Well, often the plot develops around the terms of the contract itself. There could be specific rules in the contract that the characters have to follow, and as they do, they find themselves in unexpected situations. For instance, if the contract says they have to attend certain social events together, at these events, something might happen that makes them see each other in a new light. And as they deal with the consequences of their actions within the contract, their relationship deepens and the plot moves towards a resolution, usually with them falling in love and either renewing the contract in a more loving way or getting rid of it altogether because they no longer need it as a formality.
Typically, in 'forced into marriage' romance novels, there's an initial situation that forces the two main characters into marriage. It could be a family obligation, a business deal, or some sort of social pressure. Then, they start off with a lot of misunderstandings and clashes because they don't really know each other well. As time goes by, they gradually discover each other's good qualities, and feelings start to develop. For example, in 'The Hating Game', the two characters work together and are forced to interact daily due to their job situation which was initially a forced marriage - like situation, and they slowly fall for each other.
Typically, they start with the reason for the pretend marriage. It could be to deceive someone, for financial gain, or to solve a family issue. Then, as the two characters live together in this false relationship, they start to see each other in a new light. Small moments of kindness or shared experiences lead to the development of real feelings.
Typically, the marriage contract is like a starting point. It forces the characters to be in close proximity. For example, they might have to live together or attend social events as a couple. This leads to them getting to know each other better.
Typically, they start with the two characters agreeing to a marriage of convenience. For example, in many novels, it could be for financial reasons. Then, as they live together, they start to learn more about each other. And gradually, feelings begin to develop, leading to a more romantic relationship.
Often, they start with the introduction of the main characters in a hospital setting, like a new doctor arriving or a nurse starting a new shift. Then, there's some kind of encounter that sparks an initial attraction, maybe a shared patient case or a moment of crisis in the hospital.
Typically, they start with a conflict or misunderstanding between the two main characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth's initial impression of Mr. Darcy is that he is proud and snobbish. This creates a rift between them. Then, through a series of events like social gatherings, letters, or shared experiences, the characters start to see each other in a new light. In 'The Hating Game', the workplace competition gradually gives way to personal revelations.
Coworker romance novels often develop their plots around the shared work environment. There are office politics, deadlines, and projects that bring the characters together. In many of these novels, like 'It Ends with Us', the characters have to navigate their personal feelings while also dealing with the professional consequences of their relationship. They might face disapproval from bosses or colleagues, which adds to the drama of the story. Also, the daily interactions at work, such as coffee breaks or meetings, are used as opportunities for the relationship to progress, either through flirty exchanges or deeper conversations that reveal their true feelings.
Often, they start with the introduction of the mercenary character, showing his tough and dangerous life. Then, the female lead enters the picture, either by accident or on a mission of her own. Their initial encounters are usually full of tension. As the story progresses, they start to see different sides of each other, and feelings begin to develop.
Typically, they start with the kidnapping event. This creates a high - tension situation. Then, the captor and the captive start to interact. As they interact more, they begin to see different sides of each other. For example, the captor may show kindness or vulnerability that the captive didn't expect. This leads to a change in the captive's feelings from fear and hatred to something more like understanding and eventually love.
Typically, in wronged heroine romance novels, the plot starts with the heroine in a difficult situation where she is wronged. For instance, she might be falsely accused or misunderstood. Then, as the story progresses, she often meets the hero. In 'Jane Eyre', Jane meets Mr. Rochester after her time at Lowood School where she was already wronged. Their relationship then develops as they get to know each other, with the wrongs she has endured shaping her character and her approach to love.