Chapter 1: The Midnight Proposal
Elena stood in the rain, staring at the glowing windows of the penthouse. It was 2 AM. Her sister had run away, leaving behind a massive debt and a ruined reputation. Now, it was up to her.
The elevator doors opened, and Liam Sterling, the ruthless CEO known as the "Ice King," stood there. He didn't look at her; he looked at his watch.
"You're three minutes late," Liam said, his voice cold and commanding.
"Mr. Sterling, I can pay back the money. Just give me time," Elena pleaded, her voice trembling.
Liam chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. He pulled a black velvet box from his pocket. Not with a ring, but with a contract.
"I don't want the money back, Elena. I want you to marry me."
Elena gasped. "What? Why?"
"Your sister stole something valuable from me. You will act as my wife for six months, and in return, I will destroy all evidence of her crime. If you refuse, she goes to prison tomorrow."
Elena looked at the papers. It was a deal with the devil. But she had no choice. She picked up the pen, her hand shaking, and signed her name.
"Welcome to hell, Mrs. Sterling," Liam whispered, taking the paper.
Chapter 2: The Coldest Hearth
Life with Liam was a storm. He was distant, rarely home, and treated her like a servant in his mansion. Yet, she felt a strange pull towards him. One evening, she found him in his office, fighting a fever. He looked vulnerable—not a CEO, but a broken man.
She cared for him through the night, cleaning his forehead with a cold cloth.
When he woke up, he grabbed her wrist. "Why are you helping me? I'm the villain here."
"Because you're human," she replied.
For the first time, the "Ice King" didn't look at her with contempt. He looked at her with... hunger.
Chapter 3: A Secret Unraveled
Two months into the contract, Elena found out the truth. The "valuable item" her sister stole was not money. It was a flash drive containing evidence that proved Liam didn't kill his first wife, a scandal that had ruined his reputation years ago.
She went to him. "You didn't need to force me to marry you. You just needed to prove your innocence."
Liam looked shocked. "I thought you were in on it with your sister."
The ice began to melt. They weren't just a fake couple anymore. They were two broken souls finding comfort in each other.
Chapter 4: The Final Act
At the end of the six months, a massive gala was held. The same people who shunned Liam came to fawn over him. Elena was by his side, breathtaking in a red gown.
Suddenly, a woman screamed, "She's not his real wife! It's a contract marriage!"
The room went silent. Cameras flashed.
Elena looked at Liam, expecting him to deny it and throw her away to save his reputation. Instead, Liam took the microphone.
"Yes, it began as a contract," Liam announced, his voice steady. "I bought a wife to save my name. But I didn't expect to fall in love with her soul."
He turned to Elena, kneeling in front of everyone. "Elena, I don't want to live in a world where you are just a contract. Will you be my wife for real?"
Elena cried, nodding slowly. The crowd cheered, and the "Ice King" finally found his queen.