MARRIED TO THE FREAKING DEVIL

Aurora stood at the edge of the rooftop, staring down at the city below. The cold wind brushed against her face, but she barely noticed. Her mind was filled with everything that had happened that day. She had lost her job, George's condition was getting worse, and the hospital needed money she didn't have. Twenty-five thousand dollars immediately. Sixty-eight thousand dollars in total. Where was she supposed to get that kind of money? Aurora closed her eyes. She had spent almost everything she earned on George's treatment. Whatever remained went toward food, transportation and other bills. She had tried borrowing money, asking for help and working herself exhausted, but nothing had been enough. Now she had lost her job too. Her thoughts returned to George, her younger brother and the only family she had left. After their parents died, it had always been the two of them. Aurora had promised herself that no matter how difficult life became, she would protect him. But now she couldn't even afford to keep him alive. Tears slipped down her cheeks. She had spent months telling George that everything would be fine. Whenever he asked about his treatment, she smiled and told him not to worry. She had lied because she couldn't bear to let him see how terrified she was. But she was tired. She didn't know how much longer she could keep fighting. "I'm sorry, George," she whispered. Aurora stared down at the ground. Maybe if she wasn't around anymore, she wouldn't have to watch him suffer. She wouldn't have to receive another call from the hospital asking for money she didn't have. She took a step closer to the edge. Then another. Her hands trembled as she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry." She leaned forward. A strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist and pulled her backward. Aurora screamed as she lost her balance. She and the stranger crashed onto the rooftop. "What the hell were you trying to do?" Aurora struggled to catch her breath before looking at the man beside her. He was wearing a safety vest and dusty work boots, and a toolbox lay nearby. "You could've killed yourself," he said angrily. "And you nearly took me with you." Aurora lowered her head. "I'm sorry." The worker stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "This is private property. Don't come back up here." Aurora didn't answer. She quickly got to her feet and hurried toward the stairs. By the time she reached the ground floor, her mind was racing. What had she been thinking? What if George survived? What if he woke up and she wasn't there? Aurora stopped and wiped her tears. No. She couldn't leave him. She didn't know how she was going to save him, but she had to try. She rushed outside and stopped a taxi. "The hospital, please." The moment she arrived, Aurora hurried through the corridors and went straight to George's ward. Her heart sank when she saw him. George lay motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale and an oxygen tube beneath his nose. Machines surrounded him, quietly monitoring his condition. Aurora walked to his bedside and took his hand. "George." Her voice trembled. "I'm here." She fought back tears. "I'm sorry I haven't figured this out yet. I'm still trying." She squeezed his hand gently. "Please hold on a little longer. I'm going to Aunt Joseline. Maybe she'll help us." The door opened, and Doctor Connor walked inside. Aurora immediately stood. "Doctor, please. Can't you start the transplant? I'll get the money. Just give me some time." Doctor Connor sighed. "Miss Anderson, we cannot proceed without the required payment and consent documentation." "But he's dying." "I understand, but we have procedures to follow." Aurora's eyes filled with tears. "He's my brother. He's all I have." The doctor looked at her sympathetically. "You need to get the money as soon as possible. If you wait too long, we may lose him." Aurora looked at George. "I'll get it." She leaned down, kissed his forehead and whispered, "I'll be back." There was only one person left she could ask. Aunt Joseline. --- THE SMITH MANSION Aurora stood outside the Smith mansion, staring through the tall iron gates. The property was enormous, but she didn't have time to admire it. She looked down at her wrinkled clothes and messy hair before approaching the two security guards. "I need to see Aunt Joseline." One of them shook his head. "Mrs. Smith isn't expecting anyone." "Please. It's urgent." "I'm sorry." "It's about George." The guard still refused to move. "Aunt Joseline!" Aurora began banging on the gate. "Please come out!" "Miss, you need to leave." "Please!" "If you don't leave, we'll call the police." Before Aurora could respond, a calm voice came from behind the gate. "What exactly is going on here?" Aurora turned. Joseline stood there looking perfectly composed, her blonde hair neatly styled and a pearl necklace around her neck. Her eyes settled on Aurora. "Let her in." The gate opened. Aurora followed Joseline inside and into the mansion. The moment they reached the living room, Joseline turned toward her. "What do you want?" "Please, Aunt Joseline." Joseline's expression hardened. "It's Madam." Aurora swallowed. "Madam." She forced herself to continue. "George's condition has gotten worse. The hospital needs sixty-eight thousand dollars for his treatment, and they need twenty-five thousand immediately." Joseline raised an eyebrow. "I don't have it," Aurora admitted. "Please help me." She dropped to her knees. "I know you don't care about us, but George is still your family. Please. Just this once." Joseline stared down at her. "I'll pay you back. I don't know how, but I will. Just help me save him." Joseline was silent for a moment. Then she asked, "You said you'll do anything?" Aurora looked up. "Yes." "Anything?" "I'll do anything." Before Joseline could answer, footsteps sounded from the hallway. Two men entered the room. One was Mr. Smith. The other immediately caught Aurora's attention. He was tall, dressed in a black suit, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. His expression was cold and unreadable as his gaze settled on Aurora. She didn't know why, but something about him made her uneasy. Mr. Smith and the man exchanged a few quiet words. Then the younger man glanced toward Aurora before both men walked away. Joseline turned back to her. "The money can be arranged." Aurora's eyes widened. "Really?" "Yes." Relief rushed through her. "Thank you." Joseline raised a hand. "I haven't finished." Aurora stopped. "If you want the money, you'll have to earn it." "I'll do whatever you want." Joseline's lips curved into a small smile. "Then marry him." Aurora frowned. "Who?" "The man who was just here. Xavier Williams." Her heart skipped. Aurora knew the name. Everyone did. Xavier Williams was a powerful billionaire known for his ruthless business dealings. She had never met him before, but she had heard enough about him to know that he wasn't a man anyone should take lightly. "Why would he want to marry me?" Joseline's smile widened. "That's the interesting part." Aurora stared at her. "What do you mean?" "Xavier asked for you." Aurora's eyes widened. "He asked for me?" "He did." "Why?" "You'll have to ask him." "There has to be some kind of mistake." "There isn't." Joseline leaned forward. "Xavier Williams doesn't repeat himself. He said he would pay for George's surgery, every single dollar, but only if you agree to become his wife." Aurora couldn't speak. Her mind struggled to process what she had just heard. Marry Xavier Williams? A man she barely knew? In exchange for saving George? She looked down at her trembling hands. Twenty-five thousand dollars. Her brother's life. Xavier Williams. A marriage she never imagined. Aurora knew one thing for certain. Whatever decision she made now would change her life forever.