The Marriage Pact
Ava Hamilton and Ethan Hall's lives are bound together by a shared secret: their contract marriage. Ava, driven by a burning desire for revenge against those responsible for her parents' tragic fate, seeks to exploit the vast resources of Ethan's powerful family. She hopes to uncover the truth behind her parents' murder and bring the perpetrators to justice, no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, Ethan needs a wife to secure his position in the family business and appease his grandmother, the ruthless and cunning matriarch of the family empire. He believes Ava's beauty, intelligence, and determination make her the perfect candidate for the role.
As they navigate their complicated alliance, they must confront their own dark pasts.
But amidst the danger and deception, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other go far beyond mere convenience. They start to experience the thrill of forbidden love, a romance that could jeopardize their entire plan.
As tensions escalate, Ava and Ethan must decide whether their growing passion is worth risking everything. Will they continue to prioritize their original goals, or will they succumb to the allure of a love that could change their lives forever?
Against the backdrop of luxury and deceit, Ava and Ethan must navigate a complex web of power struggles, family dynamics, and hidden agendas. Will they emerge victorious, or will their marriage become a casualty of their families' endless quest for power? And will their love survive the secrets and lies that surround them?
Excerpt:
Ethan's eyes gleamed with amusement as he whispered in Ava's ear, "You know, wife, you're adorable when you're trying to be stern." He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race.
Ava's eyes flashed with irritation, her cheeks flushing. "Ethan, stop teasing me. We need to focus on our plan." She tried to sound firm, but her voice trembled slightly, betraying her frustration.
Ethan's grin only grew wider. "Oh, come on, Ava. You know I'm just trying to lighten the mood. You're so serious all the time." He pushed off the wall, his movements fluid and graceful, and took a step closer to her.
Ava's hands clenched into fists, her voice firm. "This isn't a game, Ethan. Our lives are at stake. We can't afford to make mistakes." She tried to sound convincing, but her eyes kept drifting to his, and she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
Ethan's expression turned innocent, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says I'm not taking it seriously? Maybe I'm just trying to distract you from the tension between us." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on hers, and Ava felt her heart skip a beat.
"There's no tension, Ethan. We're just allies in this marriage pact," she lied, trying to sound convincing. But her voice was barely above a whisper, and Ethan's knowing gaze made her feel like he could see right through her.
Ethan's chuckle was low and husky. "Keep telling yourself that, Ava. But I see the way you look at me sometimes... like you're trying to resist a temptation." He took another step closer, his eyes locked onto hers, and Ava felt her pulse race.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she lied again, trying to sound convincing. But her eyes darted away, betraying her.
Ethan's whisper was soft, his breath caressing her ear. "Oh, but I think you do, Ava. And soon, you'll have to admit it." His words sent shivers down her spine, and Ava knew she was in danger of falling for her husband's charms, even though she refused to admit it.
The air was charged with tension, their banter a delicate dance of denial and attraction. And in that moment, Ava knew she was walking a thin line between resistance and surrender.
Chiimin · Urban
