Contract Lover: The Path To Love

Caroline experienced the happiest years of her life after marrying the man she loved. Her husband adored her and cared deeply for their child, her in-laws treated her like their own daughter, and a year after their wedding, Caroline gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Dylan. Their family life was blissful. With Rye's help, her husband's family business gradually flourished, allowing Caroline's life in her new home to improve even more.

"What's up? Why are you calling me?" Rye asked, busy with work as the New Year approached, upon receiving a call from his sister.

"This year, I have to attend an important New Year's party abroad with my husband, so I won't be able to come home. Wishing you a happy New Year."

"I'm not a kid. You could've just had someone else inform me."

"Rye!"

"What?"

"I heard you have a girlfriend."

"You heard correctly."

"You know, Rye! I've always wished for your happiness. As your sister, these past years, it's been you protecting me, allowing me to freely pursue the things I wanted. I sincerely thank you!"

"We're siblings, it's what we do!"

"So… if you truly love someone, no matter how strongly the family or our parents object, I'll stand by your side."

"Thank you."

"Don't forget to introduce her to me someday!"

"Alright!"

"I'll bring you your favorite bear-shaped cookies!" Caroline was the only one in the family who knew Rye's quirky preference.

"Thanks, sis." Rye ended the call just as fireworks lit up the night sky, signaling the arrival of the New Year.

DING DONG

Sherry was startled and quickly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. It was a few minutes past midnight, and she was about to change into her pajamas and go to bed. She hadn't expected a visitor at this hour. Feeling slightly flustered, she walked to the door. When she opened it, she couldn't believe her eyes.

Standing before her was Rye—the famously cold and aloof billionaire. Clad in a dark coat, he exuded an air of someone always in control, yet tonight, his expression was unreadable. Sherry couldn't tell whether he was happy or troubled, though something heavy seemed to weigh on his mind. Rye looked at her, his eyes carrying an inexplicable emotion. His voice, deep and slightly unfamiliar, broke the silence:

"Sorry to disturb you at this hour. May I come in?" He himself couldn't explain why, after talking to his sister, he had driven straight here.

Sherry stood frozen for a moment, unsure how to respond. She couldn't fathom why Rye had shown up at her place, especially at this hour. But there was a strange pleading in his eyes that she couldn't ignore. She stepped back slightly, opening the door wider to let him in.

"Please, come in." She smiled, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"Have you eaten dinner?" Sherry asked politely, mostly out of courtesy. After all, it was already past midnight, and she didn't know what else to say.

"I haven't!" Rye replied.

Sherry turned to look at him in surprise. Compared to a month ago, he seemed paler. Arden, his assistant, had mentioned that the company's year-end workload had kept Rye confined to the office, allowing her to take a break for a few months.

"Then I'll cook something for you."

Sherry enjoyed cooking her own meals, so her fridge was always stocked. Despite her substantial income provided by the billionaire, she wasn't one to spend extravagantly on unnecessary things. With the year-end price hikes, she often stocked up for a week to avoid going out. Most of her days revolved around lessons to transform her into a true lady. She had also hired teachers to instruct her in painting and piano, activities she had never had the chance to explore before. Sherry wasn't particularly passionate about these subjects; she pursued them primarily for the experience. After her lessons, she would settle on the sofa by the large window overlooking the garden, reading books as her peaceful days unfolded.

"You must be starving, so I'll quickly make some spaghetti with beef and the usual sauce." she said.

When she brought the dish out, it was a simple plate of spaghetti, yet it somehow looked whimsical and childlike. Rye noticed the beef arranged in the shape of a smiley face. Sherry, only now realizing this, blushed. She had a habit of decorating her dishes with vibrant, playful designs, making them look like meals for kids. She had never thought it was an issue, as they always looked more appealing this way, so she never changed it.

I really should fix this habit, Sherry thought, embarrassed as she covered her face.

Rye chuckled softly and took a bite of the spaghetti.

It was delicious! In no time, he had finished the plate. Sherry, still flustered, busied herself loading the dirty dishes into the dishwasher.