Contract Husband Thinks I'm After His Money Book1: Contract Husband Thinks I'm After His Money, #1

By Natalia França

To help save her father's company, Liz is forced to marry the CEO of a technology company: Enzo Monet, a bitter and arrogant man who believes that women only want his money. But that will change when he meets sweet Liz.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Noveltoon
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224258338

Book preview

Marriage by Contract

Chapter 1

The day is beautiful, with an open sky, the scent of flowers, and a radiant sun. The day is simply perfect, but not for Liz. Her father Carlos's company is failing and, being ambitious, he made a deal with CEO Enzo Monet. In exchange for their marriage, Enzo would help Carlos's company recover. Liz's mother Luciana has always been against it, but Carlos sees no other way out. Enzo Monet, a cold, calculating, ignorant, and seductive man, has seen his own company's ranking fall due to his partying and constant presence with different women. Tired of being tormented by his parents, Enzo came up with the idea of marriage to stop the rumors surrounding his reputation.

Luciana: Daughter, I'm sorry for this. I never wanted this marriage to happen, I never wanted this future for you, not like this.

Me: Don't apologize, it's not your fault.

Luciana: It's time, my daughter. You look beautiful, shall we go?

Me: Yes, mother, I have no choice.

Accompanied by her mother, Liz goes to the entrance of the wedding. Hurt by her father, she decides to walk in with her mother. The wedding has few guests, besides the bride and groom. It's only Liz's parents, Enzo's parents, the priest, and two lawyers from both families. The wedding is quick, and my heart is filled with sadness. It was supposed to be every girl's dream, it used to be mine, but today it has died. After the wedding, Liz says goodbye to her mother and a beloved maid. Her father tries to approach her, but she is too hurt and doesn't want to listen. With a heavy heart, she packs her bags, and Enzo puts them in the car before they drive away.

Liz grew up in a calm home, filled with love and affection. She always had a good life, but never cared much about it. She enjoyed helping those in need and working at an NGO. Liz is 19 and has finished her studies. She doesn't plan on going to college right now because she already loves what she does - helping people and working at a cafe. Besides, she needs money to pay for college. She doesn't want to depend on her parents and, now that she's married, even less on her husband.

Enzo Monet has always been a wealthy, charming, and renowned man. He had a fiancee, but she deceived him, which is why he is now cold, resentful, and ignorant. He used to be deeply in love, but now he doesn't believe in love anymore. He thinks all women are the same. Enzo is an only child and has been living with his housekeeper, Cecilia, for years. She is like a mother to him since his own mother is always traveling. Enzo owns a technology company, the largest in New York. He always strives to be at the top, to be superior, and to show off. He won't settle for anything less. Women throw themselves at him wherever he goes, they would die for him, and that's what feeds his ego.

Chapter 2

Liz Narrating

We drove in silence the whole way, and after two hours we arrived at a huge house.

As soon as we got out of the car, a woman opened the door and greeted us warmly.

Cecilia: Hello, welcome.

Me: Thank you.

Enzo: Cecilia, this is Liz. Liz, this is Cecilia, the housekeeper.

Me: Nice to meet you.

We stayed in the living room, and I couldn't help but be amazed by the size and luxury of this house – a huge house that unfortunately will now be my home.

Enzo: Liz, Cecilia will show you your room. We won't be sleeping in the same room, and don't worry, we won't consummate the marriage. But as my wife, you will have all the privileges. You can enjoy everything that is mine. You don't need to do anything as we have people to do it for you. You can do whatever you want around the house, but you're forbidden from entering my room and the office.

I hear him speak, but none of it matters to me. I don't want anything from this man I was forced to marry. I have no intention of gaining anything from him.

Enzo: Cecilia, show her around the house.

Cecilia: Come with me, dear.

I followed her, and she showed me everything.

Cecilia: There, and finally, this is your room.

Me: Wow, it's really a beautiful and huge house for someone who lives alone.

Cecilia: Yes, I hope you adapt here.

Me: I hope so too, since I don't have any other choice.

Cecilia: Take a shower and rest. I'll come to call you for dinner later.

Me: Thank you.

She left, and I looked around the room, feeling strange and lost. I took my suitcases to the closet and arranged my clothes, which didn't take long since I don't have many. I took a shower, but I couldn't relax because everything in the room felt unfamiliar. I longed to be in my own room, in my own bed, surrounded by my things. I went to the window and sat there, looking at the sky.

Me: Why, God?

Why did this have to happen to me?

All I wanted was for this to end and for someone to tell me it was just a nightmare. 😭😭

Now that I'm alone, I let my tears wet my face and vent alone. I think of my mother and already feel a huge sense of longing. I stay there at the window, lost in my thoughts. After a few hours, someone knocks on the door and enters.

Cecilia: I came to call you for dinner. Enzo is already at the table.

Me: Then let's go.

We went down to the living room, and he was already eating. I sat next to him, and we had dinner in silence. All that could be heard were our breaths, and I didn't dare look at him at any moment. After dinner, I went to my room, and he went to his office.

Once again, I couldn't sleep and tossed and turned. I got up and grabbed a book to read. When I realized it was already late, I put the book away and fought with my sleep to try to fall asleep. It didn't take long before I drifted off.

Chapter 3

The next day, I wake up and go through my personal hygiene routine before heading downstairs to have breakfast. When I reach the living room, only Cecilia is at the table.

Liz: Good morning.

Cecilia: Good morning, dear.

Liz: Has Mr. Monet already left?

Cecilia: Yes, he woke up early and went to the office.

Liz: Okay.

I'm not very hungry, so I decide to leave. See you later, Cecilia.

I head up to my room and grab my bag before making my way to the bus stop for work. I've never liked relying on my parents for support, so I've always wanted to be independent. That's why I got a job and a barista gig.

It's a well-known coffee shop, so I receive a lot of tips. I work as a waitress, and I truly enjoy what I do.

I arrive at the coffee shop and attend to many tables. I work until 3 pm, and then I head to an orphanage where I do community work. I help serve meals and take care of the children. With the time I have left, I play and read to them.

Once I get home, I take a shower and have dinner. Once again, I eat alone, but I don't mind. I prefer it that way. After dinner, I go up to my room and go to sleep because I'm exhausted.

The next day

Enzo Monet

Enzo wakes up early, very early, as he's been avoiding contact with Liz. The cold and arrogant man has no idea what his wife does all day, and it's bothering him, even though he has no feelings for her. She doesn't ask for money, doesn't call or leave any messages. He's been avoiding contact, but he has no idea that it doesn't matter to her.

Cecilia prepares breakfast earlier, at 6 am, and once Enzo finishes his coffee, he heads to the office.

A few days later...

The days pass, and everything remains the same.

Enzo: Cecilia, what does Liz do all day in this house?

Cecilia: Sir, she doesn't stay at home. She leaves every day early and only comes back at night.

Enzo is surprised to learn that she spends the entire day outside. Many thoughts race through his mind, and he already imagines infidelity. Enzo goes to the office, but he plans to return early because he wants an explanation from his wife.

He becomes furious after learning this because, even though their marriage hasn't been revealed to the press, he wouldn't tolerate being deceived. He can provide everything for her, and it would be absurd for her to cheat on him.

He returns home in the afternoon and waits for his wife in the living room. When she arrives late at night, she heads upstairs as she doesn't see him.

Enzo: Come back.

Liz: Good evening, Mr. Monet, how are you?

Enzo: Shut up.

He shouts, leaving her frightened.

He is furious to see his wife arrive late and loses control.

Enzo: Go upstairs and take a shower. I want you in my office in 40 minutes.

He speaks coldly, without any expression, and goes to his office.

Liz, still frightened, goes up to her room and takes a shower.

After the shower, Liz puts on a sweatshirt and goes to the office. When she arrives, she knocks on the door and enters.

Liz: Mr. Monet, I'm here.

He looks at Liz thoughtfully and remains silent for a few minutes. Liz also ponders because she doesn't know what's happening. Until a few days ago, she couldn't enter the office, and now he's changed his mind. He went days without seeing her, and when she finally sees him, he is in this state of anger.

Enzo: Listen here, I won't tolerate any kind of betrayal, I won't. Am I clear?

Liz: Sir, I...

Enzo: I never imagined that a woman from a good family could be so low and vulgar. The day after getting married, you're seeking another man. Don't you have any shame? What do you think people will say when they find out you're my wife? That I married a whore! Your father should have warned me about the kind of woman you are.

Liz is astonished by such accusations and tries to speak, but he doesn't let her. Nothing will change his mind now.

Enzo: Is it about money, darling? Then I'll give it to you. I'll open an account for you tomorrow and continually deposit a substantial amount. If that's not enough, ask for more. I'll bring you the most expensive and newest cell phone from my company. I'll give you a limitless credit card in your name.

I hope that after all of this, you won't need to sell your body every day.

Little did Enzo know that Liz works at a coffee shop and does community work. Liz felt deeply humiliated, remaining silent as she listened to all the insults from this man, as she knew that anything she said wouldn't change his opinion.

Enzo: Disappear from my sight.

Liz leaves the office and goes to her room. After being so humiliated, she lost her appetite and didn't have dinner. She changes her clothes and goes to her room, crying herself to sleep.

Chapter 4

The next day Liz woke up, did her hygiene routine, and got dressed.

Cecilia: Good morning, dear.

Liz: Good morning, Cecilia.

Cecilia: I came to call you for breakfast.

Liz: I'm finishing getting ready; I'll be down in a bit, alright?

Cecilia: Alright.

I put my hair in a bun and left some strands loose. After finishing, I grabbed my bag and went downstairs for breakfast.

I had my breakfast alone and left without saying anything to anyone. I took a bus and went to work. Today the flow of customers was calm, and I only served a few tables. It's payday today, so I'll stop by a nearby store to buy some toys to take to the orphanage. I bought some dolls, cars, robots... I took two buses and arrived at the orphanage. The children were very happy, and we played a lot with the new toys. In the evening, I returned home and went to my room. As soon as I entered, I was startled to see Mr. Monet sitting in a armchair.

Enzo: I can see that you had a very productive day to arrive at this hour. Did you have many customers today? I believe so, but don't worry, you won't have to sell your body anymore. Here's the best cell phone, the details of your bank account and the statement with your balance. There's also an unlimited credit card. If it's not enough, just let me know.

Saying that, he leaves, slamming the door and leaving a box on the bed. Liz didn't even have time to say anything in her defense. Liz ignores it and goes to take a shower. After the shower, she goes to the bed and takes the box, keeping it in the closet.

Cecilia: Excuse me, dear. I came to call you for dinner.

Liz: I'm not hungry, Cecilia, I'm going to sleep.

Cecilia: Alright, if you need anything, just call. Good night.

Liz: Good night.

Liz lies down and thinks about the words of that man. If he thinks I want his money, he's mistaken. I don't know what I did to this man for him to humiliate me like this. After pondering in her thoughts for a while, Liz falls asleep.

With Enzo:

After a long day of work, Enzo arrives home earlier than usual, and Liz isn't home.

Enzo: Cecilia, where is my wife?

Cecilia: She hasn't arrived yet, sir.

Enzo: Okay.

Furious and thinking that Liz is cheating on him, he goes up to his room and starts drinking. In the evening, Enzo goes to Liz's room and waits for her. After an hour, Liz enters the room and gets startled. Enzo looks at her, becoming even more furious as he sees her innocent face as nothing but pretense. After saying a few things, he leaves angrily and goes to the living room to have a whiskey.

Cecilia: Sir, dinner is ready.

Enzo: Call Liz.

Cecilia leaves, and he sits, savoring his glass of whiskey.

Cecilia: Sir, she doesn't want dinner and went to sleep.

Enzo: Let her starve, let's have dinner, Cecilia.

They have dinner in silence, and Enzo loses his appetite and goes to his room.

Chapter 5

In the middle of the night, Liz wakes up thirsty and goes to the kitchen. As she goes down the stairs, she hears a noise. When she arrives in the living room, she sees Enzo and a blonde woman having sex on the couch. The woman is not moaning, she is screaming.

Liz pretends she didn't see anything and quietly goes to the kitchen. On the outside, she appears calm, but inside she feels disgust and discomfort.

She takes a glass of water and goes back to her room. Enzo sees her passing by and says nothing, he just watches her. Liz casually walks by as if there was no one there and goes up the stairs.

Enzo remains motionless, unable to believe what he saw. He thought Liz would cause a scene and become angry, but it was completely the opposite. He can't even imagine that it doesn't matter to Liz, that she doesn't care.

Enzo: Get dressed, I lost