The Ceo's contract wife

Chapter 28 – The New Contract

The silence in the conference room was suffocating.

Li sat next to Ethan, her hands clasped tightly under the table as the board members exchanged glances. The air was thick with tension, punctuated only by the CEO's measured breathing beside her.

"As you all know," Mr. Han, the head of PR, finally spoke, "the tabloids are running stories about your marriage being fake. Some even say a divorce is coming soon."

Li's stomach clenched.

Ethan leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. "We've handled rumors before."

"Yes," Mr. Han replied, "but this time it's different. Our stock has dropped 3%. Investors are questioning your credibility—and your leadership."

Li stole a glance at Ethan, whose jaw was now clenched. She could see the fire flicker behind his calm façade.

"So," another board member chimed in, "we have a proposal."

A thick envelope was slid across the table. Ethan opened it wordlessly, his eyes scanning the pages. He passed it to Li, their fingers brushing for a brief moment.

Her heart skipped.

"What is this?" she whispered, already dreading the answer.

"A new contract," Mr. Han said. "To make your marriage more convincing."

She flipped through the pages—living together full-time, attending public events as a couple, weekly dinners, even a joint social media appearance. It was far more invasive than the first agreement.

"It's not just for show," another board member added. "You two will need to appear like a real couple. The public must believe this marriage is genuine.

Li looked up. "And if we say no?"

Ethan didn't hesitate. "Then the board will recommend I step down."

Her heart sank.

Back in his office, Ethan poured two glasses of water, handing one to her. "You don't have to say yes," he said softly.

Li stared at the new contract in her hands. Her reflection shimmered on the glass table—was it fear in her eyes, or something else?

"This feels different," she murmured. "More than a business deal."

Ethan nodded. "That's because… maybe it is."

She looked up sharply. He wasn't smiling like usual. His eyes were serious, searching hers.

"I won't force you," he said, his voice quieter now. "But Li… would you consider starting this marriage over—with me?"