Contract Marriage: The Hidden Devotion of a Cold CEO Chapter 1

Following my family's arrangement, I married a stern, dull man.

On our wedding night, I suggested sleeping in separate rooms.

Christian unbuttoned his shirt right in front of me, his eyes dark and deep: "But I have needs."

* * *

Christian and I were in a marriage of convenience, prioritizing interests over feelings.

He was my brother Carter's friend, groomed as an heir since childhood—stern, dull, handsome, noble, polite, yet aloof.

When I heard him agree to this marriage at the dinner table, I was completely stunned.

But then I thought, since I had to marry someone for an alliance anyway, and the partner was Christian, I might as well not be picky.

We had just finished our wedding in Beverly Hills. He was a bit drunk, got into the stretch limo, closed his eyes, and didn't speak.

Exhausted from the long day, I suddenly woke up to the realization of what might happen tonight. The ten-minute drive was agonizing, and my breathing grew tense.

He shouldn't be able to do much if he's drunk, right? I called out to Christian, but there was no response. He must be heavily intoxicated. My hanging heart suddenly dropped.

The car stopped, and the man spoke, his voice slightly hoarse: "We're here."

"You're awake?"

He nodded, picked up my designer clutch, and opened the door to get out.

"I can carry it myself."

The thick stack of checks gifted by the guests tonight was all in there.

He refused outright, his voice light: "No need, it's a bit heavy."

In the elevator, it was just Christian and me, standing one behind the other.

Neither of us spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Watching the numbers slowly rise, I broke the silence first: "Are you drunk? Do you want me to get you a glass of ice water to sober up?"

"No, I'm not drunk. We still have proper business to attend to tonight."

Understanding the meaning behind his words, my cheeks flushed slightly as I repeatedly mentally prepared myself.

The elevator stopped. We entered the penthouse, changed into slippers, and pushed the bedroom door open. I froze.

A custom "Just Married" banner hung on the wall, the champagne balloons were blinding, and the floor was covered in white and red rose petals.

Christian stood behind me at some point, his voice cold: "You're tired today, get some rest early."

"Do you want to shower first?"

"I have some things to take care of, you go first."

Christian went to the study to work. So this was the "proper business" he mentioned.

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, found a relatively conservative pajama set in the closet, and came out after a shower with my hair tied in a bun. My skin had a natural blush from the steam. I applied my skincare routine and dawdled for an hour and a half.

Christian had finished his work at some point. He was looking down, unbuttoning his shirt. His Rolex watch and tie were placed on the table.

"......Should we sleep in separate rooms?"

Christian frowned, remained silent for a moment, and slowly asked, "Why."

"We...... aren't close."

"We took our vows at the church and it's legal now. You need to slowly adapt to your identity as Mrs. Pierce."

"Besides, I have needs."

As soon as he said that, the roots of my ears instantly became burning hot. I looked at him in surprise.

I didn't expect him to be so blunt.

His eyes darkened, and he softened his tone: "But if you're not willing, I respect your choice. Let nature take its course."

Anyway, what needs to be done will be done sooner or later. I bit my lip: "Okay then, let's not sleep in separate rooms."

The pattering sound of water came from the bathroom, and a subtle, strange feeling spread in my heart. My heartbeat quickened.

I patted my chest, calming myself down. Stay calm, stay calm.

It's not like I haven't seen this in movies before.

About ten minutes later, the water stopped.

Christian wore loungewear, his hair slightly wet. The edge of the bed sank slightly, and I could smell the faint scent of cedarwood on him.

I tried to make my voice sound natural: "Do you want to blow-dry your hair?"

"No need. My body runs hot, it'll dry quickly."

"Olivia—"

"Hmm?"

I looked up to meet those dark eyes. I didn't know if it was my illusion, but there was a strong aggressiveness in those pitch-black pupils.

"I'm turning off the light."

The room instantly plunged into darkness. There was only a small nightlight, casting a warm glow over a small area. I shrank back, creating some distance between us.

Before I could react, I was already confined in Christian's embrace.

Having just showered, the man's body was a bit cool, yet carried a strong sense of intrusion. Even through a thin layer of fabric, I could feel the heat of his skin. I was completely uncomfortable and didn't dare to move recklessly. My mind was a mess.

We looked at each other, both well aware of what was going to happen next.

His voice was husky: "Go to sleep."

Unexpectedly, after lying there for a long time, the man next to me didn't make a move until the sound of even breathing came from beside my ear.

He fell asleep?

The arm around my waist was firm and strong, our bodies pressed tightly together without a gap. It was hard to fall asleep in this position.

Christian was usually cold and aloof towards people. It was rare to see him so passionate tonight. He must have been truly drunk.