The Billionaire's Bargain

I don’t fit in here. “Excuse me?” The waiter’s voice startled me, breaking through my thoughts. He stood before me, a silver tray balanced on his palm, glinting with champagne flutes. “Would you like one, miss?” “Oh… yes, please.” I took a glass, wishing I could simply disappear into the wall. “First time at an event like this?” a deep voice reached my ears from behind. I turned, my heart quickening. Before me stood a man who seemed to command the very space around him. He was impossibly tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that exuded confidence, and his piercing gaze seemed to take in every detail. “Is it that obvious?” I replied, gripping my glass a little tighter. A faint smile crossed his lips. “You look like you’re planning your escape.” I let out a breath. “What gave it away?” “The way you’re hovering near that wall,” he remarked before sipping his drink. “You seem to wish you were anywhere else.” “I’m not exactly a social butterfly,” I admitted, feeling a bit exposed. “Then what brings you here?” “Why do you care?” I shot back. He chuckled softly, placing his glass down. “I notice those who stand out in a crowd.” “I don’t stand out,” I countered. “Oh, but you do,” he insisted. “Is this your hobby? Analyzing strangers at fancy gatherings?” “Only when they catch my attention.” I rolled my eyes. “You seem rather confident.” “Confident, yes. Arrogant? Not so much,” he clarified. “That’s a matter of opinion,” I mumbled. Before he could respond, a familiar voice called out, breaking the tension. “Emilia!” I turned to see Lily rushing over, her sequined dress catching the light. “There you are! I've been looking all over for you!” “I wasn’t hiding,” I replied, indicating the expanse of unoccupied space around me. Lily's gaze darted to the man beside me, her expression shifting drastically. “Oh. Oh.” “What’s going on?” I asked, trying to decipher the change. Grabbing my arm, she pulled me closer. “That’s Asher Blackwood,” she whispered with urgency. “Asher… who?” Her mouth dropped open in disbelief. “Blackwood! As in Blackwood Enterprises. He’s the billionaire who practically owns half the city!” “Not exactly half,” Asher interjected smoothly, overhearing. “I aim for a third.” I stared at him. “You're a billionaire?” He raised an eyebrow. “Would that change how you see me?” “Yes. No. Maybe.” I frowned. “Honestly, I’m not sure.” “Relax,” he said, a playful smirk on his lips. “Just a guy at a party, remember?” “Right,” I retorted, crossing my arms. “A guy who owns skyscrapers and probably has a legion of lawyers at his disposal.” “Impressive deduction skills,” he replied, casually leaning against the wall. “And you are…?” “Clarke,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Emilia Clarke. As if you’ve earned the right to know.” “Oh, but I believe I have,” he stated, a significant shift in his tone. “How is this your business?” I challenged. “Because I have a proposition for you,” he said, straightening up. “A proposition?” I echoed, incredulous. Before I could continue, Lily chimed in. “You should hear him out, Emilia.” I frowned. “You don’t even know what he’s suggesting.” “Does it matter? It’s Asher Blackwood!” Lily hissed, exasperated. “I’m right here,” he said dryly. “Shall we?” He gestured toward the balcony. “I’m not sure about this,” I hesitated. “Just talk to him,” Lily encouraged, giving me a gentle shove toward him. “This could change everything!” “Fine,” I relented, turning to Asher with a warning glare. “But don’t expect me to swallow your sales pitch.” “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, his smirk widening as he led the way outside. Stepping onto the balcony, the cool air wrapped around me, muting the party’s noise behind the glass doors. I crossed my arms and faced him. “Alright, what’s this proposition?” He leaned against the railing, studying me like I was a puzzle. “Marry me.” I blinked, the world spinning at his words. “What did you just say?” “You heard me.” “You must be joking.” “Do I look like I’m joking?” “This is ridiculous!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up. “You don’t even know me!” “I know enough,” he replied, surprisingly calm. “Like what? That I’m awkward at social events and prefer boxed wine?” “I know you’re talented,” he said, his tone softening. “And that you’re in a difficult financial situation.” I flinched, his words cutting too close to the bone. “How… do you know that?” “I take it upon myself to learn about people,” he said, unfazed. “And I’m offering you a way out.” “A way out?” I shook my head, disbelief washing over me. “You’ve lost it.” “Maybe,” he conceded, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “But I’m serious.” “You’re genuinely asking me to marry you? Why would you want that?” He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. “Because I need a wife. And you need an opportunity.”