The Playboy’s Fake Bride

Chapter 1: The Deal

The hospital bill in my hand was shaking. $100,000. Due in 7 days.

Or they pull the plug on Mom.

I’d applied to 47 jobs. Got 47 rejections.

My rent was 2 months late. My phone was about to be cut off.

And now this.

The Sterling Tower interview was my last hope. Assistant to CEO.

I walked in with thrifted heels and a borrowed blazer, praying.

That’s when I saw him.

Jay Sterling.

25 years old. $4.3 billion. Playboy of New York.

And the coldest eyes I’d ever seen.

He didn’t look at my CV. He looked at me.

“Miss Carter,” he said, leaning back in a $20,000 chair. “I’m not hiring an assistant.”

My heart dropped.

“I’m hiring a wife.”

The room went silent.

“For 6 months,” he continued. “$100,000. My company needs a married CEO to close a deal. You’ll live in my penthouse, attend events, and play the part. Nothing real.”

He slid a contract across the desk.

I looked at Mom’s hospital bill. Then at the contract.

“I’ll do it,” I whispered.

His lips curved into a smirk. “Good girl.”

He didn’t know rule #1 was about to be broken.