your company debt. Where will you get that kind of money? Do you think it'll fall from heaven?"

"I know I'm in deep trouble, but how do you..." she paused, then continued, "How do you expect me to fake marry a billionaire for two months? What will people say after that? You want them to call me a divorcee? Huh? Tell me - how do you want people to see me?"

Felix replied, "Oh, so now you care about what people will say? Since you've been in this mess, has anyone asked you how you're coping? How you're going to pay that huge sum? My dear, this is for you. Now's the time to grab a golden opportunity."

"Okay, okay." She nodded quietly, forcing a smile. "I've thought it through. I don't have a helper, and I have to make use of this opportunity."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you so much, Anna, thank you!" Felix threw his hands up, a wide grin on his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card.

"Call me anytime you're ready to meet my friend."

They both turned, heading in the direction of their homes, when Felix suddenly remembered something.

"Anna, wait! Wait!"

"Oh, what is it?"

"I forgot something."

"What's that?" Anna asked.

"My bad, my bad. I'm Felix. Felix Henshaw." He stretched out his hand. "It was nice meeting you."

Anna hurriedly shook his hand and smiled. "Nice meeting you too. You really are a lifesaver."

"It's nothing," he joked. "Just give me a call when you're ready. Take care."

They both left.

Anna turned back to Felix and said, "I'll go into this contract marriage. But you guys don't really know what you're signing up for."