THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

As soon as I discovered I was pregnant, fear gripped me because Lucas Blackwood’s family was influential. His family owned several companies in Claybourne City. I was confused and I didn’t know what to do especially when he threatened to ruin my life after the one-night stand I had with him.

Initially, I wanted to keep my situation a secret but my family found out about it and no matter how hard I tried to keep his identity a secret, my grandfather managed to squeeze the information out of my mouth.

The idea of raising a child alone was daunting enough but knowing the potential implications of being connected to Lucas Blackwood made it more complicated. He threatened to ruin my life on the day he visited me for first time. My initial plan was to keep my situation a closely guarded secret because the thought of bringing Lucas into the equation seemed like a recipe for a disaster.

Desperation clawed at me as I tried to maintain a façade of normalcy and I battled with myself whether to hide or reveal the truth about the baby’s father. However, my grandfather wouldn’t let me to hide the truth forever.

Despite my attempts to safeguard his identity, the truth was out. My secret was exposed and it was like a ticking bomb that threatened to explode my world apart. After he learned that the man responsible for my pregnancy was Lucas Blackwood, he didn’t waste another minute and arranged a meeting with Lucas Blackwood. I had no idea what transpired during their closed-door meeting but I ended up meeting Lucas again.

He arranged a meeting with Lucas and I watched as he orchestrated the details. Days later, I found myself standing face to face with Lucas once again. His presence was as commanding as ever, and his gaze locked onto me as if trying to read what was inside my head. The room seemed to shrink and the air grew thick with unspoken emotions.

“Zara,” Lucas broke the silence and the timbre in his voice commanded my attention.

“Yes, Lucas,” I replied.

“Is it true that you are pregnant with my child?” he asked and I nodded in response. “Damn!” he cursed suddenly and my grandfather was startled.

“Don’t worry, Lucas. I have no intention to bother you about the child,” I said.

“Oh really? Then why don’t you talk to your old man? He pressured me into marrying you!” he shouted.

“No, that’s not true,” I said while looking at my grandfather but he nodded his head as if telling me that Lucas Blackwood’s claim was true. “I don’t want to marry him, Grandfather,” I told him.

“Shut up, child. I will be the one to deal with this bastard,” my grandfather said.

As an experienced businessman, he had no trouble in negotiating with my stern grandfather. I dreamed of a lovely wedding, with my wishful white wedding gown, with my loving groom, and my friends as the people who would attend on my special day. But instead, it would be a rush wedding.

I had imagined myself walking down the aisle in a flowing white gown and being surrounded by my friends and family. Of course, my loving groom would be waiting for me at the altar. I imagined a scene straight out of a fairytale but those dreams felt like distant echoes of reality and it was replaced by something entirely unexpected.

The picture I painted in my mind faded!

I recalled the way Lucas threatened me, and I shivered in fear. Then, he reminded my grandfather about their meeting and I was flabbergasted to know that he tried to sue me and my family for ruining his life.

Then, I shivered involuntarily as the recollection of his threats resurfaced. The mere thought of his menacing words sent a chill down my fine. As if to further cement the hold he had over the circumstances, Lucas didn’t hesitate to remind my grandfather that we would lose more in case we wouldn’t follow his wishes.

I felt like a pawn in a game much larger than myself. The weight of his power, the reach of his influence, became all too clear when he threatened to take legal action. Would I be able to face the humiliation in court?

Fortunately, he realized it would be a huge mistake to let the public know about what happened between us. I told him to just forget about the one-night stand and to let me raise the baby alone, but he was against the idea. He said he couldn’t let his offspring become a bastard!

My grandfather was against the secret wedding that Lucas has proposed, but Lucas made us realize that we didn’t have a say in the matter. Everything was considered my fault, and he didn’t flinch when he embarrassed me in front of my family members.

“Take it or leave it,” Lucas challenged me to accept his proposal to wed me in secret. Just like my grandfather, I didn’t like the idea of a secret wedding because I believed that I deserved better than that but when I glanced at Lucas, I immediately nodded my head in agreement.

“Zara! Are you out of your mind?” my grandfather shouted.

Then, the tension in the room pressed down on all of us. The proposal Lucas had put forward – a secret wedding – hung in the air. The air cackled with unease as my grandfather and Lucas exchanged words, and each of them tried to assert their stance.

As I listened to their conversation, it became increasingly evident that the control over the situation had slipped from our grasp. Lucas delivered every word with an air of authority and my heart sank further as his words took on a more pointed tone. He didn’t even hesitate to lay blame squarely on my shoulders. The way he turned the situation around stung like a betrayal. I could never imagined that he tried to humiliate me in front of my grandfather.

How could he blame me for everything? But then, he wasn’t wrong. It was my fault!

“See you in three days for the wedding, Zara. Don’t be late,” he said before leaving us and my grandfather was too stunned to speak.

“What a bastard!”

“I told you not to bother him, Grandfather, but you insisted,” I blamed him for the embarrassment we experienced in front of Lucas Blackwood.

“I’m sorry, child. I just didn’t want you to end up like your mother. Do you know how the society judged her? She fell in love and gave herself to a man willingly, and she was judged as a whore. Can you imagine that?”

“You are just overthinking, Grandfather. In this modern times, who would dare to judge a single mom? Besides, I am earning well to raise my child if ever, but then, you insisted on meeting Lucas,” I continued to blame him.

“Let’s go home,” he said.

Three days later, I met Lucas in the Judge’s office for our union. He personally knew the judge, and Lucas ordered to keep their union a secret. After the papers were signed, he didn’t even bother to treat us with food. He just took me from my family and brought me to a new house he bought in the heart of Claybourne City.

As soon as we entered, Lucas dragged me to the bedroom. My eyes widened in fear at the thought of being forced but it didn’t happen. When we were inside the room, his demeanor changed totally. He became gentle with me as he led me into our huge bed.

“I want to kiss you,” he whispered, and my heart skipped a beat as his warm breath brushed against my cheek. Before I could react to what he said, Lucas leaned down and kissed my lips gently.

My body trembled from his action. It wasn’t the first time he kissed me on the lips, but this time it felt more special. Was it because we were now officially a couple? I wanted to resist and push him away, but it was too late.

He deepened the kiss, and I willingly followed his lead. I savored every movement he made, especially when he gently nibbled on my lower lip. But then, he suddenly stopped and stood up.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Instead of answering, he just smiled, the kind of smile that could make any girl’s panties drop. I tried to get up because I felt like I had exposed myself too much to him, but he stopped me.

“Oh my goodness!”

I was surprised when he suddenly kissed my abdomen, just a few inches away from my intimate area. I pushed his head away and crossed my legs, but Lucas insisted and forcibly spread my legs apart. Next thing I knew, he was already licking me, tasting me.

“Ohhhh,” I moaned as he continued his actions. I was losing myself, and I couldn’t stop him as he took control of my body. It felt like I was on fire, and I let myself succumb to his desires.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

I wondered why he suddenly apologized to me, but I didn’t get a chance to ask him because he continued. He took off my remaining clothes until we were both naked. I couldn’t bear to look at his nakedness.

Again, he kissed me deeply and passionately, moving down to my neck and then lower, until he reached my breasts. I whimpered as he gently sucked on my nipples. We were both gasping for breath when he finally positioned himself and forcefully entered me.

I winced in discomfort as he thrust into me repeatedly. I tried to call his name, but he didn’t listen. When I looked at his face, our eyes met, and I tried to break free from his intense gaze, but I couldn’t. It felt like I was hypnotized, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he continued his rough movements. His touch was scorching, and I felt the heat radiating from him, overwhelming me.

“Lucas…” I called out as I climaxed, and he soon followed after, collapsing beside me.

I noticed that his eyes seemed to change color, or maybe it was just my imagination due to the events. “I love you,” I said without hesitation but he didn’t respond.

He kissed me again on the lips, down to my neck, and then he gently caressed my body. When he reached my intimate area, I tried to resist, but he persuaded me to trust him.

I lay down to sleep, but the smile on my lips won’t fade away. I’m just so happy!

However, my happiness ended abruptly as soon as he stood up. Then, he glared at me. For a moment, I was confused what was going on. I thought we were okay because he was gentle with me earlier.

“At least that body of yours can make up for the sins you committed against me,” he stated before leaving me speechless inside the room.

Then, he continued to blame me for everything as soon as we got him. I felt bad for my family and I couldn’t get over their expressions earlier when Lucas blatantly ignored them. I also felt bad for myself because as soon as I entered the door, Lucas threw a maid’s uniform into my face!

As he kept on blaming me, I was convinced that maybe, it was my fault for getting myself intoxicated that night. It was my fault for letting him have me that night. Everything was my fault and for six damn years, I have been paying for that mistake.

Every single day, he blamed me for what happened!

It has been six years since we had a secret wedding, and after enduring our ill-fated relationship, I wanted to set myself free. He couldn’t just keep me forever as his dirty secret! How could he keep me but refuse to love me in the right way? I felt bad for my son who never experienced love from his heartless father!

It has been six years, and yet, I could still remember how ruthless he was on our wedding night. He knew I was already pregnant, but then he claimed my body over and over again. He didn’t even let me get a wink of sleep that night.

Since that night, he treated me like a fucking whore!

For six years, he never showed me any kindness. He was mean all the time, constantly blaming me for what happened to his life, and maltreating me as well as our son. For six years, I tolerated his behavior because I was hoping he would change. I chose to be a martyr because I didn’t want my son to be in a broken family.

For six long years, his animosity bore down on me. Each day, his demeanor toward me was consistently unkind and he never missed an opportunity to remind me of the role I had played in ruining his life.

Initially, I thought I could manage it but his mistreatment extended not only me but also to Enrique, our son who deserved nothing but love and care. For a long time, I endured anger and resentment and each time he would scream at me, I held onto the sliver of hope that someday, he would find it in himself to let go of the grudges he had with me.

The specter of a broken family loomed over me but the desire to shield my son from the pain of a broken family was a driving force to continue living my miserable life with Lucas Blackwood.

Oh, how stupid of me!

Every time our eyes would meet, I would always be greeted with cold pair of eyes. Yet, I endured everything for six years. For my son’s sake, I was willing to endure everything just to give him a complete family.

But then, what did I get in return?

Heartbreaks, lies, and betrayals. Over and over again, he betrayed our vows, he betrayed my trust! How could I be so stupid to remain in a situation where I was bound to get hurt every day?

One day, when Enrique misbehaved, Lucas expected me to discipline our son in front of him. I couldn’t blame my son for being stubborn sometimes because he got that attitude from his father and I knew the reason why Enrique behaved that way.

The little boy just wanted to get his father’s attention, but all he got was Lucas’ indifference. I have been thinking it for several days. By staying with Lucas, I ruined my son’s happiness. Lucas ruined my happiness, too!

“Are you just going to sit still, Zara? Tell your son to behave!” His words cut through the air like a knife and his tone was dripping with impatience toward our child.

“My son? He is also your son, Lucas! How can you be so indifferent in front of the little boy? Look, we can argue all we want, but only if our son is not watching us,” I retorted and my voice carried a hint of desperation. Or rather, it was plea for him to be a little bit considerate toward Enrique.

“Really, Zara? Finally, I can see a glimpse of the old Zara. You seem to have found your strength to go against me this time,” he noticed. “Enrique, behave!” he shouted at the child.

“Look, we can argue all we want, but only if our son is not watching us, Lucas,” I implored while locking my gaze at him. In that moment, I hoped he would understand the importance of shielding our child from the bitterness that had taken root between us.

“You seem to have found your strength to go against me this time,” he remarked.

My heart swelled upon hearing his remark. It was a small triumph to have him acknowledge my attempt to stand up for what was right, and for what our son needed.

“Enrique, behave!” Lucas suddenly shouted at Enrique.

I glared at Lucas for shouting at the child, and then, I grabbed the boy’s hand and hugged him. I squeezed his little hands to assure him that everything would be alright. He was about to cry but I told him he could cry later after I dealt with his bastard father.

Yes, he was a bastard amongst all bastards. For six long and torturous years, no one knew that he was married. The world remained oblivious to the fact that he was married, and I was his wife. His peers and the people at his company never knew that he married me. He wanted to keep his status as a bachelor CEO, and because of that, he was popular amongst women.

To him, we were just a nuisance who ruined his perfect life. He told me several times that if I didn’t seduce him that night, he would be happily married to his fiancée. I really had no idea why he held onto the belief that had I not seduced him that ill-fated night, he would have been living a happily married life with his fiancée.

“Where are you going, Lucas? Apologize to Enrique!” I demanded, but he just snorted and walked away.

When I glanced at my little boy, he was teary-eyed. For several days, he had been talking about the school activity. He expected that Lucas would be kind enough to attend, but when I talked to the bastard about it, he flatly refused.

“He doesn’t love me, Mom,” he complained.

“Shhh, don’t say that. Just don’t mind him for now, baby. Come, let’s eat our breakfast then I will take you to your school, okay?”

“Okay,” Enrique answered.

Actually, whenever Lucas was around, he knew how to ruin my appetite, but because of Enrique, I had to eat. I had to force myself to enjoy the food even if I didn’t feel like eating.

A few minutes later, we finished eating. After I put the food we ate in the sink, I took my car out of the garage. I let myself drift into this kind of routine for a long time.

Enslaved by a complex of fear and hope, my days unfolded in a haze of uncertainty. One day with wishful thinking, that maybe deep down in his heart, he would love his son. I wouldn’t mind if he could only love Enrique and not me. I wouldn’t mind at all. He could hate me forever and I wouldn’t give a damn!

Before having a one-night stand with Lucas, I had a well-paying job. However, after the secret wedding, Lucas ordered me to quit working and focus on my pregnancy. He said he could finance my needs and the needs of our child. Still, even if he wouldn’t support us financially, it would be fine since I was able to save before being reckless that night.

I yearned for a day when his gaze would soften as it fell upon our child, when he would see the innocence and vulnerability in Enrique’s eyes. Of course, it was just a wishful thinking, but I held onto it.

I had come to terms with the fact that his feelings towards me would never change, and strangely enough, I found myself accepting that truth. If he could love Enrique as much as I did, I could endure his hatred for another year.

Before that ill-fated one-night stand with Lucas, I had a well-paying job but after our wedding, he ordered me to resign from job so that I could focus on my pregnancy. Back then, it seemed so sweet, and he sounded as if he was concerned about my well-being. It turned out that he was just scared that someone else would find out about my relationship with him.

He assured me that he could provide for our needs, and that he would take care of me and the child financially. Initially, I refused, but he insisted. He exerted his dominance on me until I couldn’t say no to his command.

After six long years, I realized that a relationship without love shouldn’t be pursued. It was not just devastating on my part, but as well as to my son’s. I should have realized it sooner, but I was naive and hopeful that one day, he would have a change of heart.

A few minutes later, we arrived safely at a private school where my son was enrolled. Enrique Delafontaine. From the very start, Lucas did not want to lend his last name to our son. Just that thing makes my heart shattered. I couldn’t believe that he could do that to his son, to his own flesh and blood! But, he was Lucas Blackwood, the most heartless man in Claybourne!

“OMG! Our paths have finally crossed!” said a shrill voice.

It was Antoinette, and I noticed that she had a baby bump. I wanted to ask her about it, but I decided to just remain silent and waited for her to talk first.

“It has been a long time, Zara. Did you bring Lucas today?” she inquired.

“No, I only bring my bag, and of course, my handsome little boy,” I replied.

Then I glanced at Enrique. He was a little version of Lucas Blackwood, and the only thing he inherited from me was his gentle eyes. Lucas possessed a set of fierce eyes.

“I see. Well, see you around, Zara!”

“Sure,” I replied, then I looked at my son again. When he smiled and showed me his white teeth, I smiled at him, too. “Remember, Ken, you should be kind, be good, and be brave at all times,” I reminded him while combing his hair with my hand.

Enrique smiled enthusiastically and replied, “Yes, Mommy! I will be a good boy in school but I want to be brave against Daddy. He is a bad man, Mom.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Someday,” I mumbled.