Chapter 3: The Billionaire's Proposal
1017 Words
The ballroom fell into a stunned silence.
Ava stood frozen, her body pressed against Ethan Blackwood's solid chest as his arm remained firmly around her waist. The tray had slipped from her hands, but instead of crashing to the marble floor, Ethan had caught it with his free hand.
Not a single glass broke.
Gasps spread across the room.
"Did Ethan Blackwood just... save a waitress?"
"I've never seen him touch anyone."
"Who is she?"
The whispers echoed through the ballroom.
Ava's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She quickly stepped away from him, lowering her head.
"I'm so sorry, Mr..."
She stopped.
She didn't even know his name.
Ethan calmly handed the tray to another waiter.
"Be more careful next time."
His voice wasn't angry, but it carried enough authority to make everyone nearby straighten their posture.
"Y-Yes, sir."
Lily rushed over immediately.
"Ava! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
She wasn't fine.
Her heart felt as though it would burst from her chest.
Ethan gave Ava one last look before walking toward the VIP section.
Within seconds, reporters and business partners surrounded him.
Ava finally exhaled.
"Who... who is he?" she whispered.
Lily stared at her in disbelief.
"You don't know?"
Ava shook her head.
"That's Ethan Blackwood."
"The Ethan Blackwood?"
"The billionaire who owns Blackwood Group."
Ava nearly dropped the empty tray.
"Wait... the richest man in the city?"
Lily nodded.
"And you practically fell into his arms."
Ava covered her face.
"This is so embarrassing."
---
Hours later, the gala finally came to an end.
The guests slowly left while the staff cleaned the ballroom.
Ava removed her apron and stretched her aching shoulders.
"I survived," she sighed.
Lily smiled.
"And you got paid."
Ava looked at the envelope in her hand.
She opened it carefully.
Her eyes widened.
"This is more money than I've earned in weeks."
"It should help."
"It will."
Maybe things were finally starting to improve.
As Ava stepped outside, the cool night air greeted her.
The rain had stopped.
She began walking toward the bus stop.
She had only taken a few steps when a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up beside her.
The rear window rolled down.
Inside sat Ethan Blackwood.
"Get in."
Ava blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"I'll drive you home."
"No, thank you."
Liam, seated in the front, looked surprised.
Very few people refused Ethan Blackwood.
Ethan remained expressionless.
"It's late."
"I can take the bus."
"You've already almost been hit by one of my cars."
Ava couldn't help smiling.
"You have a point."
She hesitated for several seconds before opening the door and sitting inside.
The leather seats were softer than her bed.
She felt completely out of place.
The car pulled away.
Neither of them spoke.
The silence became almost unbearable.
Finally Ethan asked,
"Why were you working there?"
"I needed the money."
"You don't have a job?"
"I lost it."
He looked at her.
"And before that?"
"I worked at a publishing company."
"What happened?"
"They downsized."
"You've been unemployed ever since?"
She nodded.
"I've tried everywhere."
Ethan didn't respond.
Instead, he simply stared out of the window.
After several minutes, the car stopped.
"We're here."
Ava looked outside.
Confusion crossed her face.
"This isn't my apartment."
"I know."
She turned toward him.
"What is this place?"
A luxurious office tower rose above them.
Blackwood Group Headquarters.
"What are we doing here?"
"I have a proposal."
---
Inside the building, everything sparkled with luxury.
Employees who were still working late bowed respectfully as Ethan walked past.
No one dared ask questions.
Ava followed him nervously into a private elevator.
The doors opened directly into his office.
The room was enormous.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city.
Bookshelves lined one wall, while modern artwork decorated another.
Everything reflected wealth.
Ethan removed his suit jacket and placed it over a chair.
"Sit."
Ava obeyed.
He walked to a cabinet and poured two glasses of water.
He handed one to her.
"Relax."
"I'm trying."
"You seem nervous."
"I've never been in a billionaire's office before."
His lips almost curved into a smile.
"Most people haven't."
He sat opposite her.
"I'll get straight to the point."
She nodded.
"I dislike wasting time."
"So do I."
His eyes studied her carefully.
"I need a wife."
Ava nearly choked on her water.
"What?"
"A temporary one."
"I'm sorry... what?"
"A contract marriage."
She stared at him as though he'd completely lost his mind.
"I don't even know you."
"You know enough."
"No, I don't."
"I'm Ethan Blackwood."
"I know that part."
He leaned back.
"My company is facing pressure from investors and board members. They believe a married CEO appears more trustworthy and stable."
"And?"
"I have no interest in falling in love."
Ava folded her arms.
"So... you're asking a complete stranger to marry you?"
"I'm offering you a business agreement."
She laughed.
"You can't be serious."
"I never joke about business."
The room became silent.
He slid a thin folder across the desk.
She opened it.
Inside was a contract.
At the very top, bold letters read:
CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Ava looked up slowly.
"This is real?"
"Very."
Her eyes scanned the next page.
Her breath caught.
She froze when she saw the amount he was offering.
It was enough to pay off every debt she owed.
Enough to rent a new apartment.
Enough to start over.
She looked at him, speechless.
"There has to be a catch."
"There are conditions."
"I knew it."
He began counting them calmly.
"You will live with me."
"You will attend public events as my wife."
"You will never interfere in my business."
"You will never discuss the contract with anyone."
"And..."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"You must never fall in love with me."
Ava couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Part of her wanted to laugh.
Another part wanted to walk out immediately.
But then she remembered the eviction notice...
Her overdue bills...
Her empty bank account...
And her mother's dream of seeing her succeed.
She looked back at the contract.
For the first time in weeks...
Hope was staring back at her.
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