"You failed woefully, Nina Whyte, Why??? Nina????? The head of department said. Nina's eyes suddenly opened with fear glowing in them as she jumped from her sleep with sweat dripping down her skin. Still feeling traumatized by her dream, she got out of bed, freshened up, got dressed and went straight to the college immediately. In a serene environment with a sunny climate in Zuchin Top City at Winter Park College. Nina Whyte was already in cloud 9, sitting in the guests hall waiting for her turn so she could collect her college certificate. "How dare you fail your final exam? Do you know the cost incurred, the huge loan you took just so you could graduate with your mate? You'll have to come back to South City so we could work together in my business firm, with two brains we can grow the business together. Aria Whyte said with rage written all over his face and snorted. "Did you hear me, Nina!" Aria said  Immediately, Nina Whyte woke up from cloud 9. "Ooo......hhhhhh! Another day-dreaming? what a dream," She said while rubbing her hair as a sign of relief. She checked the clock it was already 1 o'clock and still hasn't gotten to her turn yet  Nina, had to think out loud what Aria, her uncle said while on cloud 9. She made up her mind of not going back to her uncle, rather, she wants to work, cater for the uncle and his family and then settle the huge student loan she took.  "Who's Ms. Nina Whyte? Please come in to collect your certificate," The student officer said. Nina jumped up with so much energy, "Yes i am." She said as she walked into the office. Procedures were followed, she filled a form ensuring she's the right owner of the certificate, submitted receipt of payment, did lots of verification before she finally collected her certificate.  "Congratulations Ms. Wishing you a splendid future ahead." The student officer said with his chin and gave Nina a warm handshake. "Thank you so much sir, and thanks for everything you did, your good deeds won't be easily forgotten."She smirked. He, Enzo Moretti wanted a wife immediately, because the rule in the elite world says "You must be married to be able to attain the position of the CEO of Knight holdings" The policy states  that once you're married; it proves you can handle lots of responsibilities.  Enzo Moretti wanted the position so badly, because to him, he's the first son and child and doesn't want anyone to interfere in his father's wealth not even the elite group.......His search for a bride began.  Enzo told his PA, Kelly Kon, to pay lots of TV presenters, Newspaper's agency to advertise on all social media platforms of his need of a bride. And she must meet up to his criteria. The criteria states: She must not be more than 28 of age, she must be a resident of Legion city, from a wealthy background, must be beautiful, intelligent, well articulated, not too chubby and should be done with college, already working.  The search went on and on, days turns into weeks, weeks into months, months into a year.  There was a deadline for him to marry or else another shareholder of the company will be handed the CEO's position.  Enzo Moretti became so frustrated.  Other ladies saw the advert, but they were just too curious and scared to go for it; scared of unforeseen circumstances. His PA, Kelly Kon, later got an email from a woman, named Jante.  Jante was a single mother who was struggling to make ends meet. She recently lost her job and was facing eviction from her apartment. She was desperate for money and was willing to consider the contract marriage proposal. "I'm strongly interested in the contract of being the billionaire's wife," She said. "Okay! Noted Ms, can we meet? Here's the address of the venue," Kelly sent it to her while his face was as bright as the morning sun.  "What a relieved! Finally!" He said. Eventually, an interviewed was held with the lady, Enzo's lawyer was around. She agreed to the huge sum of amount from Enzo, Enzo was offering her a huge sum of money, a luxurious apartment in the city and even a brand new car. she signed the document and moved to his house.  Nina Moretti works in the other city, Zuchin Top City, some kilometers away from Legion City. After she collected her certificate from College, she made up her mind to stay back to work.She began applying for jobs. The first job she got, the restaurant job wasn't favourable, the policy did more harm to her mental health. She continued searching and applying. "Oh! Please just do this for me, just this last click" She didn't know who she was praying to but she said it anyways with her eyes closed with running nose. After rigorous search, on her way home from her restaurant duties, she got a email. "Big congratulations Ms. Nina, you're required to confirm and report first thing tomorrow morning."  She moved her body, left, right, danced and sang with her chin up. This time around her nose was dried up.  She got her dream job, even though the pay is still not enough for her to clear her school debt. Nonetheless, her face doesn't look dull at all. You see her face, you see light. She read on the news headline "A contract bride needed to marry a billionaire CEO" she later saw "His selected contract wife left him" The Lady chosen to be his contract wife, Jante,  left him when she discovered that she was only a tool in the hands of Enzo, to him, she was a wife in name. A shared home. A shared bed. A public image to maintain. Nothing more. He doesn't feel anything for her. She saw she doesn't have a future with him, so she left. Enzo ensured she was settled.  Nina was in her office, reading the news headlines to herself. Not knowing her friend and colleague, Efany Coker just walked in.  "I'm considering this offer, Efany." Nina said while gazing directly at Efany, her heart pounded a bit.  "You better not consider it," Efany barked back instantly without looking at her. "I'd. I've made up my mind on this before telling you, Efany, it's only a contract for few months not a lifetime deal. Atleast I'd be able to pay up my school debt and still have a huge sum of funds with me, because the offer is juicy." She said while licking her lips with her tongue.  Nina's uncle, Aria Whyte,  had been pressurizing her to get married, that's she's not getting any younger. But Nina on the other part, wants to fulfill her dream of independency, to have more wealth, to settle her school debts. To break the gap between the poor and the rich.  Eventually Nina got Enzo's PA, Kelly number and called, to show how serious she was, she sent an email. She was called upon. Kelly fixed a date for Nina to meet with Enzo Moretti. Immediately, Enzo saw her, he didn't ask for other information further, forsake his criteria, and accepted her immediately. "Sign this contract, Ms Nina," He said with pang voice.   He stretched and gave Nina the contract marriage document to sign.He was already devastated, his strength almost gone due to a search for a bride. Nina immediately signed the contract after reading the conditions with his lawyers consent. They chatted for a while, discussing the details of the contract and what was expected of both of them. "You seem like a smart woman, Nina, Enzo said. "I'm sure we'll be able to make this work." Nina nodded, still a little nervous. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this, but it was too late to back out now. Over the next few weeks, Enzo and Nina spent a lot of time together, getting to know each other and preparing for new life together.

"Congratulations on getting married. And for securing your position as the CEO." The shareholders of Knight holdings tossed and felicitated with Enzo Moretti on his new achievements while they held a board meeting. Master Jay Moretti, Enzo's father was present as well. The grand finale celebration will be done afterwards, where friends, family, colleagues, men and women of elite group would be present. A date would be fixed for it. It was really a long day at office. Enzo became so tired and needed body massage, so Kelly drove him to the spa. On getting there, he met his long time ex girlfriend, Calissa Smith the daughter of the wealthiest man in Zuchin Top City. On getting down from her car, she immediately recognized Enzo because of Kelly. Kelly had been with him since childhood. They were both heading to the spa for quick body massage. "Is that you Enzo?" She blurted. It was so obvious that she hadn't gotten over him. Enzo on the other hand couldn't stop staring at her stunning, blonde hair, skimpy burgundy gown and glowing skin.  "She didn't change at all, she's still the same  Calissa i knew." He whispered that she couldn't hear him. "Yes Calissa, it's me." Enzo said, he couldn't hide his excitement, he was all over her. They came close and immediately Calissa hugged him and Enzo reciprocated. It was a friendly and long time hug, they were still talking until they both entered the spa. They discussed about everything; their past, present and future. Afterwards, they exchanged contacts and promised to hangout some other time.  On his way home, Enzo remembered he didn't ask Kelly about Nina, her personality, her background. Kelly told Enzo everything he needed to know about his contract wife, Nina. Enzo couldn't believe his eyes, he couldn't believe he had accepted her without even knowing a shit about her. Anyways, he had known Nina to be a very smart looking lady. Nina phone buzzed.......... "Hey! Nina how're you doing, it's been a while so i decided to call. I missed you so much, office is so boring without you, girl! I missed your goofy self." Efany said with a low tone voice. "Efany, I'm trying to be okay, i can't just wait for this so called marriage to be over," She snapped. "Oh my baby! I can sense your emotions from your voice, but i told you not to, i encouraged you to work and save from your salary, but you were adamant, Nina. Now see what you got yourself into, a luxurious mansion where you can't live on your own terms." Efany said with rage burning in her chest. "Hmmmmmmmm!" Nina sighed  "Catch ya later, Nina. I have something to do in the office." Efany said hurriedly. Enzo Moretti came home after a long day at office and spa. He strode to his room, on getting into the room, he overheard Nina conversation on phone with someone. Because Nina's room is adjacent to his. So he dragged back a bit, so he could hear clearly but he didn't hear anything. As he was about concentrating on the call, that was when Nina hanged up. "Hope I'm safe?" Enzo asked while he  murmured. After which, he entered the room. Nina life is literally on hold, truly she's just a wife, a contract wife to be precise, she stopped working as a result of the marriage. She missed those days at Zuchin Top City, her office, her friends and colleagues. She was deeply pained. Even before she signed the contract, she made up her mind not to fall in love with the billionaire.  After some moment she started seeing herself as someone that's just meant for decoration, like a sign board. It then dawned on her that she made the worst decision of her life, she would have adhered to what her friend, Efany said earlier. But no.......Her inquisitive and strong-willed self couldn't.  "Ooooo! I wished i could turn back the clock," Nina yelled. As the result of how she screamed, the maids, janitor, janitress, bodyguards and everyone in the mansion became startled including the billionaire CEO, Enzo.  Enzo hurriedly entered her room.......... "Are you sure you're okay, Nina?" Enzo said He was deeply and honestly concerned about her for the first time since the marriage contract was signed. Prior to this, it has always been office-spa-CEO position-Moretti's inheritance and it would always be. "Yes i am, you asked as if you care," Nina barked back. "You're only concerned about your life, your goal, nothing else. Anyways, congratulations on your new position," She said She had been contemplating whether to tell Enzo or not, but something spiked in her to tell him. This time around, she wasn't her self at all, her body language can literally tell something was wrong. She pushed further until  the words finally came out. "Since you've gotten the position of the CEO in your company, can you place me as your PA instead of Kelly?" She asked politely Enzo snapped back with a smug smile on his face, a forced smile literally. He vehemently refused. "No way! Nina! You're just a mere wife, a contract wife as at that not a corporate tool." Those words from him sliced deeper than any blade. She couldn't hold her pain, rather, she allowed it flow naturally with tears rolling down her eyes. Her life flashed before her eyes. "So you mean, I'd sit without doing nothing, you mean I'd become useless to myself, Enzo?" She spoke back at him while her whole body shivered. "You became useless the very day you agreed to sign the contract of marriage. Moreover, it's not a big deal, you'd get settled eventually so you can live your life freely," He said. In the midst of the mind blowing conversation between Enzo and Nina, Enzo's phone buzzed, it was his mom, Chante Whyte. He picked up and didn't know it was on high volume. "Hey! Son, are you aware Calissa Smith is in town? Do well to catch up with her later,"  "Yes mom! I knew. We'd plan towards that," he said. "Okay! That's super good, who knows if you both are meant to be together." Chante said confidently "Hmmmmmmm! I really don't want to hear that now mom, catch ya later." He snapped  "Do you really want to hang up on me? What I'm just saying is.............." Before she could finish up her statement, Enzo had already hanged up the call. Nina couldn't believe what she heard, she was so perplexed. Her life was going smoothly not until when she agreed to this mess. She was still skeptical about Enzo throwing her out and getting married formally to his long time ex girlfriend, Calissa Smith.  For the very first time she became so concerned about Enzo. "Do you really want to marry her?" She asked Enzo "Marry who?" Enzo said. "Come of it, don't pretend you didn't know I heard the conversation between you and your mom," Nina said. At that moment, Enzo saw what he hasn't seen in her eyes ever since she moved in. That facial expression of emotions and that made his stomach trembled drastically. He went forward to where she was standing, held her waist. Nina was already shivering.  "I'd chose her over and over again," He strode out of her room and slammed the door behind him.

"It's high time i left." She said Nina summoned the courage to walk up to Enzo in his office. As she was walking through the hallway to his office, his staffs, other prominent men and women in the building, were all staring at her.  They all whispered to one another, the words couldn't come out from their month clearly and boldly. Every steps Nina took, got whispered for it.  As Nina was about opening the door, she overheard Enzo having a conversation with Kelly, on his need for the contract to abruptly expire so he can marry Calissa Smith, his long time ex girlfriend. "She would really make a good wife, right Kelly?" Enzo's said. Uprightly, Enzo was seeking validation from Kelly, Kelly on the other hand, already knew how his boss was; he would never seek counsel from anyone not even his dad, Jay Moretti, because he believes he's sacrosanct. "Ye.........ssss she would," Kelly wasn't sure tho, but he said that anyways. Calissa Smith is currently chairing a multi- trillion dollar company in Zuchin Top City, the company with the highest shareholders and shares, which attracts more investors in and outside Zuchin Top City, literally from all over the world. Ever since, Enzo discovered this, he saw this as an opportunity for his company, Knight Holdings to expand. Thereby collectively seeking for collaboration between the two firms. Getting married to her will be more beneficial to him and his company. Nina was still standing at the doorway with the beautiful lingerie she wore. Apparently, Efany, her friend gifted her the dress the day she left to Enzo's mansion. She was done crying and finally decided she was never going to cry again. Moreover, she had received part payment of the contract from Enzo, and with this huge sum of money in her possession, she can literally pay her school debt, give her uncle the best life and live her life to her satisfaction. she decided to leave the remaining funds with him, so she can go for her own good. Then she opened the door. Immediately, Enzo saw her he was dumbfounded. He had warned her not to step her foot to his company, she isn't fit to be seen around him, not for a sec. "Oh.....hhh....hhh shit! What the heck are you doing here?" He barked at her. She threw the document at his chest; termination of contract marriage document.  "Sign this now, i want to live on my terms again, I'm done living for yours," She said with her mind racing. Confusion enveloped the office atmosphere, Kelly stared at Enzo, Enzo did same. They were both short of words. They tried but words couldn't flow freely.  The contract will officially expire in few days time, but would be extended by Enzo. He still wants to keep her with him, pending when he eventually gets married to Calissa. Because, it demands enormous procedures. Nina leaving his mansion isn't certain at all. For the fact that she was brave enough to confront the billionaire CEO, she needs a medal for her action. She was still standing there, patiently waiting for Enzo to terminate the contract marriage. That would be impossible because the lawyer wasn't around. According to Enzo, he travelled for a job in another country and won't be back anytime soon. Or maybe, that was Enzo's scheme to keep Nina for some time frame. He finally had the right words and sentences to tell Nina.  "You can't leave now, unless i say so. I bought the drum and I'm the only person fit to beat the drum," He said without feeling remorse. "Then don't expect loyalty from me, you just bit the hand that brought you to the position you're in now. Just be ready for what's next." Nina said with absolute certainty, her hands shaking with anger. To him, it was just a mere words meant to frighten Nina. On Nina's end, the words are just like a breeze that moved past her instantly. It was really a whole lot of commotion in there, Kelly had to excuse himself so he could breathe well. A message popped up on his phone's screen, obviously from Calissa. "Can we meet tonight?" Nina eyes shifted towards where his phone was and saw the message. Her heart sank. Enzo thought Nina was extremely clueless about Calissa Smith. But, he got it all wrong. She had even done her research about her, everything she ought to know about Calissa, Nina has it at the tip of her finger.  "You're going to see her, Calissa right?" She asked. Her voice shaking slightly. For the first time, Enzo became startled, he had know Nina to be a very smart lady but how on earth did she got to know about the last he's currently going out with, to the extent of mentioning her name. He became furious and yelled at her.  "I don't owe you an explanation, and never interfere in my life affair." He spoke as if he was ready to defeat his enemy. "You owe me everything. I'm your wife, as long as this contract still remain valid. We're hooked even though not emotionally but physically we are." She said as she moved towards him. "You're not going anywhere." "What if i do?" He didn't ask, he said anyways. "Then watch your back," She said as her heart was racing with excitement and survival. As Enzo was about leaving the office, he brushed her by the side with his huge hand, Nina lost stamina and almost fell. He turned and then grabbed her hands forward from falling.  Nina eyes fixed directly at his, she couldn't explain what she felt anyways. It was just a moment of sour-sweet. She warned him to look well before walking to avoid what just happened. Enzo was displeased with the way she reacted, his eyes filled with sadness and regret.  He strode towards the door. He stopped in front of a large metal door. Then he punched in a code, and the door slid open with a hiss. He left to meet Calissa at an elegant restaurant at win 9, that part of the restaurant is only reserved for elite men and women not just mere humans. The statement Nina said to him kept ringing "Then watch your back." And the tender way she stared at him as he was about leaving. He pondered until even when Calissa came to meet him standing close to his car, he still didn't realize she was there not until she spoke. "Hey! Are you okay? You look lost," She asked deeply concerned.     Enzo smiled and then ushered her to win 9, the cozy spot reserved for someone like them. On reaching there, they started conversing, Enzo asked about her past relationships, and she did same. They spoke, laughed about everything they said while waiting for the waitress to bring in their sumptuous meal they ordered. The waitress walked towards where they sat and placed their orders on the crystal table. Enzo rose his head to ask for one more order. To his greatest surprise he saw his wife, Nina standing right before him.