Chapter 1 The Contract

The neon lights flickered, casting an ethereal glow over the dimly lit club where Iris worked as a stripper. As she moved her body to the rhythm, her thoughts drifted like the swirling smoke hanging heavy in the air. But something tonight felt different. A heated gaze pierced through the usual crowd of men, pulling her attention toward a figure seated in the shadows.

It was rare to see someone so young, so composed, in this place. Most of the men that came here were older, their gazes lingering with more desperation than allure. But this man... he was different. His dark brown eyes held a dangerous edge, framed by chiseled features and slicked-back hair. He was hard to miss.

Iris felt his eyes fix on her, watching her every move. Confusion crept over her as he motioned for mama peepee to come over, he whispered into her ear.

She nodded in understanding and walked towards the stripping pole where Iris was dancing, and whispered into her ear.

She walked towards him, and got to where he was seated.

"Hello, sir. How can I be of service tonight?" Iris asked, keeping her tone professional, though her curiosity buzzed beneath the surface.

"Sit," the man ordered sternly, his voice cold and clipped.

Iris hesitated, caught off guard by the abrupt command. "I... I should sit?" she asked, her voice wavering.

"Don't ask dumb questions. I said sit."

Her pulse quickened as fear slid down her spine. She sat, clutching her hands tightly in her lap, her mind racing with questions. Who was this man? What did he want with her?

Without wasting a second, he pulled out a sleek black folder and a pen, shoving them across the table. "I have a proposal for you, and I need an answer now," he said, his tone as sharp as a knife.

"A proposal?" Iris frowned. "What kind of proposal?"

His lips curved slightly, though there was no humor in his smile. "Marry me."

Her heart stopped. "What?" Her voice came out in a strangled whisper.

"Marry you? Are you out of your mind? I don't even know who you are! You can't just-"

"Be quiet," he cut her off. "Listen carefully. The marriage will be a contract. One year. No strings attached. After that, you're free to go."

Iris's mind spun. "This is insane! You can't just come in here and throw something like this at me. I'm a stranger! Why me?"

"You need money. I need a wife," he said simply, as if it were the most logical exchange in the world. "I can pay you a million dollars. No games."

Her mouth dropped open. "A... a million dollars?"

Ryan leaned back, sipping casually from his drink. "Yes. A million dollars, and you'll never have to see me again once the contract is up."

For a moment, Iris was speechless. A million dollars. That kind of money could change her life. Her mother was sick, with no insurance and mounting medical bills. Iris could finally pay for her surgery, and maybe-just maybe-start her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

But... marry this stranger? What was the catch?

She stared at him, the temptation gnawing at her. "How am I supposed to believe this is real? For all I know, you could be some kind of psycho. I don't even know your name."

"Ryan Kendrick," he said smoothly, the name sliding off his tongue like a well-rehearsed line. "And trust me, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."

Iris's breath caught in her throat as two massive men, dressed in black suits, emerged from the shadows behind him, their faces hidden behind sunglasses despite the dim lighting. She sank lower in her seat, feeling their presence like a silent threat.

"I'm not here to kidnap you," Ryan continued, his voice eerily calm. "If I wanted to, I could have you taken without anyone noticing. But that's not why I'm here. I'm offering you a choice."

Iris swallowed hard, her palms sweating. "I can't do this," she whispered, shaking her head. "This is insane."

Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure about that? Think about your sick mother. How long do you think she has without proper care?"

Her heart dropped into her stomach. "How do you know about my mother?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Ryan's gaze remained steady. "I know everything about you, Iris. Your mother is sick. You're behind on rent. You've been working here just to make ends meet. This marriage will solve all of that. All you have to do is sign the contract."

Iris stared at the papers in front of her, her vision blurring as her thoughts spun wildly. She wanted to say no, but the weight of her mother's illness was crushing her. A million dollars could save her. It could save both of them.

Her hand shook as she picked up the pen, her heart hammering in her chest.

Ryan watched her intently. "Sign it, and everything will change. Your problems will disappear."

Iris closed her eyes for a moment, her mind racing. Was she really going to do this? Was she going to marry a stranger for money?

She opened her eyes and, with a deep breath, scribbled her signature at the bottom of the contract.

"Good girl," Ryan said with a smirk. He snatched the papers and handed them to one of his bodyguards. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready by noon."

Before Iris could say another word, Ryan stood up and strode out of the club, two girls on either side of him. The world around her seemed to blur as the weight of what she had just done crashed down on her.

What had she just agreed to?

Still reeling, Iris was shaken from her thoughts by her friend Skylar bounding over, her face flushed with excitement.

"Hey girl!" Skylar grinned, leaning over the table. "What was that all about? I saw you with the Ryan Kendrick. Oh my God, you're so lucky! I've always dreamed of talking to him, even if just for a second. He's so-"

"Skylar," Iris interrupted, her voice hollow. "I'm getting married."

Skylar blinked. "What?"

"I said... I'm getting married. To Ryan Kendrick."

Skylar stared at her, her mouth hanging open in shock before she burst out laughing. "Good one, Iris! Seriously, what did he say to you? What kind of deal did he offer?"

Iris shook her head. "I'm not joking. It's... a contract marriage. One year. For a million dollars."

Skylar's laughter died in her throat. "Wait... what? A contract marriage? Are you... insane?"

Iris buried her face in her hands. "I didn't have a choice, Skylar. He offered me a way out of this mess. My mom... she needs surgery. I need the money."

"But... but Iris," Skylar stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Ryan Kendrick? He's not just anyone. His family is loaded. You're walking into a world you don't belong in. Do you even know what you're getting into?"

"No," Iris whispered. "I don't."

Skylar shook her head, pulling Iris into a tight hug. "This is crazy. You're crazy. But I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Tears welled in Iris's eyes as she hugged her friend back, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her brow furrowing at the unknown number flashing on the screen.

"Hello?" she answered.

A weak voice crackled through the line. "Iris... help me..."

Her blood ran cold. "Mom? Mom!?"

The line went dead.