CHAPTER 1: THE DEAL
The hospital smelled like death.
Lena Carter sat stiffly beside her mother’s bed, her fingers tightly wrapped around the older woman’s fragile hand. The steady beep of the monitor was the only thing reminding her that her mother was still alive.
For now.
“Mom… you’re going to be fine,” Lena whispered, though her voice trembled. “I’ll figure something out. I promise.”
Her mother gave a weak smile, her lips dry and pale. “You’ve always been a strong girl, Lena…”
Strong.
If only that were true.
Because right now, Lena felt like she was drowning.
The doctor’s words echoed in her head.
“She needs surgery urgently. If you delay any longer…”
Lena didn’t even want to finish that sentence.
Her phone buzzed suddenly in her hand, making her flinch.
Unknown number.
She hesitated, staring at the screen. For a moment, she almost ignored it.
Then she answered.
“Hello?”
“Miss Lena Carter,” a deep male voice said calmly. “I believe you’re in need of financial assistance.”
Her brows furrowed. “Who is this?”
“That’s not important. What matters is—I can help you.”
Lena’s grip tightened on the phone. “How did you get my number?”
“I make it my business to know things.”
A chill ran down her spine.
“I’m not interested
“This offer can pay for your mother’s surgery.”
Silence.
Her heart stopped.
“…What?”
“I can solve your financial problems immediately.”
Her throat went dry. “And what do you want in return?”
A pause.
Then
“Your cooperation.”
An hour later, Lena found herself standing in front of a building she had only ever seen in magazines.
Tall. Expensive. Untouchable.
Her reflection stared back at her through the glass doors simple dress, tired eyes, and desperation written all over her face.
“I shouldn’t be here…” she muttered.
But her feet moved anyway.
The office was massive.
Cold.
Intimidating.
And at the center of it
Him.
Adrian Knight.
He didn’t stand to greet her.
Didn’t smile.
Didn’t even pretend to be polite.
He simply watched her.
Like she was something he had already decided to own.
“You’re late,” he said.
Lena blinked.I”
“Sit.”
Her lips pressed together, but she obeyed.
Something about him made arguing feel… dangerous.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze never leaving her.
“You need money.”
Not a question.
Lena nodded slowly. “Yes.”
“I need a wife.”
Her breath hitched.
“…I’m sorry?”
“A contract marriage,” he clarified, sliding a document across the desk toward her.
Her hands hesitated before picking it up.
“This isn’t funny.”
“I don’t joke.”
Her eyes scanned the paper.
Marriage.
Duration: One year.
Payment: Enough to cover her mother’s surgery—and more.
Her heart pounded.
“This is insane…”
“You’re free to walk away.”
His voice was calm and unbothered
Like her decision didn’t matter.
But it did.
It mattered more than anything.
“What’s the catch?” she asked quietly.
Adrian leaned forward slightly, his expression hardening.
“You follow my rules.”
Lena swallowed. “What rules?”
“No questions about my personal life.”
Her fingers tightened on the contract.
“No interference in my business.”
Her chest rose and fell quickly.
“And most importantly…”
He paused.
His eyes locked onto hers.
“You do not fall in love with me.”
The words hit harder than she expected.
She let out a small, nervous laugh. “That won’t be a problem.”
Something flickered in his gaze.
Something unreadable.
“Good.”
Silence stretched between them.
Lena’s mind raced.
This was crazy.
Dangerous.
But her mother
Her family
She didn’t have a choice.
“Why me?” she asked softly.
Adrian didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he studied her.
Carefully.
Like he was measuring something.
Then finally
“Because I chose you.”
That wasn’t an answer.
Not really.
But something about the way he said it made her stomach twist.
Her instincts screamed at her to walk away.
To run.
But desperation was louder.
Her hand trembled as she reached for the pen.
“Once I sign this…” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “there’s no going back, right?”
“No.”
She closed her eyes briefly.
Then signed.
The sound of the pen against paper echoed loudly in the quiet room.
Adrian watched her the entire time.
When she finished, he took the contract calmly.
“It’s done, then.”
Lena exhaled slowly.
“What happens now?”
Adrian stood up.
For the first time, his full presence hit her.
Tall.
Commanding.
Terrifying.
“You move in tonight.”
Her eyes widened. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“That’s too soon, I”
“You agreed.”
Her words died in her throat.
Of course she did.
He walked past her, then paused.
“From this moment on,” he said, his voice low, “you belong to me.”
Her heart slammed against her chest.
Something about those words felt… wrong.
Possessive.
Dangerous.
“Mr. Knigh”
“Adrian.”
She hesitated.
“…Adrian.”
He turned slightly, his expression unreadable.
“You should get used to saying my name,” he said quietly.
“After all…”
A slow, cold smile touched his lips.
“You’re my wife now.”
Lena’s breath caught.
But as she stood there, frozen
One thought echoed loudly in her mind.
What have I just done?
As Lena stepped out of the office, clutching her bag tightly
She didn’t notice the man watching her from across the street.
His eyes darkened as he pulled out his phone.
“So it’s true…” he muttered.
A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.
“Lena… you really married him.”
