CHAPTER THREE — The Proposal
259 Words
By noon the next day, my life had already begun to slip sideways.
A call from my landlord.
A text from my sister.
A final demand letter from the bank.
And the man who was supposed to be my safe place — my ex — sent a voice note dripping with threats.
By 4:12 p.m., I was barely holding myself together.
“Mr. Mercer needs you,” Jenna called from across the floor.
My pulse jumped.
His door was open. He didn’t look up as I stepped inside.
“Sit.”
I sat.
He pushed a sleek folder toward me.
Inside was a legal contract.
A marriage contract.
“I need a wife for one year,” he said in a tone that could have discussed weather patterns.
I stared at him. “Sir… this isn’t funny.”
“I don’t joke.”
He leaned back, eyes steady.
“You will be compensated. Your debts cleared. Your safety is guaranteed. And when the year is over, you walk away with complete freedom.”
My mouth went dry.
“Why me?”
His gaze softened — the first c***k in his calm.
“Because you are quiet,” he said. “Because you are loyal.”
And very softly,
“Because I trust you.”
“I… I can’t—”
“Think about it.” His voice cut gently. “But don’t take too long. Time isn’t something I have.”
The door closed behind me with the same soft click.
But nothing in my life was quiet anymore.
- Writer
