THE STAIN: CONTRACT WIFE FOR THE COLD BILLIONAIRE.

TITLE:THE STAIN: CONTRACT WIFE FOR THE COLD BILLIONAIRE.

Lia stepped into the penthouse, her eyes widening. glass walls, marble floors, and a view of the city that stole her breath.

Ethan entered behind her, his presence like a shadow. "This is your home now."

Lia's suitcase felt heavy in her hand. "Where do I...?"

"Thompson will show you." Ethan turned to leave.

"Wait," Lia blurted. "What about...us? The contract?"

Ethan's eyes were cold. "I will email you the terms. You'll find everything in order."

Lia's chest tightened. "And...my mom's surgery?"

Ethan's jaw ticked. "Paid. Tomorrow."

Lia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread.

Thompson appeared. "This way, Miss Mason."

Lia followed him to a bedroom, hers- apparently. Lavender walls, king bed, en-suite. She felt like a doll in a doll house.

Thompson handed her a phone. "Mr. Rivers' number. Call if needed."

Lia's fingers brushed his as she took the phone. Ethan's words echoed: You're mine now.

As Thompson left, Lia collapsed onto the bed. What was she doing?

Her phone buzzed. A text from Ethan.

Dinner. 8 PM. Be ready.

Lia's heart skipped. Dinner? With him?

She looked around the room, spotting a closet full of designer clothes. Her size. How...?

A knock. Thompson. "Miss, Mr. Rivers requests you wear the red dress tonight."

Lia's eyes widened. The red dress was... wow.

At 8 PM, Lia entered the dining room. Ethan stood by the window, his eyes on her like she was prey.

"You're...stunning," he said, his voice low.

Lia's cheeks heated. "Thanks."

Dinner was...torture. Polite words, cold food, heavy air. Ethan barely looked at her.

As they finished, he stood. "We leave tomorrow. Paris."

Lia's "Paris?"

Ethan's smile was cold. "Business. You will play the part."

Lia nodded, her heart racing. What was she getting into?

Ethan turned to leave. "Goodnight, Lia."

Lia watched him go, feeling...trapped.

Her phone buzzed again.

Don't leave the penthouse alone. Security's watching.

Lia's eyes widened. What was Ethan hiding?

So, Lia stood there, feeling trapped, her eyes fixed on the door Ethan had just walked out of. The silence was deafening, punctuated only by the soft hum of the city outside.

She turned to explore the penthouse, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Every room seemed to lead to another, each one more luxurious than the last. She felt like a tiny cog in a massive machine, one that was slowly grinding her down.

As she wandered, her eyes landed on a photo on a side table. Ethan, younger, smiling, with a woman who looked like...Lia's heart skipped a beat. Who was that?

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking the spell. A text from Ethan.

Don't snoop. You will find out what you need to know.

Lia's eyes narrowed. What was he hiding?

She heard footsteps outside the room. Thompson entered, a discreet smile on his face. "Miss, would you like a nightcap?"

Lia hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, please."

As Thompson poured her a glass of wine, she asked, "Who is the woman in the photo?"

Thompson's expression didn't change, but his eyes flickered. "That was Mr. Rivers' sister, Ava. She...passed away."

Lia's heart twisted. " I am sorry."

Thompson's voice was soft. "It was a long time ago, Miss."

The wine arrived, and Lia took a sip, her mind racing. What secrets was Ethan hiding?

As she finished the wine, Thompson appeared again. "Miss, it's late. You should rest. Tomorrow's a big day."

Lia nodded, feeling the weight of the day crashing down on her.

As she lay in bed, her mind spinning, she heard a faint noise. The door creaked open. Ethan slipped in, his eyes locked on hers.

"Lia," he whispered. "Sleep tight."

Lia's heart pounded as he leaned in, his breath on her ear. "Tomorrow, we start our game."

She tried to process what was happening, but her mind was a jumble of emotions. What game? What did he mean?

Ethan straightened up, his eyes glinting in the dark. "Sleep tight, Lia."

The door shut, and Lia was left alone, her heart still racing. What was going on? What had she gotten herself into?

She tossed and turned, her mind racing with questions. Who was Ethan really? What was his game?

The next morning, Lia woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing. A text from Ethan.

Be ready in 30 minutes. We are leaving for Paris.

Lia's eyes widened. Paris?

She jumped out of bed, What was she supposed to wear? What was she supposed to do?

Thompson appeared with a cup of coffee. "Good morning, Miss. Mr. Rivers is waiting."

Lia took a deep breath,steeling herself "okay let do this"

Lia was at the private jet in 30 minutes, wearing one of those designer dresses from the closet. Heels, sunglasses, the whole "Mrs. Rivers" package.

Ethan was already onboard, laptop open, tie loose. He didn't look up when she sat across from him.

"Rules for Paris," he said,

"1. You smile.

2. You hold my arm at events.

3. You don't ask questions about Ava."

Lia's throat tightened. "You knew I saw the photo?"

Ethan finally looked up. Eyes cold, but something flickered. "I know everything that happens in my penthouse, Lia."

The jet took off. Lia stared out the window,This wasn't just a contract anymore. He was watching her. Controlling her.

Her phone buzzed. Unknown number again:

He didn't tell you everything. Ask him about the will.

Lia glanced at Ethan. He was back to typing, jaw tight.

What was he hiding? And who was texting

Paris skyline appeared below them. Ethan closed his laptop. "We land in 20 sec". Act like we are married Lia."

Lia forced a smile. Inside, she was screaming.

The jet doors opened to Paris lights. A black car waited. Ethan took Lia's hand like it was his job. His grip was firm. Too firm.

The gala was insane. Crystal, designer suits, women in gowns that cost more than Lia's mom's hospital bills. Cameras flashed the second Ethan stepped in.

"Mr. Rivers! Mrs. Rivers!" reporters shouted.

Lia plastered on a smile. Ethan's arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer.

Then she saw her. A woman in red silk, staring straight at Lia. Cold smile. Familiar eyes.

Ethan tensed. "Ignore her."

"Who is she?" Lia whispered back.

"His ex-fiance," Thompson's voice came from behind. "Claire Dubois."

Claire walked right up to them, eyes locked on Lia. She raised her champagne glass. "So... you're the new replacement, huh?"

The air went ice cold. Ethan's jaw clenched. Lia's heart dropped.

Claire leaned in, voice low enough for only Lia to hear: "Ask him why Ava really died. Then ask him why you're next."

Lia froze. Ethan pulled her away before she could respond.

"Don't listen to her," he said, but his hand shook on Lia's back.

Lia looked up at him. For the first time, she saw fear in Ethan Rivers' eyes.