Chapter 2: The Deal
895 Words
Emily’s heart pounded as she stared at Alexander Reed. The night suddenly felt colder, and the sounds of the city seemed distant, as if she had stepped into another world entirely. Marry him? A stranger? For money? It sounded like something from a movie, not real life.
“You can’t be serious,” she said, her voice barely steady.
Alexander’s expression remained calm, almost indifferent. “I don’t make jokes about business.”
“Business?” Emily repeated, disbelief flashing across her face. “Marriage isn’t business.”
“For me, it is,” he replied simply.
She hugged herself, trying to process everything. Her mind raced — her father in the hospital, the impossible medical bill, and now this man offering her a way out. It felt wrong, yet terrifyingly tempting.
“You expect me to just say yes?” she asked.
Alexander glanced at his watch. “Your father needs surgery tomorrow morning. The hospital will not wait. I suggest you consider that before refusing.”
His words struck deep. Emily swallowed hard. He was right. She didn’t have time.
“What exactly would I have to do?” she asked cautiously.
“You’ll live in my house and act as my wife in public,” he explained. “Attend formal events, dinners, and business functions. Nothing more.”
“And in private?” she asked, her cheeks warming slightly.
“Your personal space will be respected,” he answered. “This is a contract, not a romantic relationship.”
The way he said it sounded cold, but also reassuring.
“How long?” she whispered.
“One year.”
Emily exhaled slowly. A whole year tied to a stranger.
“That’s a long time,” she said.
“For financial stability, it’s reasonable,” he replied.
She paced a few steps away, trying to think. This arrangement sounded simple, but her instincts screamed that nothing about this man was simple.
“Why do you even need a wife?” she asked.
Alexander hesitated for the first time. “Family reasons. My grandfather left conditions in his will. I must be married to inherit control of the company.”
“So I’m just… part of your requirement?”
“Yes.”
His honesty surprised her. He wasn’t pretending. He wasn’t charming her. He was offering a deal — plain and direct.
“I don’t even know you,” she said.
“You don’t need to,” he replied. “You only need to trust the agreement.”
“That’s the problem,” she murmured.
Alexander signaled toward the car. The driver stepped forward and handed him a black leather folder. He passed it to Emily.
“The contract,” he said.
Her fingers trembled as she opened it. The pages were neatly organized, filled with legal language and signatures waiting to be completed. Everything looked official.
“You really planned this,” she said quietly.
“I prepare for possibilities,” he answered.
She scanned the document. Monthly allowance. Medical coverage. Separate rooms. Privacy clause. Divorce terms. It was all there.
“If I agree,” she said slowly, “you pay for the surgery tonight?”
“Yes. Immediately.”
“And my father won’t know about this?”
“That’s up to you. I don’t involve myself in personal explanations.”
Emily closed the folder, her mind spinning. This was insane. But every other option led back to the same reality — she couldn’t afford the surgery.
“What happens after one year?” she asked.
“We separate legally. You keep the financial benefits stated in the contract.”
He spoke as if discussing a simple transaction.
Emily looked up at him. “You’re very confident I’ll agree.”
Alexander’s gaze softened just slightly. “No. I’m confident you care about your father.”
That hit her hardest.
She turned away, blinking back tears. She hated feeling cornered, hated that he was right. She had no choices left.
“Can I ask one more thing?” she said.
“Yes.”
“You won’t… expect me to fall in love with you, right?”
A faint, almost amused expression crossed his face. “That won’t be necessary.”
She let out a shaky breath.
Silence filled the space between them. The night stretched on, heavy with tension.
Emily looked at the contract again. One signature. That was all it would take to change her life.
She thought about her father teaching her to ride a bike, helping her with homework, working late shifts just to provide for her. She couldn’t let him suffer.
Her decision formed slowly but firmly.
“Okay,” she said.
Alexander tilted his head slightly. “Okay?”
“I’ll do it,” she repeated. “I’ll marry you.”
For the first time, he seemed genuinely satisfied.
“Good,” he said quietly.
Before she could second-guess herself, he turned to the driver. “Call the lawyer. Prepare the paperwork.”
Emily blinked. “Wait… what happens now?”
“We finalize everything tonight,” he replied. “Then we go to the courthouse first thing in the morning.”
Her stomach fluttered. Everything was moving too fast.
“And after that?” she asked.
Alexander met her eyes, his voice calm but firm.
“After that, Mrs. Reed… you come home with me.”
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