---
Hmm… how do I go about this contract marriage? Anna murmured, sitting quietly beside her father's hospital bed. The steady beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, matching the storm inside her chest.
A faint, weak touch on her hand made her jump.
"Oh, Dad, you're awake," she smiled, leaning closer. "The surgery was successful. The doctor said you'll need to stay here for a couple of weeks for observation."
Her father gave a faint, grateful smile. "My daughter… thank you. I've stressed you too much today."
"No, Dad," Anna shook her head. "Don't ever say that."
But his gaze lingered on her face. "Anna… something's weighing on you."
She forced a small laugh, scratching her cheek. "It's nothing, Dad. Please don't worry."
He wasn't convinced. "I know you too well. Your eyes tell me what your lips won't."
I can't tell him… not now. Not when he's this weak.
"I'm fine," she lied softly. "I'll go get you something to eat, okay?"
He gave her a slow nod, and she quietly left the room.
In the hospital hallway, she leaned against the cold wall and stared up at the sky through the window. The night was still and clouded, only a few faint stars visible. Her hand trembled as she pulled Felix's card from her pocket. Before she could overthink it again, she dialed his number.
"I'm ready to meet your friend," she said quietly, then hung up immediately.
---
At that moment, Felix's grin stretched wide.
"Wassup, dude? Who was that?" Joan asked from across the room.
"Told you she'd agree. That was Anna."
Joan raised a brow. "She said she's ready to meet me?"
"Yep."
Joan groaned. "Damn. Not this soon."
Felix shrugged. "You know her story. The girl's desperate. Have a little heart."
Joan sighed, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Fine. I'll meet her."
"Good. I texted her your address. She'll meet you at your office, not your house. Chill."
"I don't do strangers in my house."
Felix smirked. "You know she's going to be your wife soon."
Joan shot him a look. "Contract wife, Felix. Don't get sentimental."
Felix laughed. "I'm out. Just try not to be a jerk to her tomorrow."
"Go home, Felix."
He left, still grinning, while Joan turned up his music and poured himself another drink.
---
6:00 AM
The early wind brushed softly against Anna's thin curtains. A framed picture of her and her father on graduation day rested beside her bed.
The sharp buzz of her phone jolted her awake.
Rolling over with a groan, she checked her messages.
From Felix:
You'll be meeting Mr. Joan by 8:30 AM at Chanwell Real Estate. He doesn't tolerate lateness. Be sharp.
Anna groaned, rubbing her face. Guess this is it.
She dragged herself out of bed. But first, I need to check on Dad.
---
After a quick shower, she dressed carefully — a white shirt, black pants, light makeup, her favorite red heels, and the Gucci bag her father had gotten her last birthday. She looked into the mirror and sighed. If I'm doing this, I'm doing it properly.
Stopping by a restaurant near the hospital, she grabbed food for her dad and a latte and burger for herself.
Entering the hospital room, she spotted Zendaya sitting by her father's bedside.
"Bestie!" Anna called.
"Hey you, good morning!" They hugged tightly.
"Thank you so much for coming. I grabbed food for both of you. I'll be back soon."
She rushed to kiss her dad's forehead.
"Wait!" Zendaya called, eyeing her outfit. "I thought you lost your job. Where are you heading to, dressed like a boss lady?"
Anna sighed. "It's a long story, and I promise to tell you everything later. Just… pray for me, okay?"
"Hmm… no wahala. God go with you."
Anna smiled weakly and hurried out.
---
A taxi dropped her in front of Chanwell Real Estate. The building towered over her like a silent judge.
She stared at the company sign for a moment, placed a hand over her chest. I can do this. I have to.
And she walked in.
---
At the reception, a polished-looking young woman smiled. "Good morning. How may I help you?"
"I'm Anna, here to see Mr. Joan for an 8:30 appointment."
The receptionist checked the list and dialed Joan's line. "Sir, the lady is here."
"Bring her up."
"Yes, sir."
"Please come with me."
Inside the elevator, the receptionist leaned in. "Not to be nosy, ma'am, but… just be careful. Mr. Joan doesn't like mistakes. He's… difficult."
Anna raised a brow. "Is he really that bad?"
The girl nodded. "Worse. Good luck."
The elevator dinged.
"I'll be getting off here. His office is at the end of that hall."
"You're not taking me there?"
The receptionist laughed nervously. "Sorry, but I like my mood intact in the morning." And she quickly slipped away.
Wonderful, Anna thought, bracing herself.
---
She walked to the last door, nerves making her palms clammy. She knocked once.
Nothing.
A second time.
Still nothing.
Third time.
"You can come in," a deep, cool voice replied.
The office was massive and sleek, every surface polished to perfection. A tall man with broad shoulders stood facing the window in a navy-blue German suit.
After a long pause, he turned.
Anna's breath caught. The man was breathtaking. Fair skin, sharp jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and those cold, striking brown eyes.
She realized she was staring.
"Hey. Hello, Ms. Anna."
"Oh! Sorry, sir!" she stammered.
Joan frowned. "Look — if you're here to admire me, grab a bed and lie down properly."
Her face flushed. Damn it, Anna.
"I'm Anna Delacruz," she forced a polite smile.
"Joan. CEO of Chanwell Real Estate."
They shook hands. Why are his hands so soft?
Joan quickly pulled his hand away. "Sit down."
Anna did. He didn't even look up from his laptop.
After a long, awkward silence, she spoke. "Sir… are we waiting for someone?"
"My lawyer. Since this is a contract marriage, it needs to be official."
"So if I didn't ask, you wouldn't tell me?"
"You talking to me?"
"Uh — no, no sir."
"Good."
Five minutes later, a man in a grey suit entered.
"Sorry for the delay — traffic," he apologized.
Anna smiled. "It's fine."
Joan didn't look up. "Did you bring the contract?"
"Yes. Two copies. Both of you need one."
He handed them over.
Joan tossed his onto the table. Anna's eyes darted through the terms and conditions.
Her heart pounded as she read:
Clause 1: No falling in love.
Clause 2: Mandatory public appearances and media events.
Clause 3: No disclosing the contract details to anyone.
Clause 4: No leaving the city without permission.
Clause 5: Early termination attracts a penalty fee of ten million naira.
Her stomach twisted.
What is this? A marriage or a trap?
She blinked at the "No falling in love" line.
"No falling in love?" she whispered.
Joan glanced up with a smirk. "Exactly what it says. I don't do love stories."
Anna rolled her eyes. Arrogant much.
She sighed, picked up a pen, and signed.
Battle officially begun.