My Cold CEO Husband

Episode 1 – The Contract

The rain poured heavily over the city as Lina ran down the street, trying to cover her head with her bag. Her shoes were wet, and her clothes were already soaked, but she kept running.

“I’m late… I’m late again…” she whispered to herself, breathing heavily.

When she finally reached the café where she worked part-time, her manager was already standing at the door with an angry face.

“Lina! You are late again!” he shouted.

“I’m sorry, sir! The bus was late and—”

“I don’t want excuses. If you are late one more time, don’t come back,” he said coldly.

Lina lowered her head. “I’m sorry…”

She quickly changed her clothes and started working. The café was busy that night, and she kept running from table to table, taking orders, cleaning tables, and washing dishes. Her hands were red from the cold water, and her feet hurt, but she didn’t complain.

She needed this job. She needed money.

After the café closed, Lina finally sat down on a chair to rest. She looked at the photo on her phone — it was a picture of her and her mother smiling together.

“Mom… please get better soon…” she whispered softly.

Suddenly, her phone started ringing.

When she saw the caller ID, her heart started beating fast.

City Hospital

Her hands started shaking as she answered the call.

“H-Hello?”

“Is this Lina Hart?” the nurse asked.

“Yes, this is Lina.”

“I’m calling about your mother. Her condition has become worse. The doctor says she needs surgery as soon as possible.”

Lina stood up immediately. “Surgery? Is it dangerous?”

“It is a serious surgery, but without it, her condition will continue to get worse.”

Lina felt like the world stopped for a moment.

“How much… does the surgery cost?” she asked quietly.

There was a short silence before the nurse answered.

“It will cost around 50,000 dollars.”

Lina couldn’t speak. Her mind went blank.

“T-Thank you… I understand…” she said and slowly ended the call.

Her phone slipped from her hand onto the floor.

“50,000…? That’s impossible…” she whispered.

She walked outside the café slowly. The rain was still falling, and the street was almost empty. She sat on a bench near the road and started crying quietly.

“I don’t have that kind of money… What should I do? Mom…”

She covered her face with her hands as tears fell down her cheeks.

At that moment, a black luxury car stopped in front of the café. The door opened, and a tall man in a black suit stepped out. He looked rich, cold, and very handsome. His sharp eyes noticed Lina sitting alone in the rain.

He walked towards her slowly and stopped in front of her.

“You need money?” he asked in a calm, cold voice.

Lina looked up, surprised. “I’m sorry… Do I know you?”

“I heard your phone conversation,” he said. “You need money for your mother’s surgery.”

Lina felt embarrassed and quickly wiped her tears.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean for anyone to hear…”

“I can pay for the surgery,” the man said suddenly.

Lina’s eyes widened. “R-Really?”

“Yes. Not only the surgery. I can pay for your house, your studies, and your living expenses.”

Lina stood up quickly. “Why… would you help me?”

The man looked at her quietly for a moment before speaking again.

“Because I need something from you too.”

“What do you need?” she asked nervously.

He looked directly into her eyes and said,

“Marry me.”

Lina froze completely. She thought she heard wrong.

“W-What did you say?”

“It’s a contract marriage. One year only,” he said calmly. “You will act as my wife. After one year, we will divorce. You will get money, and I will get what I need.”

“Why me?” Lina asked.

“I need a wife for family reasons, and you need money. This is a fair deal.”

He took out a business card and gave it to her.

Adrian Blake – CEO of Blake Corporation

“Think about it,” he said. “Call me tomorrow if you accept.”

He turned around and walked back to his car.

Lina stood in the rain, holding the card tightly in her hand. Her heart was beating fast.

She looked up at the dark sky and whispered,

“Mom… what should I do…?”

She looked at the card again.

“…Maybe this is my only choice.”

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