The CEO's Contract Bride

Mia’s POV

8:30 PM, Westlake Village, Los Angeles

The rain poured as I rushed into the restaurant, a few drops dampening my clothes. The server at the door handed me a cloth to wrap around myself, and I accepted it with a grateful smile.

I was about to thank him when I froze. There he was, the man I’d loved for three years, kissing another woman.

My body shivered, but I steadied myself and moved closer. The fancy restaurant, the table of four, the aroma of food—none of it mattered.

“So, I rushed out of my house looking all beautiful just to find you kissing another woman?” I blurted, my fist tightening around my purse.

Ryan, shocked, turned to me. Panic flashed in his eyes before they turned cold.

“Sit down first,” he ordered, his tone detached. I refused to sit, remaining standing. Sitting would mean surrendering.

“Just say whatever you want to say. I have a hunch, but I want you to say it yourself,” I said, my voice muffled and tired, my lips trembling.

“Let’s break up.” The words left his lips, and I felt the urge to throw up.

“What?” I whispered.

“Yes, Mia. I don’t love you anymore. Can we not do this to ourselves? You were boring, and you wouldn’t even let me fuck you. How do you think I could keep loving a woman like you?” He frowned, clearly done with me.

He looked away, his gaze turning gentle as he looked at the woman beside him, while his eyes grew cold toward me.

Tears clouded my eyes, but I swiped them away. I had promised myself never to cry for a man, and I wouldn’t break that rule for Ryan.

I rushed out of the restaurant, returning the cloak to the server. I whipped out my phone and dialled Maisie’s number. Every bone in my body trembled, but I refused to cry, not here.

When Maisie answered, I tried to hide the pain in my voice. I wanted to spill my guts to her but swallowed it down.

“Let’s go partying, Maisie. I’m sick of everything. Let’s go party,” I urged her.

“Alright, meet you at the club in ten minutes,” she replied, and I hung up. I hailed a cab and jumped in, almost thoroughly soaked. I texted Maisie to bring a dress for me.

***

Finally, I arrived at the Red Run club and found Maisie waiting for me with a bag in her hand. She looked hot, ready for the party.

She spotted me and frowned, assessing my condition. Great, I looked like a rain-soaked puppy.

She rushed towards me and dragged me to a public bathroom to change. We hurried, the place reeking of old men. Once out, hearing the thumping bass from the club, my bones buzzed with the need to jump in.

The bouncers let us through easily, and Maisie, being in high class, received VIP perks.

My mother was hospitalized, and yet I couldn’t afford her medical bills. One should pity me.

I followed Maisie, hand in hand, as we were led to the VIP lounge. It felt like a cozy space above the dance floor where people gathered and rubbed bodies together. If it wasn’t for Maisie, I wouldn’t be here.

Laughter, chatter, and music created a vibrant symphony. Maisie forgot to ask what was wrong, but her occasional glances showed she still cared.

The VIP section was lively, but not crowded. Servers were everywhere, so I ordered two bottles of vodka.

Maisie hit the dance floor with her regular friends. My vodka was my only companion. I uncorked the bottle, ready to get drunk.

Pouring a glass full of vodka, I raised it, watching the disco lights reflect on the liquid. Remembering what the doctor told me, I downed it in one go, scrunching my nose at the bitter taste.

Pouring another glass, I remembered Ryan’s words and downed it harshly, gripping the glass tightly.

Slamming the glass on the table, I glared into the distance. “You fucking bastard!” I yelled, pouring more vodka.

I regretted not slapping him. How could he change so quickly? I was on the verge of tears when I felt someone staring at me. Too long for me to ignore.

I turned slightly and made direct eye contact with a hottie. Dangerous steel-blue eyes judged me like I’d murdered his whole family.

Why was he looking at me so intensely? But he was hot.

“You wouldn’t even let me fuck you...” Ryan’s words echoed in my head.

I scanned this specimen from head to toe. Taking my vodka and glass, I walked to my prey.

If Ryan dumped me because I didn’t have sex, maybe fucking another man would please him? I smiled at the stranger as I approached his table.

He never broke eye contact.

I sat beside him. Funny how a man like him was sitting alone with women flaunting their bodies around him. Was he really okay down there?

I poured myself another glass of vodka, then one into his empty glass.

“What’s a fine man like you doing here alone?” I asked, trying to sound seductive. I was nervous, unsure how to request a one-night stand.

“Would you like to get out of here and turn up the heat?” he asked, his gruff voice catching me off guard.

He ran a hand through his tousled black hair, and excitement bubbled in my stomach. No voice had ever affected me like this.

Those words sparked an intense heat between my legs, and I tightened them instinctively.

“If you’re ready…” I blurted and downed my drink. He smiled as he drank from his glass elegantly. Extending his hand, he lifted me from the sofa. I followed him like an obedient cat.

“Mia?” I heard Maisie call, but I couldn’t think straight.

“I’m going to be a woman, Maisie...” I whispered, not looking back.