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

CHAPTER 5

The grand ballroom was abuzz with the cream of society, all gathered to witness the union of Belle and her mysterious groom. The stakeholders and business associates mingled and chatted, their curiosity palpable.

Rachel Lee, a prominent stakeholder, approached James Bailison, Reginald's brother, with a puzzled expression. "James, have you met the groom?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

James shook his head, his eyes scanning the room. "No, I haven't. To be honest, I'm surprised Belle was able to find someone to marry within the two-week timeframe."

Rachel nodded in agreement. "I know, it's astonishing. And the fact that no one knows who the groom is... it's all so mysterious."

Just then, the music began, and Belle emerged from the entrance, looking stunning in her white wedding gown. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, but there was a hint of nervousness beneath the surface.

As she walked down the aisle, the guests turned to look at her, their faces filled with curiosity. How did she get a husband in two weeks?

Belle reached the altar, and the mysterious groom turned to face her. He was tall, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. He gave a dangerous smile, and Belle's heart skipped a beat.

As the exchange of vows began, Rachel leaned over to James and whispered, "Do you think they're in love with each other?"

James shrugged, his eyes fixed on the groom. "I have no idea, but I'm certainly curious."

As the ceremony came to a close, the guests erupted into applause, and the officiant smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for," he said, his voice booming through the microphone. "The kiss."

Belle felt a surge of nervousness as she turned to Adam, her heart racing in her chest. They had to make this look real, for the sake of their guests and their business arrangement.

Adam's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, slowly, Adam's face relaxed into a smile, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against Belle's.

The kiss was brief, but it was enough to make the guests "awww" in unison. Belle felt a flutter in her chest, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself that this was just a business arrangement.

It was a fake kiss, but it felt real. And for a moment, Belle wondered if maybe, just maybe, this contract wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the night wore on, Rachel approached Belle and her groom, a fake smile plastered on her face. "Congratulations, Belle. You look stunning. And... " she turned to the groom, "you sir, are a mystery."

Adam chuckled. "I suppose I am," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But I assure you, I'm quite harmless."

Rachel raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "I'm not so sure about that," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Belle intervened, her smile tight. "Rachel, please. Let's not pry, my husband and I would like to enjoy our special day."

Rachel's expression changed "Of course, Belle, congratulations again."

The wedding quickly came to an end and guests were returning to their various houses.

The day was already dark and it was soon their wedding night. Adam walked into the luxurious penthouse apartment, dropping his keys onto the marble counter. Belle was standing by the window, staring outside the city.

"Evening," Adam said, his voice low and smooth.

Belle turned, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Evening."

Adam poured himself a glass of scotch from the decanter on the counter. "I think we need to have a little chat," he said, his eyes locked on Belle's.

Belle raised an eyebrow, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "What about?"

Adam took a sip of his scotch, his eyes never leaving hers. "Our aggrement, I think it's time we clarified a few things."

Belle's eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing.

Adam continued, his voice cold and detached. "This is a loveless marriage, Belle. We both know that. And as such, I think it's best if we keep our personal lives separate."

Belle's expression was neutral, but Adam could sense a hint of tension beneath the surface.

"I mean it, Belle," Adam said, his eyes glinting with warning. "I don't want to know about your personal life, and I don't want you prying into mine. This is a business aggrement, nothing more, and I expect you to keep your own end of the bargain."

Belle nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "I understand," she said, her voice cool and detached.

Adam smiled, "Good. I'm glad we have an understanding."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. But Adam didn't care. He had made it clear what he expected from this arrangement, and he was confident that Belle would comply.

Before Belle went to bed that night, she got a very disturbing text from an unknown number “meet me at the café tomorrow; I have a very important and crucial information about your husband that I think you should know about.”

As much as she wanted to ignore the message, something within her wanted to know who this stranger was and what he/she had to say. So she agreed to meet this person.

The next day, when Belle got to the agreed location; her eyes scanned the café, her heart racing with anticipation. She spotted a lady who looked like she was in her late forties sitting in the corner, her eyes looking directly at her.

She was dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants, her face looking concerned. But there was something about her that seemed... familiar.

Belle made her way over to her, her heart pounding in her chest. "Are you the one who sent me the text message?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The woman nodded, her eyes never leaving Belle's. "Yes, I am. My name is Jane, good to see you again Belle.”

“You sound like you know me.”

“Who doesn't?”

“I mean personally, you sound like you know me personally.”

“If I didn't, there was no way I would have gotten your number.”

“Hmm, so who are you and what information do you have about my husband?”

“I was your mum's former PA. I resigned when you were about 3 years old because I relocated to another country.”

“Okay…”

“I never thought I would have a reason to reveal this but when I heard about your wedding, not just your wedding but who you got married to, I couldn't keep it to myself any more.”

“You are scaring me, spill already.” Belle demanded.

Jane hesitated, her eyes darting around the café before focusing back on Belle. "Your mum had an affair with your father's former secretary before he got sacked.”

Belle's heart skipped a beat. "Wait, wait, wait, what? An affair? But dad had just one secretary, I don't recall him sacking or employing any secretary.”

“That's because he got sacked before you were born.”

“Okay, let's say what you're saying is true; so what does this have to do with me or Adam.”

“Adam's father, Alexander Hamilton, was your father's former secretary.”

Belle's eyes widened in shock. "What? Wait, Alexander Hamilton, Adam Hamilton, Oh my God, oh my God. This can't be true, where did you hear this from?” Belle queried.

“I'm a witness Belle,” Jane stated calmly. “I didn't hear it from anywhere. Alexander and I were the only one who knew about Catherine's affair. But Alexander didn't know she got pregnant for him, and your supposed father didn't know you were not his biological child. Adam is also unaware about all of this, I happen to be the only living witness.”

Tears were already rolling down Belle's eyes, she felt like she had been punched in the gut. “So you are trying to tell me that I just got married to my step brother?”