Desperate to save her mother’s life, Ava Johnson never imagined she’d end up bargaining with the coldest man she knew — her billionaire boss, Alexander Stone.When he offers to pay for her mother’s treatment in exchange for one year of marriage, Ava is torn between pride and desperation. To the world, she becomes the wife of a powerful CEO. Behind closed doors, she’s bound by his cruel rules and icy distance.But as sparks ignite and secrets unravel, Ava begins to wonder: is Alexander really the heartless man he pretends to be… or is he hiding a pain even deeper than her own?One deal. One year. One forbidden love that could change everything.