His fake fiancee

The letter came on a Tuesday. Lila Brooks stared at the black envelope with shaking hands. Cole Group. Legal Notice. Her father’s company was gone. Bankrupt. Because of one man. Adrian Cole. The name tasted like poison. Three months ago he bought out her dad’s business and left them with nothing but debt. 6 million dollars. Her phone buzzed. Unknown number. Come to Cole Tower. 50th floor. 8 PM. Or the debt collectors come for your mother tomorrow. Lila’s breath caught. She had no choice. 8 PM. Cole Tower. The office was all glass and cold light. And him. Adrian Cole stood by the window, suit worth more than her entire apartment. 32. Tall. Sharp jaw. Eyes like ice. He didn’t look up when she entered. You’re late, he said, voice low and dangerous. I got your message, Lila whispered. What do you want? Now he turned. And looked at her like she was a problem he intended to solve. Marry me, he said simply. Lila laughed. It came out broken. Are you insane? No. He slid a contract across the desk. 10 million dollars. One year. You play my fake fiancée. Public events. Family dinners. You wear the ring. And if I say no? His eyes darkened. Then I collect the 6 million your father owes me. Today. Lila’s hands trembled as she picked up the pen. Her father. Her mother. She had no one else. Fine, she breathed. I’ll sign. Adrian’s mouth curved. Not a smile. A victory. Good girl. The word made her skin burn. As she signed her name, Lila had one thought: This was supposed to be fake. So why did it feel like she just sold her soul? To Be Continued