CHAPTER 2

Adam's life was a complex web of power, money, and deception. He was a man who commanded respect, not just because of his wealth and influence, but also because of his ruthless determination.

By day, he was a successful businessman, with multiple luxurious hotels spread round the city. But by night, he was a different person altogether - a mastermind of underground dealings, with a network of loyal associates and a reputation for being merciless.

Adam stepped out of the darkness and into the dimly lit alley. He adjusted his jacket, smoothing out any wrinkles. His eyes scanned the area, ensuring they were alone.

"Report," he said, his voice low and commanding.

One of his men, a burly guy with a scar above his eyebrow, stepped forward. "The job went smoothly, we got away with a nice haul."

“I heard our drug is having a hard time passing through the South Africa border.”

“It's nothing too serious, boss. I'll have our men work on it.”

Adam nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. I want the goods sold and the money laundered within the week."

The man nodded, scribbling down notes on a small pad. "Yes boss."

Adam turned to leave, but then stopped. "And what about the other matter?"

The man hesitated, glancing around nervously. "We're still gathering intel, but we should have something soon."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "See that you do. I want everything on Catherine's little princess."

The man nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, boss."

Adam turned and disappeared into the night, leaving his men to wonder what he had planned for the unsuspecting Belle.

Adam sat in his office, surrounded by screens displaying various surveillance feeds. He sipped his whiskey, his eyes fixed on a photo of Belle.

"So, little princess," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You're quite the spoiled brat, aren't you?"

He leaned back in his chair, a plan beginning to form in his mind.

"It's time to take you down a peg Belle. And I'm just the man to do it.”

* * * * * *

Belle sighed, staring at the array of dresses laid out before her. Emma, her PA and best friend, was determined to help her find the perfect man.

"I don't know Emma," Belle said, running a hand through her hair. "I'm just not feeling it."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You're not even giving them a chance. Just go on a few dates, see how it goes."

Belle shook her head. "I don't have time for this, Emma. The stakeholders are getting impatient, If I don't meet their conditions, I'll lose everything."

Emma's expression softened. "I know Belle. But you can't let them dictate your life. You need to find someone you actually like, not just someone to fulfil a condition."

Belle knew Emma was right. But the pressure was mounting, and she was running out of time.

"Okay, fine," Belle said, resigned. "Set up the dates. But if they're all disasters, I'm blaming you."

Emma grinned, triumphant. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get you dressed for your first date."

Belle stood up, adjusting her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. Emma had set her up on a blind date with some guy named Ryan, and Belle was less than thrilled.

"Come on Belle, it'll be fun!" Emma said, handing her a glass of wine. "Just relax and be yourself."

Belle raised an eyebrow. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who's been threatened with losing everything if you don't find a husband."

The doorbell rang, and Emma jumped up to answer it. Belle's heart sank as she saw Ryan standing in the doorway, flashing a cheesy grin.

"Hey Belle!" he said, striding over to her. "You look amazing."

Belle forced a smile. "Thanks, Ryan. You look...interesting."

Ryan chuckled. "Hey, I'll take that as a compliment."

As they sat down for dinner, Belle tried to make conversation. "So, Ryan, what do you do to make a living?"

"I'm an entrepreneur," Ryan said, puffing out his chest. "I've started like five different businesses, and they're all super successful."

Belle raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive. What kind of businesses?"

Ryan waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, you know, just some online stuff. Nothing too exciting."

“Hmm, and what do you do for fun?” She asked, hoping for something better.

Ryan launched into a long, rambling story about his favourite hobby, collecting rare coins. Belle listened politely, but her eyes began to glaze over as Ryan droned on.

When the head chef came to take their order, Ryan insisted on ordering for Belle, despite her protests. "Don't worry, I know what you'll like," he said, winking at her.

Belle felt a surge of annoyance, but she tried to let it go. Maybe Ryan was just trying to be helpful.

But as the evening wore on, Belle's annoyance turned to frustration. Ryan dominated the conversation, barely letting her get a word in edgewise. He talked about himself, his business ventures, and his favourite sports teams, without asking Belle a single question about herself.

At one point, Ryan even pulled out his phone and started showing Belle pictures of his coin collection. Belle's eyes widened in horror as Ryan spoke about the history and value of each coin.

As the main course arrived, Belle tried to make a break for it. "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom," she said, pushing back her chair.

But Ryan was relentless. "I'll come with you," he said, standing up and offering Belle his arm.

“What? Are you being serious right now? You gonna come with me to the restroom? Make it make sense Ryan.”

“Ohh sorry, I didn't mean it that way I just wanted to assist you.” He replied looking so confused.

“Assist me to go pee? Oh my head! You know what, I don't think I wanna go again. Let's just wrap up this dinner.”

As the night drew to a close, Belle breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't wait for it to come to an end.

“Thanks for accepting my invite to come over for dinner Ryan," she said, forcing a smile. "It was...enlightening."

Ryan grinned. "No problem Belle. I'll call you tomorrow."

Belle's heart sank. Please don't, she thought.

As soon as Ryan left, Belle turned to Emma who had already gotten to the dinning, "Well, that was a disaster."

Emma laughed. "I told you he was a bit much."

Belle rolled her eyes. "A bit much? That's an understatement."

Emma chuckled. "Don't worry Belle. We'll find you someone better. I promise.”

“I hope so.”

The second date wasn't much better. The guy was nice enough, but they had nothing in common, and the conversation was stilted.

Belle was starting to lose hope. Maybe she was just meant to be alone.

But Emma was undeterred, setting up date after date. And then, just when Belle thought she couldn't take it anymore, Emma called her with a mysterious tone.

"Belle, I have one more date set up for you," Emma said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But this one is different. I think you'll really like him."

“Why do you say so?”

“Well you know how we've been sending out invites for other dates?”

“Hmm hmm”

“Well this one sent the invite himself. He's inviting you for lunch tomorrow.”

Belle raised an eyebrow, "Really? Who is it?"

Emma hesitated, and for a moment, Belle wondered if she'd made a mistake.

"His name is Adam," Emma said finally. "And trust me Belle, he's worth meeting."

Belle's heart skipped a beat as she wondered who this mysterious Adam was. And whether he might just be the one to change her life forever.

As she hung up the phone, Belle couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to take a dramatic turn

CHAPTER 3

Belle walked into the Bistro Bliss, scanning the crowded room for Adam. She spotted him sitting at a table by the window, his eyes fixed intently on her. He didn't smile or nod in greeting, simply watched her with an unnerving intensity.

Belle felt a shiver run down her spine as she made her way to the table. She had no idea what to expect from this meeting, but Emma had assured her that Adam seemed promising.

As she approached the table, Adam stood up, his movements fluid and menacing. He towered over her, his eyes seeming to bore into her very soul.

"Belle," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "It's nice meeting you Belle Bailison ."

Belle nodded, feeling a little intimidated. "No problem," she replied, trying to sound calm.

Adam gestured for her to sit down, and Belle did so, feeling a sense of unease settle over her.

As they waited for their food to arrive, Adam leaned back in his chair and fixed Belle with a cold, calculating stare.

Belle couldn't help but sneak glances at Adam. She was curious about him, and she wanted to know more.

"So, Belle," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "I hear you're in a bit of a bind, something about needing to get married to retain your position as CEO?"

“Hmm, I guess words have been flying around”

“Of course, it's the Bailison group we are talking about; rumors are already all over the country”

Belle nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Yes, that's right. The company's bylaws require the CEO to be married. It's an old-fashioned rule, but it's one I have to follow if I want to protect my parents’ company and retain the position of the CEO."

Adam leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "And you're having trouble finding a husband?"

Belle felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "It's not that I'm having trouble finding a husband exactly. It's just that...well, I don't have a lot of time to devote to dating right now. And even if I did, I'm not sure I'd want to marry someone just to keep my job."

Adam nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, I have an offer for you Belle."

“You have an offer for me? What offer?”

“Let's sign a contract. Let's have a contracted marriage.”

“A what? A contract marriage?”

“Yes. There are conditions though.”

“Can you hear yourself right now? You want to get married to a stranger?”

“A stranger? No no no, you are not a stranger Belle. You are Belle Bailison, only child of Catherine and Reginald Bailison. How can you say you are a stranger?”

Belle's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, wow. So you're willing to marry me? Why?"

Adam smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Let's just say I have my reasons, Belle. And I'm willing to make it worth your while. But I need to make one thing clear: this would be a business arrangement, nothing more. I'm not looking for romance or love. I'm looking for a partnership that will benefit both of us."

“And why would I agree to your conditions and get married to you?”

“You're running out of time Belle. You just have 3 days to go. If you are not married in the next 72 hours, you will lose everything your parents worked hard for to greedy stakeholders.”

“How dare you? And who the fuck do you think you are that you think you can just come and decide my life for me?”

“Well I'm sorry the truth hurts princess. And if you are thinking of actually finding love in the next three days then you are a joker and don't even deserve to lead the Bailison group.” Adam replied firmly.

Belle's heart sank, knowing Adam spoke the truth. She had been struggling to find a suitable husband, and time was running out.

“What do you want? What's your plan? And what do you stand to gain from this agreement?” Belle asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Adam smiled, a calculating glint in his eye. "I want 25% of your shares in the company."

Belle's eyes widened in shock. "25%? That's half of what I own!"

Adam nodded, unfazed. "That's right. I'm willing to take the risk of marrying you and helping you retain the CEO position in exchange for a significant share of the company."

“You are not really good at cracking jokes, you should stop now.” Belle whispered.

Adam smirked, “you think I came here to crack jokes? You are in dire need of help right now and I'm the only one that can offer you that help; are you in or not?”

“There's something I still don't understand. I did a research on you before coming for this lunch date and I saw that you are a successful businessman, so I still don't understand why you are after 25% of Bailison group shares when you are doing well for yourself.”

“It's the Bailison group we're talking about here Belle, I might be doing well for myself but I'm not doing enough.”

“You talked about losing everything my parents worked for to greedy stakeholders, but aren't you being greedy right now?”

Adam kept quiet.

Belle felt really confused. She had two choices: lose the CEO position and her shares in the company, or marry a stranger and give up 25% of her shares.

"What makes you think I'll agree to this?" Belle asked, stalling for time.

Adam leaned back in his chair, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Because Belle, you're running out of options. And I'm your best bet."

“And you want a whole 25% shares?”

“Belle you solely own 50% of the company's shares, while the stakeholders are sharing the other 50%. I'm just asking for 25% from your 50%.”

“It's too risky for me and the company.”

“Well here's the contract” Adam replied while stretching his hand to give the document to Belle. “In case you change your mind, sign it and contact me. Remember it's meant to be a secret contract marriage, be careful so the document doesn't land in the wrong hands.”

With that, Adam stood up and left; leaving Belle to her thoughts.

Belle's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications of Adam's proposal. What was she going to do?

CHAPTER 4

Belle walked into the office, still reeling from her lunch date with Adam. Emma looked up from her desk, a curious expression on her face.

"Soooooo, how did it go?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.

Belle sighed, flopping down into her chair. "It was more of an intense meeting compared to a date.”

“An intense meeting? Tell me everything.” Emma replied curiously.

Belle hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But Emma's eager expression put her at ease, and she launched into a detailed account of her lunch date with Adam.

Emma listened intently, her expression growing increasingly skeptical. When Belle finished speaking, Emma shook her head.

“So in summary, a random guy is offering to get married to you in exchange for 25% of the company's shares, and on the condition that you guys will sign a contract since it's a loveless marriage?”

“Correct.”

“Please tell me you are not considering accepting that offer?”

“I am Emma, it's the only way.”

"Belle, you can't be serious," Emma said, her voice laced with concern. "You're considering marrying a stranger just to keep your job?"

“Keep my job? No Emma. I'm doing this to protect my parent's company, my parent's sweat; or the company ends up getting in greedy hands.”

“There has to be another way, this is just madness. Your parents wouldn't want you to do this, you know.”

Belle nodded, "I know it sounds crazy Emma, but I don't have a lot of other options. And Adam's offer is...tempting."

Emma's eyes widened in horror. "Tempting? Belle, he's asking you to give up 25% of your company's shares! And marry him, just like that!"

“It's not that bad Emma”

“It is! Even major stakeholders who have worked for the company tirelessly for years alongside your parents have at most 5%! And you want to give out 25% just like that?”

Belle shrugged, trying to downplay the risks. "I know it's a lot to ask Emma, but I really don't have a lot of other choices. And Adam seems...confident. Like he knows what he's doing."

“Wait a minute, I thought Adam was a successful businessman; so why is he after the Bailison group.”

“He basically just wants more for himself, nothing serious.” Belle explained

“Wow Belle! So the same company you are preventing from falling into greedy hands is the same one you are offering to another on a platter of gold.”

“It's not the same thing. And Incase you've forgotten, I'm your boss and my decision stands.”

Emma shook her head, her expression unyielding. "I don't trust him. And I don't think you should either."

Belle sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. Why couldn't Emma just understand her perspective?

“Anyways, I think my mind is made up. We have a wedding to plan and it's in two days.”

* * * * * *

Adam sat in his dimly lit office, sipping a glass of scotch as he stared out the window. He has just gotten a text from Belle confirming her agreement to the contract, and he couldn't help but feel satisfied.

He had gotten what he wanted, and now it was time to put his plan into action. Adam had a hidden agenda, one that he has been working towards for years.

“Bruno,” he called out from his office.

“Yes boss” one of his men responded while rushing to his desk.

“My wedding is in two days, send as much help as possible to the Bailison group to offer assistance.”

“What? Wedding?” Bruno asked, looking confused.

“Do as I say.” Adam commanded. “And tell Rufus to report to my office immediately.”

“Yes boss.”

Rufus was Adam's secretary, confidant, and the only person who knew how much he had been hunting down Belle's parents and company for the past ten years.

As Adam sat in his office, he couldn't help but think about his past. He had grown up struggling, the son of a former senior staff at Bailison group who was murdered unjustly for reasons he doesn't know till date.

“Good evening boss, you called me.” Rufus greeted, distracting Adam's thought.

“Have you gone through the email I sent you?”

“A contract marriage? 25% shares? May I ask why you are going this far, boss?” Rufus queried out of concern.

“When did you start questioning my decisions Rufus?”

“I thought you were just after her parents, I'm really wondering why you are going after her.”

“Have I ever told you the story of how I lost my dad?”

“No sir, but if it solves my curiosity then I don't mind hearing it.”

“My dad was the first secretary to Reginald Bailison. He was one of those members of staff who had watched the company grow from scratch.”

“Your father worked for the Bailison group? You've never mentioned it.”

“He worked tirelessly day and night by the side of Reginald, one would think he was the co-owner of the company but he was just doing his job righteously.”

At this point, Adam and Rufus were both seated. Rufus was paying rapt attention; curious of what made Adam this way.

“My dad worked to the point that he started neglecting his duties as a father just to please his boss. I didn't take offense, I understood perfectly and even supported my dad; after all we were both living a perfect life thanks to his job.”

“But he ended up getting fired?” Rufus queried.

“He ended up getting killed, Rufus. I still remember that day like it was this morning. My dad was preparing for work and I was preparing for school; suddenly, within 80 seconds, two masked men barged into the house and shot my dad with a silent gun. 7:06am, 10th of July, 1999; still feels like a dream.” Adam explained calmly.

“Wow! Your dad was murdered? I'm shocked to be honest. But I still don't see how it correlates with the Bailison group.”

“One of those men had the Bailison group tag. They didn't see me cause I was upstairs, but I saw them clearly. It happened so fast that I couldn't even utter a word, I was just feeling shock all over my body.”

“And I'm guessing you didn't mention the tag to the police.”

“I was scared, Rufus, I was so scared that they would come for me if I ever mentioned it. You happen to be the first person and probably the last person I'm telling this to.” He chuckled.

“Adam…” Rufus called out, trying to comfort him.

“I was just 7 years old. I basically grew up from one relative’s house to another. All those years, all I knew was that the Bailison group ordered that murder and I was going to pay them back.” Adam concluded.

“So why does it have to affect Belle?”

“The company was after my father but it affected me unknowingly to them.That's the same way I'm going after the company, and it's going to affect Belle but I don't really give a fuck. I'm not after Belle, I'm after the company. But the only way to get that is by going through her.”

Rufus couldn't help but agree with his boss. Adam had made his intentions clear to him and he felt satisfied with Adam's plan.

“Message understood sir. What do you want me to do for you