Chapter 2: The contract Marriage

'Be my wife and I'll save you from your debts'

The words danced before her eyes, taunting her.

A flurry of texts followed. "I mean every word. Your problems will disappear. Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow by 10am."

The unknown sender's message sent a shiver down Eleanor's spine.

"Who could it be? How could she trust someone she's never met?" She thought out loud. But desperation won out.

Her debts loomed and this mysterious offer seemed too good to pass up. 

In the evening, she met up with Mia at a dinner.

"I'm getting married," her voice was serious.

Mia's eyes dropped. "Married? Her voice was shaky.

"What the hell? To who? I thought you were still recovering from your contract termination?" Mia's brows furrowed.

"Mia, I'm doing it." Eleanor said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mia's anger shifted from anger to confusion. "Who's still your mysterious husband?"

Eleanor hesitated. "I swear….I don't know him, Mia.

Mia's eyes widened with disbelief.

"You're getting married to a stranger? Are you crazy?"

She nodded sheepishly. "I know it sounds insane, but he's promised to pay off my debts. I'll be debts-free, Mia."

Mia scoffed. "Is this middle age or something? You can't possibly be serious about this, Eleanor."

Eleanor's shoulders slumped. "I wish I wasn't, Mia." She sighed.

"But what about happiness? What about love?" Mia's expression softened.

Eleanor shrugged. "I'll figure it out. I have to."

Mia grasped Eleanor's hands. "Fine. But promise me one thing, if you feel uneasy, you'll bail."

"I promise." Eleanor nodded.

On the day of the wedding, Eleanor stood outside the courthouse, her heart racing. She wore a simple white dress, her long blonde hair pulled back into a low bun. 

Mia stood by her side, offering support. She adjusted Eleanor's veil, her eyes shinning with concern.

"Remember," she whispered. "If you see him and something feels off, you have the right to run." 

Eleanor smiled weakly as she took a deep breath.

As they walked in, Liam Chase stood tall by the door with his assistant, Cleo. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his crisp white shirt accentuated his broad shoulders.

Eleanor froze, her eyes widened. At that moment, she realized Liam Chase was the man from the hotel room, the one who had left her feeling vulnerable.

Mia, standing beside Eleanor gasped softly. "Oh my God, he's gorgeous."

Eleanor felt a flutter in her chest as she approached him. Liam appeared to be surprisingly composed. But she saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes.

"Hello Eleanor," Liam said, his deep voice smooth. "Let's run this over, shall we?"

Eleanor's mind stumbled. Her face burned with shame as the incident from the hotel room flooded back.

Her embarrassment threatened to overwhelm her but she pushed it aside. She had no room for regret.

"Sure, let's do this," she said, her voice steady.

After signing the marriage certificate and exchanging vows, they left the courthouse with Mia and Cleo.

She settled in the car with Liam on their way to his mansion. The car was filled with awkward silence as he lit up a cigarette, the smoke swirling inside the car. Eleanor drifted to the window, avoiding the pungent smell.

"Remember our first meeting, Eleanor." Liam asked, his voice low and smooth.

Eleanor's cheeks flushed. "I'd rather not."

Liam chuckled, exhaling smoke. "The hotel room, you were… desperate."

Eleanor's shame resurfaced, her voice barely above a whisper. "You took advantage of the situation."

"I saved you from yourself." Liam's eyes never left the road. "You were in no state to make decisions."

Eleanor's anger simmered. "You didn't have to rub it in." she didn't waver.

Liam's smile was cruel. "You're my wife now. It's only fair you remember your debts."

He offered her the cigarette. "Care to join me?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Eleanor recoiled. "No, I don't smoke," she stammered.

His expression hardened, and he took another drag of the cigarette, saying, "Suit yourself."

The car stopped at the gate of Liam's residence. As they entered the mansion, Eleanor quickly scanned the surroundings with her eyes, taking in the grandeur of Liam's home. She glanced at her new gold ring, signifying her new imprisonment.

As they entered, they were greeted by his house staff, each of them bowing slightly in respect. They introduced themselves, Agatha his cook and Kylie his cleaner.

Her luggage was taken to her room, opposite Liam's room. The room was a sanctuary, but also a prison. She was about to remove her dress, when the door to her room was creaked open, and in walked her husband, Liam.

Eleanor froze in shock. "What are you doing here." She asked, her voice shaking.

"Time to make our marriage official, Eleanor," Liam said, his voice low and husky. "Tonight, we consummate our union."

Eleanor's heart sank. "I want you to leave," she said, her voice firm. "I need to undress."

Liam chuckled, ignoring her request. "You should get used to it, Eleanor. After all, we are husband and wife." he whispered in her ear suggestively.

Eleanor's heart was pounding in her chest as she felt Liam's hands wrap around her waist, pulling her close.

With a quick movement, he unzipped her dress, letting it fall below her breasts. Eleanor felt exposed and vulnerable, and could feel fear creeping up her spine. She was breathing fast, her chest rising and falling with each nervous inhale and exhale.

His touch was electric, sending shivers down her spine as he trailed his hands from her belly button up to her chest.

 Eleanor backed away, trying to push past him but Liam's hands closed around her waist, pulling her close. His lips descended, forcing hers open. 

With a backhand motion, he pinned her against the wall with his elbow, cutting off any further protests she might have made.

His fingers found her full firm breasts, and he couldn't resist the urge to fondle them. Eleanor gasped at his touch, her heart racing even faster as he continued to tantalize her.

Liam's breath was hot against her ear as he whispered, "Get ready, you're my wife now, and you'll do as I say."

Suddenly, Eleanor's door was pushed open.