Chapter 2:The Billionaire's Offer
378 Words
Isabella stood frozen beside the black luxury car.
Everything about the man inside screamed power. His expensive watch, perfectly tailored suit, and calm expression made him look untouchable.
"I don't know you," she said cautiously.
"You don't have to."
His deep voice was steady.
"My name is Ethan Kingsley."
The name hit her immediately.
Everyone in the city knew Ethan Kingsley—the billionaire CEO of Kingsley Group. His face was often on business magazines, but seeing him in person was completely different.
"What do you want from me?" she asked.
Ethan gestured to the empty seat beside him.
"Please."
Curiosity and desperation won.
She climbed into the car.
The chauffeur closed the door behind her, and the car pulled away from the hospital.
For a few moments, silence filled the space between them.
Then Ethan placed a brown envelope on her lap.
"Open it."
Her fingers trembled as she unfolded the papers.
At the top, bold letters read:
CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Her eyes widened.
"What is this?"
"I want you to marry me."
She stared at him, certain she had heard him wrong.
"I'm sorry... what?"
"A one-year contract marriage."
She laughed nervously.
"This isn't funny."
"I'm not joking."
Her smile disappeared.
"Why me?"
"I need a wife. You need money. We can help each other."
He slid another paper toward her.
It was a bank statement showing the amount he was willing to pay.
Five million dollars.
Her breath caught.
Five million dollars...
Enough to pay her brother's medical bills.
Enough to finish university.
Enough to give her family a new life.
"There must be thousands of women willing to marry you," she whispered.
"There are."
"So why me?"
Ethan looked out the window before answering.
"Because you're not interested in my money. That makes you different."
She shook her head.
"I can't marry a complete stranger."
"You'll have until tomorrow evening to decide."
The car stopped outside the hospital.
Ethan handed her a simple business card.
"If your answer is yes, call me."
Without another word, he stepped out of the car and disappeared into another waiting vehicle.
Isabella remained seated, staring at the contract in her hands.
Was this the miracle her family had been praying for...
...or the biggest mistake of her life?
- Writer
