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The Bride by Agreement

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Synopsis
Riley Bennett is a sharp, fiercely independent screenwriter from Los Angeles, weighed down by her family’s mounting debts and her mother’s critical illness. As she struggles in a cutthroat publishing industry, a chance encounter at an Upper East Side gala introduces her to Alexander Grant—CEO of the Grant Group, heir to a British noble family, and a cold, calculated titan of finance. Alexander is under immense pressure from his aristocratic family to marry before his 27th birthday or lose his right to inherit. Disdainful of love and emotionally distant, he proposes a solution: a marriage contract. Riley, desperate to help her family, reluctantly agrees. Their three-year agreement is clear: no romance, no intimacy, no interference in each other’s personal lives—but in public, they must act like a picture-perfect couple. What begins as a calculated arrangement quickly spirals into something far more complicated. Living under the same roof, Riley's warmth and sincerity begin to thaw Alexander’s icy exterior. She uncovers the traumas he hides beneath his controlled facade, while he finds himself captivated by her spirit—an unexpected, irreplaceable presence in his life. Just as emotions begin to surface, Alexander’s aristocratic first love, Elena, returns to the spotlight, announcing their “rekindled romance” to the media. Crushed and feeling like a mere pawn, Riley launches a “self-destructive breakup plan”—wild parties, tabloid scandals, and daring outfits—hoping Alexander will walk away. But Alexander doesn’t. Instead, his jealousy reveals emotions he can no longer contain. When Riley is nearly humiliated at a high-society gala, Alexander publicly claims her as his wife in a dramatic, protective gesture—turning media frenzy into a declaration of devotion. As they grow closer again, Riley’s famous ex, Hollywood actor Lucas Ward, reappears offering both affection and funding for her new screenplay. Alexander opposes it, leading to a heated argument and yet another emotional rift. Meanwhile, Elena fakes a pregnancy to trap Alexander, triggering chaos in the family and threatening his inheritance. Caught between love and legacy, Alexander makes his choice. He flies to Los Angeles, finds Riley backstage at her script premiere, and kneels before her with a heartfelt vow: “If I could rewrite the contract, I’d write your name next to forever.” Riley lets down her guard. They stop running from their feelings and rewrite the rules. In the end, Alexander gives up part of his control over the company to keep what matters most—her. Riley’s script is adapted into an Oscar-winning film, marking her breakthr In a contract built on conditions, love was the one clause never written—yet the only one that couldn’t be broken.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: A Choice in Desperation

The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the hallway of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Riley Bennett sat on a cold metal bench, clutching the diagnosis that had knocked the breath out of her chest.

"Malignant pleural mesothelioma. Terminal stage."

The doctor's words still echoed in her ears, each syllable like a sledgehammer to the heart. Her mother—the woman who once carried herself with the grace of a swan—now lay in a hospital bed, her face pale as paper.

"Miss Bennett, I know this is difficult to accept, but we must proceed with surgery immediately," the attending physician said gently, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "The cost will be around five hundred thousand dollars, including follow-up chemotherapy and rehabilitation."

Half a million dollars.

Riley's hands trembled. Her bank account barely held $3,000. On top of that, her father's legacy—a $250,000 high-interest loan—had creditors breathing down her neck.

"I… I need some time to think," she rasped, her voice dry as sandpaper.

"Riley, there isn't much time," the doctor said gravely. "We have, at most, one week to begin treatment."

Outside, October in New York was already biting cold. Riley pulled her thin coat tighter around her and walked toward the subway station. Her phone rang—it was an unfamiliar number.

"Miss Bennett? This is regarding your father's outstanding debt…"

She hung up immediately. The phone rang again. Another debt collector.

Back in her small Brooklyn apartment, Riley collapsed onto the couch. This one-bedroom was all she and her mother had left. The $2,800 monthly rent alone was already suffocating her. Her journalism degree still hung on the wall—a relic from a time when she believed she'd become a journalist who would change the world.

Reality was cruel. She was now a freelance writer, mostly producing articles for obscure magazines, occasionally dabbling in screenwriting. The pay was inconsistent and meager.

Her phone buzzed again. This time it was her best friend, Sophie Blake.

"Riley? You sound… off. What's going on?"

"Mom needs surgery. Half a million dollars." Her tone was eerily calm. "I don't have the money."

There was a heavy pause on the other end.

"Oh God… Riley. I know this is insane, but—have you considered… other options?"

"What options?" Riley scoffed. "I've sold everything I can. No bank will give me a loan, and my credit's trashed thanks to Dad's debts."

"Okay, I know this sounds crazy, but… have you ever thought about… marrying rich?"

Riley nearly choked on her own spit. "Sophie, are you serious?"

"I am. There's a charity gala this weekend at the Waldorf in Manhattan. The city's elite will be there. I can get you an invitation."

"And what? Walk in and say, 'Hi, I need $500K to save my mom. Will you marry me?'"

"Riley, I know you're proud. But pride won't save your mom." Sophie's tone turned firm. "You're smart. You're beautiful. If you could find the right man—"

"I'm not that kind of woman, Sophie."

"I know. But sometimes, we have to do things we don't want to."

After the call ended, Riley sat in front of her laptop, staring at the balance on her screen: $2,847.32. She opened a blank Word document and began to write. It was the only thing she truly knew how to do—process her emotions through words.

She was just an ordinary girl, trapped in an extraordinary crisis. A mother on the brink, creditors circling, and no escape in sight. Every path was lined with thorns.

She stopped typing. This wasn't a story.This was her life.

That evening, Riley visited her mother in the hospital. Linda Bennett was awake, gazing out the window at the city lights.

"Mom, the doctors say the surgery has a good chance," Riley said, gripping her mother's hand, trying to sound upbeat.

"Riley… we both know we don't have the money." Her mother's voice was frail, but her eyes were clear. "I don't want to be your burden."

"Don't say that. I'll find a way."

"Your father's debts already ruined so much. I won't let them ruin your future too."

Tears welled up and spilled down Riley's cheeks. "I won't let you die, Mom. I swear."

Back home, Riley picked up her phone and sent Sophie a message:

"About that charity gala… I need the invitation."

She knew this was insane. But she had no choice. For her mother, she would try anything—even marrying a stranger.

She opened her closet. It contained only a few cheap outfits. Nothing remotely suitable for high society. She couldn't afford a proper gown.

Another problem to solve.

She grabbed her notebook and started making a list:

Find a suitable dress

Learn how to talk to the wealthy

Research the backgrounds of key gala attendees

Prepare a story that could move hearts

She paused, staring at the ridiculous checklist. Three days ago, she'd been a struggling screenwriter with a dream. Now she was planning to marry rich to survive.

But when she pictured her mother's pale face… when she remembered that number—$500,000—she knew she had no way out.

Desperation, she realized, could make anyone brave.

Riley Bennett had made up her mind. She would go to that gala. She would find someone who could help.

No matter the cost.