Alex Roberts, an ambitious and determined businessman, stood in the family lawyer's office, his fingers drumming nervously on the arm of his leather chair. The room was cluttered with law books and stacked files, but Alex didn't notice any of it. His eyes were fixed on his late grandfather's will, lying open on the solid oak desk. Master Johnson, the Roberts' longtime attorney, read the document aloud, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "...and I leave my entire business to my grandson, Alexander Roberts, on the condition that he marries before the end of the year and that the marriage lasts at least one year. » Alex gaped, unable to believe what he had just heard. "A wedding? » he repeated incredulously. "My grandfather wants me to get married and inherit the family business?" » Master Johnson looked up from his glasses, a thin smile stretching his lips. "That's right, Mr. Roberts. Your grandfather was a man of principle and he strongly believed in the importance of family. » Alex stood up abruptly, heading towards the window. He looked without really seeing the city skyline, his mind whirling. "Why did he do this to me?" » he muttered to himself. "He knew I didn't have time for that. » The lawyer cleared his throat, catching Alex's attention. "There is also a clause that states that if you fail to comply with this condition, the company will be sold and the profits distributed to various charities. » Alex clenched his fists, feeling anger rising within him. "That means I don't have a choice, right?" » Master Johnson nodded. "Unfortunately this is the case. » Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "Very well, I will find a solution. » He turned to the lawyer, his expression determined. "I'm going to get married, even if I have to find a contractual wife. » --- A few days later, Alex found himself in his spacious office at the top of the Roberts corporate tower. He was nervously leafing through a file, thinking about the best way to find a wife on such short notice. He knew he had to find someone he trusted, someone who would accept the terms of the contract without asking too many questions. That's when his best friend and business partner, Mark, walked into the office. "Alex, you seem preoccupied. Everything is fine ? » Alex looked up from his papers, his features drawn with worry. "Mark, you'll never believe what's happening. My grandfather left the business to me on the condition that I get married before the end of the year. » Mark's eyes widened. " What ? This is insane! And what are you going to do? » Alex sighed. "I have no choice. I need to find someone who agrees to marry me for at least a year. A marriage of convenience, in a way. » Mark sat across from him, crossing his arms. "And you already have someone in mind?" » Alex shook his head. " No not yet. But I need to find someone quickly. » Mark thought for a moment, then a mischievous smile appeared on his face. "You know, maybe I have an idea. How about organizing some kind of casting? You could meet several potential candidates and choose the one that seems most suitable to you. » Alex raised an eyebrow, doubtful. "A casting call to find a wife? Seems a little too... Hollywood, doesn't it? » Mark burst out laughing. "Maybe, but it's effective. And then, who knows, you might even find someone who pleasantly surprises you. » --- Meanwhile, in a less upscale part of town, Emma Collins struggled to make ends meet. Debt up to her neck because of her mother's medical expenses and her brother's gambling debts, she was desperately looking for a solution to escape this vicious spiral. Sitting at her small kitchen table, Emma was going over the unpaid bills. Her phone rang, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Jenny, her best friend. "Emma, you'll never guess what I found on the internet!" » Jenny said, her voice brimming with excitement. Emma sighed. "What is it again?" A new miracle scam to make money quickly? » "No, no, listen to that. There is this rich guy who is looking for a contract wife. Apparently he needs to get married to inherit the family business. » Emma frowned. "And why do you think I would be interested?" » "Because, my dear, he is offering an enormous sum of money to the one who accepts. It could solve all your financial problems. » Emma was silent for a moment, thinking about what Jenny had just said. The idea of marrying for money seemed absurd to her, but desperate as she was, she began to consider all possible options. "Do you have more information?" » she finally asked. "Yes, I'll send you the link. You should really think about it, Emma. This could be your chance to escape. » Emma hung up and clicked on the link Jenny had sent her. The description of the ad was succinct but enticing: a successful businessman was looking for a contract wife for a period of one year, with generous financial compensation. She bit her lip, hesitant. Was she really ready to marry a stranger for money? The prospect seemed frightening, but the alternative – continuing to sink into debt and watching his family suffer – was even worse. After a night of reflection, Emma made a decision. She would fill out the form and send in her application. After all, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain. --- A few days later, Emma found herself in the lobby of a swanky office building, her sweaty hands clutching a cheap handbag. She was nervous, wondering if she had made the right choice in applying for this contract marriage "offer." But she had no other option, and she hoped that this mysterious businessman would at least be someone respectable. "Miss Collins?" » called a male voice. Emma looked up and saw a man in a smart suit, with a professional appearance. "I'm Mark, Mr. Roberts' partner. He is ready to receive you. » Emma nodded, following Mark into a shiny steel elevator that took them to the top floor. The doors opened to a spacious office with a panoramic view of the city. Alex Roberts stood by the window, his hands in his pockets, looking out thoughtfully. "Mr. Roberts, this is Miss Collins," Mark announced. Alex turned around, offering Emma a polite smile. "Thank you, Mark. You can leave it to us. » Mark left the room, leaving Alex and Emma alone. Alex motioned Emma to sit on a black leather couch. "Thank you for coming, Miss Collins. » Emma sat up, trying to calm her nerves. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Roberts. » Alex took a seat across from her, his piercing eyes scrutinizing her carefully. "Before we begin, I want to be clear about one thing. This marriage will be purely transactional. There will be a contract stipulating the terms and conditions. » Emma nodded. " I understand. » " Alright. Tell me about yourself, Miss Collins. Why did you respond to this ad? » Emma took a deep breath. "To be honest, Mr. Roberts, I am in dire financial straits. My mother is ill and I have significant debts to repay. I see this marriage as an opportunity to resolve my problems and start fresh. » Alex seemed to think for a moment, then he nodded. " I see. I guess you want to know why I need this marriage. » Emma nodded, curious. "Yes, if you're willing to share." » Alex then explained to him his grandfather's will and the conditions stipulated in it. Emma listened attentively, gradually understanding the complexity of the situation. "So if you don't get married before the end of the year, you lose the business," she summed up. "Exactly," Alex replied. "That's why I need someone reliable and discreet. I offer you substantial financial compensation in exchange for your cooperation. » Emma thinks for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. "Very well," she said finally. "I accept. » Alex smiled, visibly relieved. " Perfect. We will draw up the contract and organize the preparations. We have little time, so we will have to act quickly. » Emma nodded, aware that her life was about to change drastically. "I'm ready. » As they discussed the details, Emma couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. A marriage of convenience was far from ideal, but maybe, just maybe, it could lead them to something more.

The silence of Alex Roberts' large office was almost palpable, broken only by the distant tick of a solid wooden clock. Alex, standing by the large window overlooking the city, stared at Emma Collins, sitting on the black leather couch. Sunlight reflected off the windows, casting shadows in the room and heightening the tension between the two. Emma felt uncomfortable under Alex's intense gaze. She was not used to such environments of power and wealth. She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and sat up slightly on the couch. "Thank you for coming, Emma," Alex began in a firm but polite voice. "I really appreciate you agreeing to meet me. » "Thanks for inviting me," Emma replied, trying to mask her apprehension. "I hope we can find an arrangement that suits both of us." » Alex sat across from her, resting his hands on the coffee table between them. "I'll be direct. My grandfather's will states that I must get married before the end of the year to inherit the family business. This is a pressing situation and I don't have much time. » Emma nodded. " I understand. You told me about this contractual marriage. Can you explain to me what exactly you expect from me? » Alex took a deep breath. "We will have a marriage of convenience. It will be purely transactional, with no romantic implications. We will establish a contract setting out the terms and conditions of our arrangement. You will of course be well remunerated for your cooperation. » Emma felt a knot forming in her stomach. She had hoped for a solution to her financial problems, but the idea of marrying a stranger, even temporarily, was daunting. "And what are the terms of this contract? » she asked, trying to keep her voice calm. Alex took a thick file out of a drawer and placed it on the table. "I have already prepared a draft of the contract. Here are the main points: the marriage must last at least a year, we will live together but in separate rooms, and you will receive a generous monthly sum for your personal needs as well as a lump sum at the end of the year. » Emma took the file and began to flip through it, her eyes scanning the lines of legal text. "A year is a long time," she murmured, more to herself than to Alex. "I understand that this might seem intimidating," Alex said softly, surprising Emma with his conciliatory tone. "But it's a necessity for me, and I'm willing to make it as comfortable as possible for you." » Emma looked up at him, trying to read his intentions in his eyes. "Why me? » she asked suddenly. "You could hire someone else, someone who would be more used to this kind of situation. » Alex smiled slightly. "You seemed honest and genuine to me when we first met. I think we could get along. Additionally, I prefer someone with whom I could have a clear professional relationship, without unnecessary complications. » Emma was silent for a moment, considering the implications of her decision. She needed the money for her sick mother and to repay her brother's debts. But could she really marry for money, even if it was temporary? "I..." she began, hesitant to formulate her thoughts. "I am ready to consider your proposal, but I need guarantees. » Alex nodded. " Of course. What guarantees do you want? » Emma took a deep breath. "First, I want to be sure that this marriage will not affect my personal life after the contract ends. I don't want any legal or financial complications. Second, I want to make sure my family doesn't know about this arrangement. And third, I want to have a lawyer review this contract before I sign anything. » Alex seemed to appreciate his determination and caution. "All these conditions are reasonable. I can assure you that this marriage will have no consequences on your future life, and we will keep all this confidential. You can of course hire a lawyer to review the contract. » Emma relaxed slightly, feeling like she had a little more control over the situation. " Alright. In that case, I'm willing to discuss the details. » --- The following days were a succession of meetings and intense discussions. Alex had asked his lawyer to work closely with Emma's lawyer to finalize the terms of the contract. Every clause was scrutinized, and every detail was discussed to ensure both parties were satisfied. One morning, in Alex's office, they were gathered again for a final review of the contract. "I think we've covered everything," Master Johnson said, closing the file. "If you have no further questions, we can proceed with the signing. » Emma, sitting next to her own lawyer, nodded. "I agree with the terms. » Alex turned to her, a reassuring smile on his lips. "Okay, then let's sign this contract and move on to the next step." » They each took a pen and signed the documents, thus sealing their agreement. Once the papers were signed, Alex held out his hand to Emma. "Welcome to our partnership, Emma. » She squeezed his hand, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. "Thank you, Alex. I hope we can get through this year without too many complications. » Alex nodded. "We will make sure everything goes well. » --- A few days later, Alex invited Emma to dinner to discuss the details of their new life together. They found themselves in a chic restaurant in the city center, a place chosen by Alex for its discretion and pleasant atmosphere. The dim lighting and soft music created an intimate atmosphere, conducive to conversation. "Thank you for accepting this invitation," Alex said as he sat down at the table. "I think it's important that we get to know each other better. » Emma smiled slightly. "It's understandable. After all, we are going to share a large part of our lives for a year. » The waiter brought them the menus, and after ordering their dishes, Alex began a conversation. "Tell me about your family, Emma. I would like to know more about you. » Emma hesitated for a moment, then began to talk about her sick mother and the debts her brother had accumulated. She explained how she had found herself in a desperate financial situation and how she saw this offer as a chance to get out of it. "I understand your situation," Alex said compassionately. "You showed a lot of courage in agreeing to this marriage. » Emma looked down, touched by his words. "And you, Alex? Tell me about your family. » Alex frowned slightly, his features hardening. "My family is complicated. My grandfather was a strict and demanding man, and my father was always under his influence. I grew up trying to prove my worth, to show that I could live up to their expectations. » Emma listened carefully, feeling the pain beneath her words. "It must be difficult to live under such pressure. » Alex nodded. "Yes, but it also made me stronger. I want to succeed and show that I am capable of running the family business. That's why this wedding is so important to me. » They continued to chat about their lives, sharing anecdotes and personal stories. Little by little, a certain complicity began to develop between them, a feeling of mutual understanding. --- Their wedding day was quickly approaching. Emma and Alex spent more and more time together, planning the details of the ceremony and discussing their future arrangement. Although this marriage was a transaction, they still wanted the ceremony to be respectable and scandal-free. The day before the wedding, Emma stood in the hotel room she was temporarily staying in, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a simple but elegant wedding dress, chosen for the occasion. His face was a mosaic of conflicting feelings – nervousness, excitement, apprehension. Jenny, her best friend, entered the room smiling. "You look beautiful, Emma. » Emma turned to her, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Jenny. I hope I'm making the right choice. » Jenny walked over and took his hands in hers. "You are doing the right thing for your family. That's all that matters. And who knows? Maybe this will all end better than you think. » Emma sour she weakly, grateful for her friend's support. "I hope you're right. » The next morning, the sun shone high in the sky as Emma stood at the entrance to City Hall, ready to begin this new phase of her life. Alex was waiting for him, elegant in his dark suit, a determined expression on his face. "Ready?" » he asked, holding out his hand. Emma nodded, taking his hand in hers. "Yes, I'm ready. » They entered the wedding hall together, their footsteps echoing on the marble floor. As they exchanged vows in front of the registrar, Emma felt a mixture of hope and fear. This marriage may have been an arrangement, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. And so Emma Collins and Alex Roberts were united in marriage, each with their own motivations and hopes. But one thing was certain: their adventure was only just beginning, and the future remained to be written.

The day after the civil wedding, Alex and Emma met in Alex's office to discuss the practicalities of their arrangement. The office was spacious and elegantly decorated, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city. Morning light flooded the room, creating an atmosphere that was both serene and serious. Alex, sitting behind his solid oak desk, was leafing through a file while occasionally glancing at Emma, sitting across from him. She seemed more relaxed than the day before, but a certain tension persisted between them. "Okay, Emma," Alex began, placing the file on the desk. "We must now discuss the details of our life together. It is important that we are on the same page to avoid any misunderstandings. » Emma nodded, crossing her legs and leaning forward slightly. "Yes, I agree. There are several things we need to clarify. » Alex nodded. "Let's start with housing. We will live in my family home, but we will have separate bedrooms. This will preserve our privacy and make the situation more comfortable for both of us. » "Okay," Emma replied. "That suits me. I like that we each have our own space. » "Then there's the matter of public appearance," Alex continued. "We must appear as a married couple to the world. This includes public outings, business dinners, and perhaps a few social events. » Emma nodded. " I understand. We have to keep up appearances so that no one suspects anything. » "Exactly," Alex said with a smile. "We will also have to decide how to manage our finances. I will provide you with a monthly allowance to cover your personal expenses. » Emma bit her lip slightly, thinking. "That's very generous of you, Alex. I just want to make sure I don't take advantage of your generosity. » Alex shook his head. "Don't worry about that. You deserve fair compensation for your cooperation. » They continued to discuss practicalities, covering everything from household chores to managing family visits. Each point was carefully examined and recorded in the contract. Emma was impressed by Alex's method and attention to detail. He seemed to have thought of everything, which reassured her somewhat. --- The first meeting of the families was quickly approaching. Alex had insisted that their respective families meet to formalize their union. Emma was nervous about introducing her family to Alex's, but she understood the importance of this step. On the day of the meeting, Alex and Emma went to the Roberts family home, a large, elegant residence on the outskirts of town. The house was surrounded by impeccably manicured gardens, adding a touch of grandeur to the whole. "Are you sure everything is going to be okay? » Emma asked, nervously adjusting her dress. Alex took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Don't worry, Emma. Everything will be fine. Our families simply need to understand that we are serious about our commitment. » They entered the house, greeted by the butler who led them into the main living room. Alex's parents, Richard and Margaret Roberts, stood there, their expressions reserved but curious. "Hello, Mom, Dad," Alex said, kissing them. "This is Emma, my wife. » Margaret stepped forward to shake Emma's hand, her gaze searching. "Nice to meet you, Emma. » Richard, more reserved, simply nodded. "Welcome to the family, Emma. » Emma felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. "Thank you for having me. It is an honor to be part of your family. » Shortly after, Emma's mother and brother arrived, visibly impressed by the size of the house. His mother, Clara, seemed nervous but cheerful, while his brother, Tom, displayed a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Mom, Tom, this is Alex and his parents," Emma said introducing them. "Alex, this is my mother, Clara, and my brother, Tom. » Alex shook Clara's hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Collins. » Tom, for his part, shook Alex's hand with a slightly excessive firmness. "Thank you for having us," he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. Richard observed the scene with polite interest. "Let's take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chairs around the coffee table. "We have a lot to discuss. » Once everyone was seated, conversations began to flow. Richard spoke, trying to break the ice. "So, Emma, tell us a little bit about your story. How did you meet our son? » Emma exchanged a quick glance with Alex before responding. "We met through mutual friends. It was a bit unexpected, but things moved quickly. We felt like we were made for each other. » Margaret nodded, her sharp eyes staring at Emma. "It's interesting. And what do you do for a living, Emma? » "I work in a small accounting firm," Emma replied, trying to keep her voice calm and collected. "I love what I do, even if it's not always easy. » Clara, sitting next to her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Emma is very good at her job. She has always been very serious and determined. » Margaret smiled. "It's an admirable quality. We hope you will feel at home here. » The conversation continued like this, interspersed with small questions and anecdotes. Little by little, the tension seemed to ease, and both families began to relax. Tom, however, couldn't help but glance suspiciously at Alex, as if trying to uncover his true intentions. At one point, Tom couldn't hold back any longer. "Alex," he said abruptly, catching everyone's attention. "What are your plans for the future with my sister?" » Alex looked at him calmly. "Our priority is to stabilize our life together and make this marriage work for the benefit of our families. Emma and I have clear goals and we are determined to achieve them. » Tom narrowed his eyes, clearly dissatisfied with this vague answer. "And what do these goals include, exactly? » Alex sighed inwardly, recognizing Tom's legitimate concern. "We want to create a stable and harmonious environment. For now, that means honoring the terms of our contract and making sure everything goes smoothly. » Clara intervened, feeling the tension rising. "Tom, leave them alone. They know what they're doing. » Tom scowled but kept quiet, realizing that perhaps he had pushed a little too far. Emma placed a hand on his arm in gratitude. Margaret, seeking to lighten the mood, offered to come to the table for dinner. The meal took place in a more relaxed atmosphere, with families exchanging stories and laughter. Even Tom seemed to relax slightly, although his wary glances at Alex didn't completely disappear. --- After dinner, Emma and Alex found themselves alone in the living room, enjoying a moment of calm. "I'm sorry about Tom," Emma said, sighing. "He is protective and worried. » Alex gave him a reassuring smile. " It's not serious. I understand his concerns. He just wants to make sure you're safe and happy. » Emma nodded. "Yes, but sometimes it can be a little too intense. »» "It's normal," said Alex. "He will see over time that our intentions are sincere. »» They stayed in silence for a while, taking advantage of tranquility. Emma looked around, admiring the beauty and grandeur of the Maison des Roberts. "It's a beautiful place," she said finally. "I hope I will feel at home. »» Alex put a hand on his. "You will do it, Emma. We will do everything to make it the case. »» Emma smiles, feeling slightly comforted by her words. They still had a long way to go, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a little more optimistic about the future. As they were preparing to leave, Margaret approached Emma. "We are delighted to have you with us, Emma. Do not hesitate to come and see us if you need anything. »» Emma smiled and hugged Margaret's hand. "Thank you, Margaret. I really appreciate it. »» Richard, for his part, nodded in approval. "Take care of each other. It is the most important. »» Alex and Emma left the Maison des Roberts, hand in hand, aware that this first meeting of families marked the beginning of a new phase of their common life. They knew that the challenges would not fail, but they were determined to face together, united by a contract but perhaps also by something deeper and more authentic. The way of return was silent, each thought lost in the future possible. Emma, looking at the city's lights scrolling through the car window, was surprised to hope that, despite the contractual nature of their union, something real and solid could emerge. As for Alex, he wondered if this marriage of convenience could not, against all odds, pave the way for a real connection. Thus, while the car moved away from the Maison des Roberts, two hearts, still separated by circumstances, slowly began to consider the possibility of a future together, beyond the terms of a simple contract.