Claire Bennett felt a heavy weight on her chest as she sat at her small desk. Bills piled up around her. The traffic outside was loud and distracting. It had only been a few weeks since her marriage contract with Ethan Blackwood was announced. But it felt like ages. The media was still buzzing, and every day brought new rumors and questions about her relationship with a CEO.
Claire hoped the public would lose interest, but that didn't happen. Each day just added more drama. Some tabloids called her a gold digger, and she's sold herself for money to save her family. Others saw her as a desperate woman trying to survive. The worst painted her as an opportunist using Ethan for power and wealth.
After fighting for her family for years, now it felt like everything she did was being judged. It wasn't just the public; she felt the pressure from her loved ones, too.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Margaret, her younger sister, who had been a solid support through all this.
Margaret: How are you holding up? The news is harsh. Just remember why you did this.
Claire paused. Of course, she hadn't forgotten why she agreed to the contract. Her family's debts loomed over her. There was also the harsh truth that her dream of becoming an event planner was slipping away.
But with the mounting media scrutiny, she started to wonder if she'd made the right choice. The shame of being exposed like this bothered her. She was always a fighter, but this felt different. Now, she wasn't just fighting for her future. She was also fighting for her family's name and her self-respect.
Just then, she heard keys in the door. Ethan was home. They hadn't talked much that day, each lost in theirs.
Hey, Claire said, her voice strained as she turned to him. Ethan walked into the room, his face serious. He looked around before meeting her gaze.
Another article, he said, showing her his phone.
Claire didn't need to ask. The tabloids were relentless, and she knew Ethan, with his tough look, wasn't immune to their nonsense. His life had been a carefully built image for years. Now that she was part of it, she was a target, too.
What do they say this time? Claire asked, bitterness creeping into her voice. She was so tired of it all—cameras, gossip, whispers. This was supposed to be a business deal, but it felt like they were being painted into a corner.
Ethan's jaw tightened as he read from the article. 'Billionaire CEO and his new bride: Is it love or just a business deal?'
Claire winced. That question was a shadow hanging over her life. It wasn't just the media asking it; she began to wonder about it herself.
Do you regret this? Ethan's question cut through her thoughts. He stared at her, looking for an answer.
Claire hesitated. That was a tough question, one that felt impossible to answer without showing doubt. She loved her family and would do anything for them. But this contract—this marriage—felt more like a trap lately.
No, she finally said, quiet but sure. I don't regret helping them. But…
Ethan looked closely at her, sensing she was holding back.
But? he asked gently.
Claire swallowed hard, grappling with her feelings. But it's hard. Everything we've done—it feels like everyone is watching us, judging us. I don't know if I can keep pretending this is just about the money.
Ethan's expression softened. He understood that this spotlight was tough for her. He was used to it, but she was still getting used to this new world.
I didn't mean for this to be so hard, Ethan said quietly. This contract was supposed to protect you, not make it worse.
Claire didn't reply right away. She appreciated his words, but they didn't change the fact that they had little control over how others saw their marriage. Every move they made was watched and twisted by the tabloids.
I know, she eventually said, forcing a smile. I just need some time to adjust.
Ethan took a long look at her before coming closer. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, moving with care.
We'll get through this, he promised softly. Together.
Claire wasn't sure if she believed him, but the truth in his eyes made her want to trust him. She nodded, though doubt hung in the back of her mind.
---
The days that followed were a blur of interviews, events, and press conferences. Claire and Ethan acted like the perfect couple, smiling for the cameras and answering questions. It looked like a happy marriage. But behind the scenes, the pressure was starting to weigh on them.
The media loved the idea of a marriage for business. Some headlines were cruel, calling Claire a corporate wife. Others suggested Ethan had married her to clean up his image. The truth was more complicated. Ethan had his reasons for this contract, and Claire was simply trying to help her family. Love wasn't in the picture—at least not at first.
As public judgment increased, Claire began to doubt everything. Were they to stay like this? Could they keep up the act without real feelings? What if Ethan was using her for his gain?
One night, after a tough charity gala, Claire found herself alone in their apartment. Ethan was at his office, dealing with last-minute work. She gazed at the city skyline through the window.
The silence was heavy. She hadn't realized how much her decisions would weigh on her. All her dreams of starting an event planning business felt far away now. It was as if she was lost in a life that didn't feel like her own.
Then, there was a soft knock on the door.
Come in, she called, surprised to hear Ethan's voice.
He came in, looking serious but with soft eyes. You okay? He asked gently.
Claire turned to him and gave a faint smile. Just thinking.
For a moment, they stood together, looking out at the city. The lights sparkled, and there was a quiet understanding between them.
I know this is tough, Ethan said finally. But I need you to know I'm here. I'm not leaving.
Claire faced him, wanting to believe his words. She wanted to think this contract could turn into something real. But the public's judgment reminded her that they were still in a tricky game that neither completely understood.
Thank you, she whispered. But I need more than words, Ethan.
He nodded, his face serious. I get it. I'll show you. I promise.
As they stood in the quiet of the night, Claire wondered if promises would ever be enough to shield them. Would their arrangement survive the pressure? Would they ever have real feelings?
Time will tell. But for now, they had each other. And that was a start.