Chapter 2: A Billionaire's Offer
338 Words
Ava Williams stared at the final eviction notice in her trembling hands.
Three days.
That was all the time she had left before she and her younger brother would lose the tiny apartment they called home.
She closed her eyes, forcing back the tears. Crying wouldn't pay the rent. Crying wouldn't cover her father's hospital bills.
Her phone suddenly rang.
The number was unfamiliar.
"Miss Ava Williams?" a calm female voice asked.
"Yes."
"My name is Sophia Carter, executive assistant to Mr. Ethan Blackwood."
Ava frowned.
"The Ethan Blackwood?"
"The CEO of Blackwood Group."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Everyone knew Ethan Blackwood. At twenty-nine, he was one of the youngest and wealthiest billionaires in the country. Newspapers called him ruthless. Business magazines called him a genius.
"What does he want with me?" Ava asked.
"Mr. Blackwood would like to meet you. Today."
"There must be some mistake."
"There isn't."
Before Ava could ask another question, the call ended.
An hour later, she stood in front of the towering Blackwood Group headquarters.
The glass skyscraper stretched into the clouds.
Taking a deep breath, she walked inside.
Minutes later, the elevator doors opened onto the executive floor.
Sophia led her into a massive office.
A man stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the city.
Tall.
Sharp black suit.
Broad shoulders.
Without turning around, he spoke.
"You're late."
"I arrived exactly on time."
He slowly faced her.
His piercing gray eyes met hers, cold and unreadable.
"So," he said, "you're Ava Williams."
"And you're Ethan Blackwood."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"You have courage."
"I have questions."
"So do I."
He walked to his desk and placed a thick folder in front of her.
Inside was a legal contract.
Ava looked up in confusion.
"What is this?"
Ethan met her gaze.
"My offer."
"What offer?"
He leaned forward, his voice calm and firm.
"Marry me for one year... and I'll solve every problem you've ever had."
Ava's breath caught.
She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
- Writer
