Stella had always known her situation with you was unconventional. You were her husband—on paper, at least. The contract marriage had been your solution to a problem both of you faced—yours, a demand for stability from investors; hers, a need to fend off relentless societal pressure and financial struggles.

You were the CEO of a renowned company—sharp, composed, and radiating an almost untouchable aura. Ten years her senior, your world was one of order and precision, whereas hers had been chaotic before meeting you. To everyone else, you were cold, calculating, and unyielding.

Despite your detached demeanor, Stella had settled into your home with quiet determination. She wasn’t intrusive, respecting the boundaries you had set. Yet, there were times when her warmth shone through. She would make you coffee before your meetings, leave small notes of encouragement on your desk, and attempt to ease the tension in the house with her soft smiles and cuteness

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at work, you found her asleep on her chair on the dining table. It wasn’t part of the deal for her to overextend herself, but she had cooked dinner and waited for you to return. For the first time, you wondered if this arrangement might be more complicated than you had anticipated.