The CEO's Reluctant Bride

Ava Carter's heels echoed against the polished marble floor as she rushed into the towering Sinclair Corp building, heart pounding in her chest. Her phone buzzed in her hand another call from the bank. Another debt reminder. Her family's company her father's legacy was crumbling, slipping through her fingers like sand.

She paused at the reception, inhaling a shaky breath. "Ava Carter," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I have an appointment with Mr. Sinclair."

The receptionist gave her a polite yet distant nod. "Take the elevator to the top floor."

Ava clenched her fists, stepping into the elevator. The doors closed, sealing her in with her swirling thoughts. This was her last shot. She'd exhausted every contact, every favor no one wanted to risk their money on a sinking ship. But Adrian Sinclair... He was different. Ruthless, powerful, with enough influence to turn her world around if she could convince him.

The doors opened with a soft chime. A sleek office space stretched before her, minimalist and cold. His assistant gestured toward the door at the end of the hall. "He's expecting you."

Ava smoothed her skirt, straightened her spine, and pushed the door open.

Adrian Sinclair sat behind an expansive mahogany desk, dark eyes lifting from a document. He was every bit the intimidating figure the media portrayed sharp suit, sharper gaze. His presence filled the room, commanding and cool.

"Ava Carter," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She hated the way her pulse quickened not from attraction but irritation at his smug tone. "I need a loan," she said bluntly. No point dancing around it. "A partnership, an investment whatever you want to call it. My family's company is in trouble, and you have the resources to"

"To bail you out?" He cut in, arching a brow. "Why would I do that?"

Her cheeks burned. "Because it's a good opportunity. We have potential"

"Potential doesn't pay debts." He stood, rounding the desk with lazy grace. "You expect me to throw money at your sinking ship out of goodwill?"

Ava's nails dug into her palm. "I'm not asking for charity."

"Good." He stopped inches from her, gaze unwavering. "Because I don't do charity."

The room thickened with tension. Ava's pride screamed at her to walk out, but desperation rooted her in place. "Then what do you want?" she asked, voice low. "I'll negotiate."

A slow, calculated smile curved his lips. He turned, retrieving a folder from his desk, and handed it to her.

Her fingers hesitated before flipping it open. The words on the first page made her breath catch. Marriage Contract.

Her head snapped up. "Is this a joke?"

"Not at all." Adrian's gaze was steady, unreadable. "You need money. I need a wife."

She stared at him, incredulous. "Why? So you can parade me around as some accessory?"

"It's business," he said smoothly. "I have a deal on the table requiring a stable personal image. You solve my problem, I solve yours."

Ava's world spun. Marry him? This arrogant, insufferable man? Her heart pounded in her ears. "You're insane."

"Perhaps," he mused, "but you're out of options." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Refuse, and your company goes under. Your father's legacy? Gone. Accept and you walk out of here with a solution."

Her throat tightened. Pride battled with the reality of foreclosure notices and sleepless nights filled with worry. This was madness. Utter madness.

But what choice did she have?

His gaze didn't waver. "You have until tomorrow to decide."

Ava slammed the folder shut, pulse racing. Without another word, she turned on her heel, heels clicking a staccato rhythm across the floor.

Once outside, she leaned against the wall, lungs heaving. How had it come to this?

Marry Adrian Sinclair or lose everything.

Her phone buzzed again another call from the bank. Her fingers trembled as she declined it.

Her pride screamed no.

But desperation whispered yes.

And that terrified her the most.