“A marriage contract?” John Walker stared at his parents, incredulous. “Are you serious?”

“John, my love, you’re long overdue to get married,” said Martha, his mother. “And you still haven’t had a serious girlfriend. If you don’t get married soon, your grandfather will hand over the Walker Group to outsiders. You know he’ll only transfer the presidency if you get married. Isn’t that right, Roger?”

“Your mother is right. You’ve already reached the pinnacle of the group; now all that’s left is the presidency.” Roger spoke as if he’d memorized the line.

Martha Walker Sinclair was an authoritarian, controlling, and strategic woman. Her husband, Roger Sinclair, was the complete opposite: calm, submissive, and devoted to his wife’s wishes. 

Roger joined the Walker family driven by his love for Martha, thereby uniting the Sinclair business with the Walker empire. 

With the meteoric rise of John, his son, Roger decided to resign from his position as director. He didn’t want to live in his son’s shadow, just as he already lived in his wife’s shadow.

“Mom, I’m not going to marry just anyone,” he retorted, irritated. 

He really wanted the presidency, but not at the cost of marrying a woman who was only after his money—and, above all, without love. 

Yes, John believed in marrying for love.

“That’s why we suggested a contract. Think about it: you get married, take over the group, and after three years, you’re free,” Martha argued. “No love, no emotional obligations. Just an agreement. And of course, a well-calculated compensation.”

The idea for the marriage contract came from Martha. John was about to turn thirty, still single, and without any serious relationship. 

Martha feared that control of the Walker Group—a conglomerate operating in various sectors such as industry, manufacturing, energy investments, technology, AI, logistics, real estate, and even pharmaceuticals—would pass into the hands of administrators until one of the Walkers got married.

John was the eldest grandson, the only child of Martha and Roger. His sister Laura had two children: Claire, who was not yet eighteen, and Arthur, who, despite being twenty-five, had been dating for some time and had told his sister he intended to get engaged.

Martha saw a threat to her plans regarding John: if Arthur married first, he could become the Group’s primary heir, even though he didn’t seem particularly interested in the presidency. 

Arthur liked to travel and enjoy life; he didn’t care much about business, and his position in the Group was simply because he was family, while John dedicated his entire life to the Group.

The patriarch, Oliver Walker, had been clear: he would only hand over control of the Group if John proved himself to be a responsible man, and for that, he needed a wife. 

And Martha couldn’t see any suitable wife for her worthy son; she needed to find him a wife, and fast.

John had always been a level-headed and mature man for his age. 

He finished his studies at nineteen and never let himself be carried away by flirtations or frivolous distractions, as many of his friends did. 

Even after establishing himself as one of the country’s most notable and respected businessmen, surrounded by beautiful women vying for the attention of what was undoubtedly one of the nation’s most sought-after bachelors, John remained private about his love life. 

No one knew for sure whether or not he was involved with anyone. To his family, he simply said he didn’t have time for relationships.

John even saw the point. A contract would prevent future problems. But he didn’t like the idea of marrying out of obligation. 

John already had someone in mind—and probably in his heart. He had plans and was getting closer to a certain young woman, a girl unlike any other, simple, sweet... 

But his mother kept talking without giving him a chance to say anything.

“Think it over, dear. She won’t be able to demand love or devotion from you. All she has to do is stay married for three years, which, let’s face it, wouldn’t be any sacrifice.” Martha spoke proudly, watching her son with admiration.

John was tall, standing six feet five inches, and had an athletic build sculpted by years at the gym. His square, striking face, firm chin, well-defined lips, intense black eyes, and thick black hair and eyebrows made for an imposing and irresistible appearance. He made any woman sigh.

“What high-society girl wouldn’t dream of marrying you?” Martha continued. “But we thought it wiser to choose someone outside our circle, someone below our standards, who would accept this marriage in exchange for a generous settlement and who, afterward, wouldn’t cause us any trouble. That’s why we chose Elizabeth Stewart.”

The name hit John like a bomb.

“Who? Who did you say?”

“Elizabeth Stewart. Do you remember her? That shy girl, the daughter of a small businessman. Their company is nearly bankrupt. This marriage would save the family. In exchange, the family would have a small share of the profits that would give them a modest life by our standards, but a comfortable one, and a settlement of a few million for her after it ends. A perfect arrangement.”

John felt his stomach churn.