Riley sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the ultrasound image clutched in her trembling hands. The small, grainy picture of her unborn child filled her with a mix of fear and hope. She was going to be a mother, and the weight of that responsibility was almost overwhelming. The tiny life growing inside her needed her protection, her love, and her strength.
Adrian's proposal replayed in her mind. A contract marriage with him could provide the security she desperately needed. She had seen the sincerity in his eyes, heard the steadiness in his voice. He wasn't offering charity; he was offering a partnership. But could she trust him?
Her phone buzzed beside her, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Adrian.
"Riley, I know this decision is difficult. I want you to know that I'm here to support you. Let's meet tonight. I'll answer any questions you have. - Adrian."
Riley's heart fluttered with anticipation and anxiety. She typed a quick response. "Okay. What time and where?"
"7 PM at my place. I'll send a car for you."
Riley sighed, setting her phone down. She glanced around her modest apartment. It had been her sanctuary since leaving Brian, but it wasn't enough for her and her baby. She needed stability. She needed Adrian's offer to be real.
That evening, a sleek black car arrived to take Riley to Adrian's penthouse. She smoothed her dress nervously as she stepped out of the car and into the lobby of the luxurious building. The elevator ride felt endless, her heart pounding with each passing floor.
When the doors opened, Adrian stood there waiting, his tall frame and calm demeanor instantly reassuring. He smiled warmly and gestured for her to come in.
"Riley, I'm glad you came," he said, his voice steady and welcoming. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
She stepped into the opulent living room, taking in the modern decor and the breathtaking view of the city skyline. Adrian led her to a plush sofa, and she sank into it, feeling both out of place and oddly at home.
"I know you have questions," Adrian said, sitting across from her. "And I want to be completely honest with you."
Riley nodded, clutching her hands together. "Why me, Adrian? Why did you choose me for this arrangement?"
Adrian leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I've always respected you, Riley. You're strong, resilient, and you have a good heart. I need someone I can trust, someone who can help me navigate my family's expectations. And I want to help you and your child. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Riley took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "But what about love, Adrian? Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be about?"
Adrian's eyes softened. "This isn't a typical marriage, Riley. It's a partnership based on mutual respect and support. I'm not asking you to love me. I'm asking you to trust me."
Riley bit her lip, her mind swirling with doubts and fears. But she also felt a spark of hope. Maybe this could work. Maybe Adrian could be the stability she needed.
"Okay," she said finally. "I'll do it."
Adrian's smile was genuine and warm. "Thank you, Riley. I promise I'll do everything in my power to support you and your child."
As the days turned into weeks, Riley began to settle into her new life with Adrian. They moved into a spacious, beautifully furnished home in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Adrian was true to his word, providing her with everything she needed to feel safe and secure. He hired a personal chef to ensure she had nutritious meals and a doctor to monitor her pregnancy closely.
Riley found herself growing more comfortable around Adrian. He was attentive and considerate, always making sure she was taken care of. He accompanied her to her doctor's appointments, holding her hand and offering words of reassurance.
One evening, as they sat together in the living room, Adrian looked at her with a serious expression. "Riley, I want you to know that you and the baby are my top priority. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure your safety and happiness."
Riley felt a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Adrian. That means a lot to me."
He reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "We're in this together, Riley. You're not alone."
For the first time in a long while, Riley felt a sense of hope and security. She still had doubts and fears, but with Adrian by her side, she believed they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As she lay in bed that night, Riley placed a hand on her growing belly and whispered softly, "We're going to be okay, little one. We have someone who cares about us now."
She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. The future was still uncertain, but for the first time, she felt ready to embrace it. With Adrian's support, she could face anything. This contract marriage was more than just an arrangement; it was a chance for a new beginning, a fresh
start. And Riley was determined to make the most of it.