CHAPTER 1
AT THE AIRPORT IN EUROPE
Alice Bates, a strikingly beautiful woman with long, silky black hair and a perfectly sculpted figure, sat with her legs elegantly crossed. She rested an arm on the chair and sipped her black coffee, her signature vanilla scent drifting to the people seated nearby. One glance at her poised demeanor, and it was clear—she was not someone to be trifled with. Next to her, her assistant, Caroline, was scrolling through the iPad in her hand.
"Miss, it seems that your younger brother's relationship scandal has affected the company. The shares have dropped by 5%," Caroline said, looking up.
"Damn it, Nickolas," Alice muttered under her breath, clenching her jaw. Her eyes flashed with frustration as she slammed her fist against the armrest, though it made no sound against the plush fabric. "Wait till I get back to Canada. I warned that boy to be careful. How the hell did he get himself into this mess?"
"But don't you find it odd? Nick isn't someone to beat up a woman… or am I wrong?" Caroline asked, a trace of suspicion in her voice.
"That woman must have lied to the press, hoping for a payout," Alice said, sighing as she rubbed her temple. "Why does my brother always end up with gold diggers? Honestly, if I kept count, this would be his seventh failed relationship." She slumped back in her seat, frustration visible in her furrowed brow.
Caroline tilted her head thoughtfully. "We could sue her for defamation. Maybe hire someone to dig up some proof that she's lying."
"Don't bother. She's already seeing a lawyer. I saw her last week kissing him in the garage. She hid when she saw me." Alice paused, exhaling a deep breath as she combed her fingers through her hair. "I tried to warn Nick she was cheating on him, but he didn't believe me."
The plane was preparing for takeoff, and the captain's voice echoed over the speakers, instructing passengers to fasten their seat belts and turn off their devices. Caroline switched off the iPad and turned to Alice, who appeared lost in thought.
"Miss, your phone," she reminded gently, reaching out for it. The soft prompt snapped Alice out of her trance, and she handed her phone to Caroline.
"I almost forgot," Caroline said as she powered off the device. "You have another blind date once we arrive in Canada."
Alice rolled her eyes, groaning. "Are you serious? My father's relentless. A new blind date every week, as if I'm some desperate woman searching for love. I'm sick of it. I need to put an end to this madness."
"He only means well," Caroline said, her tone gentle. "He just wants you to find someone who'll cherish you."
Alice let out a cynical laugh. "Sure, cherish me—and then break my heart into a million pieces."
"Miss, not all men are the same," Caroline insisted, giving her a hopeful smile.
Alice scoffed, a hint of bitterness in her eyes. "Let me tell you something, dear. At first, they'll make you feel like you mean everything to them, like they'd go to the ends of the earth for you. But once they've got your heart, they toss you aside and move on." She glanced at Caroline, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "I'm speaking from experience."
Caroline chuckled softly. "Then how do people get married and stay with one person for a lifetime? Maybe you were just unlucky."
Alice shook her head, her tone light but firm. "Anyway, I don't plan on getting married. I'm single, and I'm happy."
"That's it!" Caroline said, her eyes lighting up with sudden inspiration.
Alice frowned, confused. "That's what?"
"Marriage! If you're married, your father won't push you into these blind dates every week."
Alice raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "And what part of 'I don't plan on getting married' don't you understand?"
"It doesn't have to be real… ever heard of a contract marriage?" Caroline asked, grinning as Alice's expression shifted from surprise to intrigue.
Alice's jaw dropped slightly as the idea took root. "Oh my God, Caroline, why didn't I think of this sooner?" She tapped her index finger against her lips, eyes sparkling with newfound excitement. "But who on earth would agree to a contract marriage with me?"
"It doesn't have to be someone you know," Caroline said with a shrug. "Anyone could do."
Alice leaned forward, glancing around at the other passengers. "So anyone on this plane could work?"
Her gaze swept over the rows of seats until she locked eyes with a man a few seats away. His intense stare met hers, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she quickly looked away, flustered. She turned back to Caroline, her voice barely a whisper.
"Found him."
"Found who?" Caroline asked, puzzled.
Alice smiled mischievously. "My husband"