My contract marriage with the billionaire

Emergency call The sound of cutlery scraping against the surface of the table and people chatting could be heard as Bella Thompson cleaned up a table. Her arms were sore from hours of work and the smell of grease and coffee was still on her uniform. She glanced at the huge clock that was fixed on the wall in the wrong position – half an hour more before she could leave for home. Her phone rang in her pocket, and she pulled it out, clutching it tightly, fingers crossed that it was good news. It wasn't. "Hello?" she answered, her voice low. "Ms. Thompson? This is Officer Martinez from the state prison. Bella's heart sank. "Is my brother okay?" I'm afraid something is happening. Your brother was involved in a fight. He's in the infirmary now. For a moment, the world swayed. Bella held the edge of the table tightly; her hand became pale from the pressure she applied. "How bad is it?" "He'll recover, but... Ms. Thompson, your brother's safety can't be guaranteed if he stays in the general population." Bella closed her eyes, fighting back tears. "What can I do?" "A transfer to a safer facility might help, but that requires legal action. I suggest speaking with a lawyer." The call ended, leaving Bella feeling hollow. A lawyer. Right. With what money? She finished her shift in a daze, her mind racing. As she hung up her apron, a familiar voice called out. "Bella! Got a minute?" Turning around, she saw Jonathan, her best friend since high school, standing at the entrance of the diner. He was dressed in an expensive black suit that didn’t fit the worn booths and the flickering neon signs. "Jona? What are you doing here? He grinned, but something in his eyes seemed off. "Can't a guy visit his best friend at work?" Bella raised an eyebrow at 10 PM on a Tuesday? Spill it, mister." Jonathan's smile faltered. He glanced around the nearly empty diner. Let's have a seat. I have something important to discuss with you. They found somewhere to sit. Bella's tired feet thanked her for the rest. "So?" she prompted. Jonathan took a deep breath. "I have a... proposition for you." "Okay...?" "It's about my boss, Samuel Asher." Bella frowned. "The rich guy you're always complaining about?" "Yeah, him. Look, he's in a bind. He needs to get married to inherit his grandfather's company." "And this involves me how?" Jonathan leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. He needed a wife. Temporarily. For show." Bella blinked. "Can you hear yourself out?" "Marry my boss for $50,000." The words hung in the air between them. Bella opened her mouth and couldn't close it for some seconds. "I don't think you are serious about what you are saying," she said. "Dead serious. It would just be for years, maybe two. You'd sign a contract, play the part of his wife, and then divorce. Easy money. Bella's mind reeled. Fifty thousand dollars. That kind of money could save her brother, pay for the best lawyers, and get him transferred to a safer place. But... "Jona, that's crazy. I can't just marry some stranger for money. It's... it's wrong." Jonathan's face fell. Know it sounds bad, but Bella, think about it. This could solve all your problems. Your brother "Don't," Bella cut him off. "Don't use my brother to convince me to do something illegal." "It's not illegal, just... morally gray." Bella stood up, shaking her head. I can't, Jona. I'm sorry, but I can't." Jonathan didn't push. He just nodded, looking disappointed. Okay. But if you change your mind..." “No I won’t,” Bella replied with determination. But even as she said it, a small voice at the back of her head wanted to know, “What if?” She left the diner and the outside air felt nice after being indoors for so long at the diner. She had several thoughts running in her mind at the same time. The money could save her brother. But at what cost to her integrity? Dreaming away, she failed to realize the shiny black car was parked next to her until the window lowered smoothly. “Hey you,” a deep voice said to her. Bella turned, startled. Her eyes looked at the most beautiful man she had ever come across. Tall, dark-haired, with a sharp jawline and deep blue eyes. But those eyes were icy, business-like. “How can I help you?” she asked with some suspicion. The man gave a smile that did not light up his face. “I think you can.” “You are Bella Thompson, are you not?” Bella's heart raced. How did he know her name? "Who are you?" “Samuel Asher,” he said, making a gesture of smoothness. Bella felt her breath hitch in her throat. This was Jonathan's boss. The man who wanted to rent a wife. Samuel looked her up and down and then studied her intently with his dark eyes. So, you must be the woman who is supposed to be my wife, he said in a light, dangerous voice. Finally, Bella was standing on the sidewalk. She was not sure whether she should fight or run away. The night suddenly felt much colder, and much, much longer. “I. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bella stammered, taking a step back. Samuel laughed, but the sound was cold and hard. Come now, Ms. Thompson. Let's not play games. Jonathan told me he spoke to you about our... arrangement. Bella's eyes narrowed. And I said ‘no’ to him. I did not want your money or your fake marriage with me either. “I am quite sure about that.” I replied confidently while Samuel tilted his head to the side and asked, “Are you sure about that?” Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. It could solve a lot of problems. Bella immediately thought of her brother who was in prison, recovering in the infirmary. She shook her head to focus. “My problems are none of your business,” she said in a rather stern tone. Samuel's eyes glinted. On the contrary, Ms. Thompson. I make it my business to know everything about potential... investments. The way he said "investments" made Bella's skin crawl. She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling exposed. “Hey, Mr. Asher, I don’t know what Jonathan told you, but I’m not interested; there are other girls out there you can't find to be your pretend wife. ” Samuel looked steadily at her and moved closer, “That’s a no-no,” he said. There is no one else, Ms. Thompson; you are perfect for this role. Young, beautiful, and with a tragic story to tell, the board will admire someone like you as my wife.” Bella blinked. Backstory? What are you talking about? Your brother, of course. The wrongfully convicted man is fighting for justice. It's very touching. Anger flared in Bella's chest. How dare you? My brother's situation isn't some story for you to use to get me! Samuel held up a hand. I apologize. That was insensitive of me. But consider this, Ms. Thompson. With the resources at my disposal, I could ensure your brother gets the best legal representation. A fair trial. A chance at freedom." Bella's resolve wavered. The offer was tempting, it was so tempting that she thought it was rather scary. “Why me?” she asked. Her voice was trembling, and she said the last words in a very low tone. “Why don't you just look for a woman who will want to marry you?” Samuel's face darkened. Love is a liability in my world, Ms. Thompson. I need a wife who understands that this is a business arrangement, nothing more. Bella shook her head. I'm sorry I can't do that. Samuel nodded his head and did not seem to be shocked. I get your point, there is a lot to think about. ” He said, Why don’t you take a night's sleep and think about it? I will send my driver to pick you up tomorrow afternoon. We will have lunch, and I will explain the details to you. Before Bella could protest, Samuel handed her a sleek business card. Think about it, Ms. Thompson. This could change your life - and your brother's. With that, the window rolled up, and the car drove off into the night, leaving Bella standing alone on the sidewalk. She stared at the card in her hand that had Samuel Asher written all over it, his phone number boldly written on the back. A fifty thousand dollars. A chance to save her brother. A marriage to a man she didn't know or trust. As Bella walked home, her mind raced with possibilities and fears. She thought of throwing the card away, forgetting about this crazy scheme. Nevertheless, as she ascended the stairs to the small apartment she still could not stop thinking about it. She dropped into bed, utterly weary, but she was unable to close her eyes to sleep. The business card was placed on the nightstand as if to remind her of the possibilities and the danger. As she drifted off, one thought echoed in her mind. What if this was the only time she could get to rescue her brother?