THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

After our breakfast, Lucas and I engaged in a deep conversation. I knew it wouldn’t be easy for any woman to trust someone like him so readily. At this point, I needed more than just words and promises. I needed him to prove himself, to show me his commitment and conviction. This time, he had to take full responsibility for his actions and the words he spoke.

In simple terms, it was an investment, and I refused to be scammed again. And just in case he couldn’t keep his promise, I wanted to make something clear while it was still early. I loved him, but I had some trust issues that needed to be addressed.

“Let’s talk, Lucas. We need to address our issues before I fully commit to coming back home,” I said boldly, sitting in a nearby coffee shop.

The aroma of almonds and chocolate filled the air, a comforting choice for our conversation.

Lucas frowned, but that didn’t change the fact that he was as attractive as ever. The women in the shop couldn’t help but steal glances at him, but I couldn’t care less. I felt like the hero in this story.

That thought gave me a slight boost, a sense of entitlement I hadn’t felt before.

“You will have to earn my trust again, Lucas. It won’t be that easy. We’re not even divorced yet,” I trailed off, feeling a pang of hurt in my heart.

He sighed, his demeanor shifting to calm and gentle. He reached for my hands, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions. I had to suppress my smile, pretending to be grumpy.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I understand that you can’t trust me easily right now, Zara,” he said.

His words were accompanied by the warmth of his touch. I could win an award for acting with the way I held back my smile.

“I know, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to regain your trust, even if it’s little by little,” he assured me, kissing my hands in the most endearing way.

I pulled my hand away, trying not to reveal the blush that had spread across my cheeks. They were probably as red as a tomato.

“Lucas, I don’t need empty words. I need assurance. It’s all or nothing this time. If you can’t stand up for me, if you continue to hide our relationship in the shadows, then I’d rather free myself and move on. When I left your house, I accepted the possibility of losing my place in your life,” I expressed honestly.

I may be fragile now, but rest assured, I am not the same Zara anymore. If he intended to keep us a secret, then we would simply disappear from his life. I made that promise to myself. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes. I couldn’t handle that, Lucas. It weakened my resolve.

“I understand, Zara. It’s not just empty words. I’m willing to break up with Giselle and introduce you to my family. If necessary, I’ll even marry you again. This time, I’ll cherish you and our son. Please, don’t take your love away from me,” he pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity.

“You have no idea how much it tears me apart, thinking about you leaving. I’ve been restless, unable to eat properly, lost in a void. The thought of you being gone causes me immense pain,” he admitted, his exhaustion evident.

It’s hard not to see this as karma coming back to him, but I don’t want to dwell on that. Instead, maybe this is my turn for good karma. I deserve happiness, don’t I? The bitterness I’ve experienced has taught me the value of my own happiness, and I desperately need it.

“It’s a lot to take in, Lucas. But for the last time, I will trust you,” I said, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. It felt as if a thorn had been removed from my heart.

“You won’t regret it, Zara. I love you,” he declared, sending shivers down my spine.

“I love you too.”

Our vacation took a turn for the better. Father and son started bonding, and I finally learned why Lucas hadn’t shown up for our son’s birthday.

It turns out, Lucas was jealous of Nick, which led to his anger and absence from the birthday party. It wasn’t an acceptable behavior, of course, but I couldn’t help but be moved by this newfound vulnerability Lucas was showing me.

I never imagined him to be a jealous and possessive person before. He was more inclined to ignore me. But now, it feels as if I’m a precious diamond in his eyes. I hope this is not just a temporary change. I hope it remains consistent, and I hope there are no more surprises in store for me. Have my struggles finally paid off?

We were leaving tomorrow, which made this vacation all the more meaningful. Lucas even insisted on going swimming, and I wore the outfit Antoinette had given me. Lucas was furious and didn’t want me to leave the room.

“Lucas, seriously? Don’t block the door like that. Our son is waiting for us outside. What time is it?” I asked, frustrated. We were already in the room, and it was past eleven, nearing lunchtime.

He still didn’t want me to go out because of what I was wearing. It was a bit exaggerated, but I have to admit that I enjoyed this kind of attention from Lucas. It was new and exciting for me.

“Look at what you’re wearing! Look at your legs! Do you want to attract unwanted attention? Do you want to provoke some perverted behavior out there?” he exclaimed, his anger evident. But deep down, I knew I was the one thrilling him.

I couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

“Lucas, don’t overreact. It’s just a shirt and shorts. It’s not revealing at all. There are girls in bikinis out there, and they’re even more exposed,” I tried to reason with him.

“Why? Are they my wife?” he retorted, his eyes narrowing.

I was taken aback and felt a shiver down my spine. Why?

“N-No, of course not. I’m your wife,” I replied, almost whispering.

A smile appeared on his face as he faced me. He sighed before saying, “I just don’t want others to disrespect you or give you unwanted attention. Even if those fools out there just look at you, I feel the urge to protect you. So, please, Zara, spare me?”

“Oh? Are you afraid someone will insult me? Can’t you defend me? And even if they look at me, are they my husband? Are they going to snatch me away? No and no? Then what are you so afraid of? Come on, let’s go. I’m also part of the scenery. Shoo!” I teased, reveling in the playful banter.

He let out a deep breath.

“Fine, you win this time. But remember, this is only for now, Zara. If someone approaches you disrespectfully, I can’t promise to be diplomatic. A Blackwood can be fierce when protecting their loved ones.”

I nodded in agreement, and together we stepped outside. The scene before us was delightful, with bleachers, picnic baskets, and cozy blankets spread out. What caught my attention the most was Lucas teaching our son how to swim. Just witnessing their bonding filled my heart with joy and overwhelmed me with happiness.

Antoinette was by my side now, but Fin was absent, supposedly still in the room. They had brought work along on this vacation, and it seemed they had a disagreement earlier.

“My dear friend, you turned the tables on me,” Antoinette said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Lucas looked at her apprehensively and spoke in a bitter tone, “So, Zara Delafontaine, is this a real comeback?” I couldn’t help but wonder if I should be scared or burst into laughter at his remark.

“As for Antoinette, you really scare me with that look on your face,” I replied, acknowledging her fearsome reputation. Even a nuclear bomb would retreat in fear when faced with her anger.

“You’re truly something, Zara! Your level of freaking out is on a whole new scale. Are you kidding me? You claim to know about moving on, and now you’re trying to come back. Is that what you want? Should I give you a slap with my Chanel bag?” Lucas threatened, raising his hand as if about to strike.

“I apologize, Antoinette. He made a promise. This is the first and the last gamble. It’s truly worth it!” I reassured her, raising my right hand.

Lucas crossed his arms. “What else can I say? You were born an idiot for Lucas Blackwood. I’m tired of giving you advice. You’ll always return to your handsome and irresistible husband. But why is he your husband?” His nonsensical statement made me burst into laughter, and I embraced Antoinette. I was truly grateful to have her as my friend.

“Sorry for wasting your breath. But you see, Antoinette, with just a little push, I’ll take one last gamble. If I’m not important to him, he won’t chase after me or beg me to come back. And then he said, ‘I love you’ to me,” I revealed, causing Antoinette to exclaim in excitement.

“Oh, you’re playing your part beautifully. Your long-awaited reunion after seven years! I can’t even imagine how it feels for you. Will it be thrilling or irritating? Either way, I’ll support you. I hope this time, your gamble pays off, and you don’t lose anything for the sake of a promise,” Antoinette offered her words of wisdom.

As we engaged in conversation, I turned my gaze to the side and spotted Lucas holding our son’s hand, engrossed in conversation with two women dressed in yellow.

They were stunningly beautiful and radiant. However, my husband’s attention seemed to be drawn to the younger one. It annoyed me, and my stress resurfaced in that moment.

The jealousy crept back in. How could he entertain those girls? It was such a clichéd behavior!

“Leave him be; it’s just one mistake by Lucas. Someone will be upset here,” I declared boldly, my voice filled with determination.

“Oh, I love this fiery side of you. You’re ready to fight, huh? Hahaha,” Antoinette chuckled. I wished Lucas had just been joking and had informed me earlier.

I noticed Lucas turning towards me. Was he now afraid of me? In that moment, I felt like a lioness, fierce and unyielding. There was no hesitation in my gaze as I met his eyes.

I pointedly showed him my ring finger, still adorned with our wedding ring, and then threatened to remove it. The sight of his reaction was swift-he immediately left the company of the girls, leaving them with puzzled expressions. They had learned their lesson!

Lucas approached me, sheepishly scratching his head, with Enrique held in his other hand. He embodied the role of a loving father.

“Why did you leave there? You seemed occupied with those things. I wish you had waited a little longer,” I grumbled, feigning annoyance.

“Of course, I was simply afraid of you,” he confessed, his blush betraying his words.

Our son giggled, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle unfolding before him.

“I never expected this day to come-the day when a Lucas Blackwood would bow down and surrender,” Antoinette chimed in, wearing a grin that matched my own. It was indeed time for payback.