Lila Monroe stood at the edge of her balcony, her fingers wrapped around a cool glass of white wine. Below her, the vibrant streets of Mumbai pulsed with life—the sound of honking rickshaws, the chatter of street vendors, and the distant music from a nearby wedding celebration. As the sun dipped behind the high-rises, casting a warm glow over the bustling city, she took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease that settled in her chest.

She had always loved Mumbai. It was chaotic, colorful, and endlessly inspiring. But tonight, the excitement felt muted, overshadowed by the weight of her thoughts. Lila had spent the last six months building her dream career as a marketing director for a trendy start-up, but a recent proposal had changed everything.

"Lila!" A voice interrupted her reverie. It was Mia, her best friend and roommate, bursting through the door with an energy that was impossible to ignore. "You will not believe what I just heard!"

Lila turned, raising an eyebrow. "What's got you so hyped up this time?"

Mia flopped onto the couch, her dark curls bouncing. "You know that big law firm in Nariman Point? Apparently, they're looking for a few contract marriages to settle some high-profile clients! Can you imagine?"

Lila laughed, shaking her head. "Contract marriages? You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm serious!" Mia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's a trend! People are entering these temporary marriages to fulfill legal obligations or for tax benefits. It's all very… *modern.*"

"Or insane," Lila retorted, taking a sip of her wine. The thought of it made her skin crawl. Love was supposed to be real, not a business transaction.

"But wait!" Mia continued, undeterred. "What if someone like you could get in on it? You'd have a partner to help with the stress of work and the pressure from your parents. And think of the stories you could write about!"

Lila rolled her eyes. "Stories about what? How I ended up married to a stranger? No thanks."

"Come on! Just think about it! You could find someone who complements your life, someone who could help you navigate the chaos of your job. And if it doesn't work out, it's just a contract, right?" Mia's enthusiasm was infectious, and Lila found herself considering it for a fleeting moment.

Before she could respond, the phone buzzed on the coffee table. Lila grabbed it, and her heart sank. It was a message from her mother: **"Lila, when are you going to settle down? Your father and I worry about you."**

The weight of her parents' expectations crashed over her like a wave. She had spent years carving her own path, but it seemed no achievement would ever be enough. She looked at Mia, who was still animatedly discussing the pros and cons of contract marriages, and a thought crossed her mind.

"What if…?" Lila hesitated, biting her lip.

"What if what?" Mia leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"What if I did it? What if I entered a contract marriage?" Lila's heart raced at the idea. It felt reckless yet liberating, a way to reclaim her life on her own terms.

Mia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Lila nodded slowly, the thought taking root. "I could find someone who understands what I'm going through, someone who wouldn't put any pressure on me. And when I'm ready, I could walk away."

"Okay, but who?" Mia asked, her excitement palpable. "You can't just throw a dart at a board and hope it sticks!"

"Maybe I don't have to," Lila replied, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "I have a few ideas… starting with Ethan."

Mia's laughter echoed through the apartment. "Oh, this is going to be epic!"

As Lila stared out at the city, she felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. The thought of a contract marriage wasn't just a wild idea; it was a chance to reclaim her narrative, to redefine what love and partnership meant to her. Little did she know that this decision would lead her down a path she never expected—one filled with passion, conflict, and the challenge of winning back not just a partner, but her own heart.

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