My Contract Wife Turns Out My Sister

The neon lights flickered, casting an ethereal glow over the dimly lit club where Iris worked as a stripper. As she moved her body to the rhythm, her thoughts drifted like the swirling smoke hanging heavy in the air. But something tonight felt different. A heated gaze pierced through the usual crowd of men, pulling her attention toward a figure seated in the shadows.

It was rare to see someone so young, so composed, in this place. Most of the men that came here were older, their gazes lingering with more desperation than allure. But this man... he was different. His dark brown eyes held a dangerous edge, framed by chiseled features and slicked-back hair. He was hard to miss.

Iris felt his eyes fix on her, watching her every move. Confusion crept over her as he motioned for Mama Peepee to come over, he whispered into her ear.

She nodded in understanding and walked towards the stripping pole where Iris was dancing, and whispered into her ear.

She walked towards him, and got to where he was seated.

"Hello, sir. How can I be of service tonight?" Iris asked, keeping her tone professional, though her curiosity buzzed beneath the surface.

"Sit," the man ordered sternly, his voice cold and clipped.

Iris hesitated, caught off guard by the abrupt command. "I... I should sit?" she asked, her voice wavering.

"Don't ask dumb questions. I said sit."

Her pulse quickened as fear slid down her spine. She sat, clutching her hands tightly in her lap, her mind racing with questions. Who was this man? What did he want with her?

Without wasting a second, he pulled out a sleek black folder and a pen, shoving them across the table. "I have a proposal for you, and I need an answer now," he said, his tone as sharp as a knife.

"A proposal?" Iris frowned. "What kind of proposal?"

His lips curved slightly, though there was no humor in his smile. "Marry me."

Her heart stopped. "What?" Her voice came out in a strangled whisper.

"Marry you? Are you out of your mind? I don't even know who you are! You can't just-"

"Be quiet," he cut her off. "Listen carefully. The marriage will be a contract. One year. No strings attached. After that, you're free to go."

Iris's mind spun. "This is insane! You can't just come in here and throw something like this at me. I'm a stranger! Why me?"

"You need money. I need a wife," he said simply, as if it were the most logical exchange in the world. "I can pay you a million dollars. No games."

Her mouth dropped open. "A... a million dollars?"

Ryan leaned back, sipping casually from his drink. "Yes. A million dollars, and you'll never have to see me again once the contract is up."

For a moment, Iris was speechless. A million dollars. That kind of money could change her life. Her mother was sick, with no insurance and mounting medical bills. Iris could finally pay for her surgery, and maybe-just maybe-start her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

But... marry this stranger? What was the catch?

She stared at him, the temptation gnawing at her. "How am I supposed to believe this is real? For all I know, you could be some kind of psycho. I don't even know your name."

"Ryan Kendrick," he said smoothly, the name sliding off his tongue like a well-rehearsed line. "And trust me, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."

Iris's breath caught in her throat as two massive men, dressed in black suits, emerged from the shadows behind him, their faces hidden behind sunglasses despite the dim lighting. She sank lower in her seat, feeling their presence like a silent threat.

"I'm not here to kidnap you," Ryan continued, his voice eerily calm. "If I wanted to, I could have you taken without anyone noticing. But that's not why I'm here. I'm offering you a choice."

Iris swallowed hard, her palms sweating. "I can't do this," she whispered, shaking her head. "This is insane."

Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure about that? Think about your sick mother. How long do you think she has without proper care?"

Her heart dropped into her stomach. "How do you know about my mother?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Ryan's gaze remained steady. "I know everything about you, Iris. Your mother is sick. You're behind on rent. You've been working here just to make ends meet. This marriage will solve all of that. All you have to do is sign the contract."

Iris stared at the papers in front of her, her vision blurring as her thoughts spun wildly. She wanted to say no, but the weight of her mother's illness was crushing her. A million dollars could save her. It could save both of them.

Her hand shook as she picked up the pen, her heart hammering in her chest.

Ryan watched her intently. "Sign it, and everything will change. Your problems will disappear."

Iris closed her eyes for a moment, her mind racing. Was she really going to do this? Was she going to marry a stranger for money?

She opened her eyes and, with a deep breath, scribbled her signature at the bottom of the contract.

"Good girl," Ryan said with a smirk. He snatched the papers and handed them to one of his bodyguards. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready by noon."

Before Iris could say another word, Ryan stood up and strode out of the club, two girls on either side of him. The world around her seemed to blur as the weight of what she had just done crashed down on her.

What had she just agreed to?

Still reeling, Iris was shaken from her thoughts by her friend Skylar bounding over, her face flushed with excitement.

"Hey girl!" Skylar grinned, leaning over the table. "What was that all about? I saw you with the Ryan Kendrick. Oh my God, you're so lucky! I've always dreamed of talking to him, even if just for a second. He's so-"

"Skylar," Iris interrupted, her voice hollow. "I'm getting married."

Skylar blinked. "What?"

"I said... I'm getting married. To Ryan Kendrick."

Skylar stared at her, her mouth hanging open in shock before she burst out laughing. "Good one, Iris! Seriously, what did he say to you? What kind of deal did he offer?"

Iris shook her head. "I'm not joking. It's... a contract marriage. One year. For a million dollars.”

Skylar's laughter died in her throat. "Wait... what? A contract marriage? Are you... insane?"

Iris buried her face in her hands. "I didn't have a choice, Skylar. He offered me a way out of this mess. My mom... she needs surgery. I need the money."

"But... but Iris," Skylar stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Ryan Kendrick? He's not just anyone. His family is loaded. You're walking into a world you don't belong in. Do you even know what you're getting into?"

"No," Iris whispered. "I don't."

Skylar shook her head, pulling Iris into a tight hug. "This is crazy. You're crazy. But I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Tears welled in Iris's eyes as she hugged her friend back, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her brow furrowing at the unknown number flashing on the screen.

"Hello?" she answered.

A weak voice crackled through the line. "Iris... help me..."

Her blood ran cold. "Mom? Mom!?"

The line went dead.

Iris hurried out of the restroom and into the changing room, quickly switching out of the skimpy lingerie and sky-high perspex heels. Her heart pounded-she couldn't shake the sense of urgency. She fumbled with her clothes, yanking them on, and bolted out of the club. Her mind raced, thinking about her mother. She wasn't in great health, and Iris couldn't ignore the gut-wrenching fear that something was wrong.

She tried her mother's phone again. It went straight to voicemail.

"Pick up, pick up..." Iris muttered, her hands trembling as she dialed again. No answer.

Without wasting any more time, she flagged down a cab and gave the driver her home address. The trip felt like an eternity. Her thoughts spiraled-what if something had happened? Who was going to call her then? No one but her.

When she finally arrived at the house, she practically threw herself through the front door. "Mom?" she called out, rushing into her mother's room.

Her mother lay there peacefully, asleep.

Iris felt her knees weaken with relief. She tiptoed closer, her eyes filling with tears. She gently took her mother's hand and kissed it softly. "Thank God you're okay, Mom..." she whispered, careful not to wake her.

But a question gnawed at her. Who called me?

Iris frowned, replaying the voice in her mind. It was my mother's voice. I'm sure of it... Or was I imagining things?

Exhaling deeply, she shook her head. I'm just stressed out. I need some sleep.

She left her mother's room, closed the door quietly, and went into her own bedroom. Pulling out a suitcase, she packed a few essentials for her new life-a job, an apartment, an arrangement. I'll be able to take care of Mom. But her thoughts were muddled with uncertainty as she drifted into sleep.

The piercing ring of her alarm shattered the stillness of the early morning. Groaning, Iris slapped the clock. "Stupid alarm," she muttered, her eyes barely open as she forced herself out of bed.

The shower was brief, cold enough to shock her awake. Wrapping herself in a towel, she heard her mother's voice calling from the living room.

"Iris, someone's here to see you."

Iris froze. This early? Who could it be?

"Coming, Mom," she replied, pulling on some clothes. Maybe it's Skylar, she thought. But no, Skylar always barged into her room without warning. Who else?

Curious, she left her room and walked toward the living room. As soon as she stepped in, her breath hitched. Standing there was one of Ryan's bodyguards-the one she had noticed the night before, lurking in the shadows of the club.

His voice was gruff and to the point. "Ma'am, Mr. Ryan is waiting for you in the car. Pack your things, we need to leave.”

Iris blinked in disbelief. "Ryan? Waiting for me? Now?"

"Yes, ma'am," the bodyguard said without emotion.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she masked her surprise with a smile. "Give me a minute."

She rushed back to her room, hastily stuffing her belongings into a bag. Before leaving, she stepped into her mother's room again.

"Mom, I... I got a new job," Iris began, the lie weighing heavily on her tongue. "That man outside is just the driver my boss sent to pick me up."

Her mother smiled, though worry flickered in her tired eyes. "A new job? You didn't mention anything."

"I know, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you last night, but you were already asleep," Iris said, her voice softening.

Mrs. Jessica reached out, gently holding Iris's hand. "Be careful, sweetheart."

"I will, Mom. I promise," Iris said, trying to sound convincing. "I'll visit on the weekend. And Skylar will be around to check on you."

Her mother's eyes softened with affection. "Don't worry about me. Just focus on yourself."

Iris leaned in and kissed her mother's forehead, the warmth of the gesture contrasting the cold fear building in her chest. "I'll make enough for your surgery. Soon."

The honk from outside shattered the moment. "I have to go, Mom. I love you."

"Take care, Iris," Mrs. Jessica said, watching her daughter rush out.

The bodyguard was waiting, holding the car door open for her. As she slid into the seat, the air turned icy.

Ryan's cold eyes met hers as soon as the door shut. "Don't ever keep me waiting again," he growled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Spare me the excuses," he cut her off, his tone flat and dismissive.

Iris bit her lip, her nerves on edge. What have I gotten myself into?

The ride to Ryan's mansion was tense, the silence between them suffocating. She wanted to speak, to ask questions, but something about the look on Ryan's face warned her to stay quiet.

When they arrived, Iris was taken aback by the grandeur of the mansion. It was overwhelming, the kind of wealth that left people speechless.

Ryan wasted no time. "Stop gawking and follow me. We have a wedding to plan."

"A wedding?" Iris blinked in confusion. "I thought you were just going to put the ring on me and that was it. No ceremony."

Ryan's eyes darkened. "Are you telling me how to handle my business?”

"No, no, that's not what I meant-"

"I told you never to speak when I'm speaking," he interrupted, his tone laced with anger. "Do you want me to regret this decision before we even begin?"

Iris swallowed hard and shook her head. "No."

"Good. Then keep your mouth shut."

As they walked deeper into the mansion, Iris's mind buzzed with anxiety. She was starting to question whether she could handle whatever deal she had struck with this man.

Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into him.

"Watch where you're going!" Ryan snapped, turning sharply. "Are you blind?"

Iris felt her face flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry... I didn't see-"

Ryan waved her off with a dismissive hand. "Just keep moving.”

They reached an ornate set of doors. Ryan pushed them open, revealing a grand room inside. Iris hesitated at the threshold, feeling a deep sense of unease.

"Come in and close the door," Ryan commanded.

Iris obeyed, her heart hammering in her chest. The room was lavish, filled with priceless art and rich furniture, but something felt off.

And then a voice came from the shadows.

"Ryan, you've brought in a harlot far too soon, don't you think?"

Iris froze. Her eyes darted toward the source of the voice-a woman stepped forward, elegant and intimidating. Her gaze was locked on Iris, a sinister smile curling at her lips.