Contracted to the medical heir

Iris’ POV: The buzzing city smelled like rain and exhaust fumes from the cars honking on the busy New York road. My heels splashed through puddles as I clutched my bag like it was the only thing keeping me from collapsing while my curly hair pulled in a bun stuck to my skin. I had barely walked a few blocks after crossing before a person hit me and made the contents of my bag spill open. Just like every other person in this crazy city, the stranger didn't stop to help, and I was left to pack my daughter's medical reports, prescriptions and hospital bills that seemed to multiply every day. The mere sight of it made me fall deeper into the abyss that depression had created in me, but I didn't have time to dwell on that. I packed my documents and ran towards the building looming over me just like the various skyscrapers in this city. Something was unique about this one, or maybe it was because I had a business with it. The Vanderbilt Cooperation. “It is what it is,” I muttered before I stepped inside and gained access to the main building after showing the attendant proof of my appointment. My hand played on the temporary visitor's card that I was holding as we went up the elevator while my eyes studied every single office that came in sight. I worked as a nurse for the Vanderbilt hospital, but I've never been to this building, which is the core of all the subsidiaries that they have. Who would have thought that ten months of playing pretend would bring me here. I humbly followed the attendant to a door that had Miss. Vanderbilt engraved on a golden plaque before we came to a stop. “I'll have to inform the secretary first,” she said, and went in before I could give a response. I took the opportunity to straighten the black skirt that had been in my possession for almost three years just to confirm that I was presentable. To an extent, I looked shabby compared to everyone here, especially with the knockoff Pandora earrings that I had on but none of that mattered. Securing this money for my daughter's surgery was more important than how inferior I looked and felt. “She's ready,” the attendant announced with her head barely poking out of the door. With a puff of air, I stepped into the office that was way colder than the remaining part of the building, clenching my bag as I stared at the secretary who had another door opened. “Thank you,” I muttered as I walked past her, trying to hide my nervousness by focusing on the tag that was still in my hand. The secretary ignored me just like the attendant and shut the door behind me, leaving me in the office with Miss. Vanderbilt and well, a nice view of the city. “Iris?” She asked with a brow raised up before offering me a seat. “T-Thank you very much.” It was taking a lot for me to remain calm as I maintained eye contact with no other person than Miss. Vanderbilt, the cousin to the man I was supposed to play pretend with. Never in my life did I think I would ever be in the same space with Andrea Vanderbilt, the cousin to Alaric Vanderbilt who has made sure to keep his identity a secret from the whole world. To say she looked more flawless and ethereal than she was on Wikipedia and her social media pictures wouldn't be a lie. “Have you gone through all the details?” She asked me, getting down to business immediately while her eyes stayed rooted to the document in front of her. “Yes,” I lied through my teeth, biting my lower lips while praying that she wouldn't read me. My daughter’s condition suddenly spiralled out of control at the same time the details were sent to me yesterday and I have barely even had time to myself throughout today because of my shifts. “Good, then we just have to sign the contract, then you'll meet with your husband,” she said and finally raised her head up, her blonde hair having a bounce to it. I nodded slowly, still not in terms with the fact that I was about to have a husband out of nowhere. Andrea passed the document to me and with my shaky hands, which she seemed to have noticed, I collected it. “Are you sure you've done this before?” She asked me, sounding a bit skeptical. My heart skipped for a second when I realised that I could lose this if I didn't play my cards well. Pretending to look for a pen in my bag just to avoid eye contact, I lied once again, “Yes, I have.” She didn't press further, and I couldn't be more grateful as I went through the document, although my eyes stayed on just one line. Ten million dollars. With that money, my daughter would be fine to an extent, and we would have enough money to move to an apartment that isn't rat-infested. “Done,” I said as I signed, my eyes flickering to the amount one more time before I handed her the document. She nodded and accepted the document before punching in numbers on the telephone close to her. I couldn't help but stare at her in both awe and jealousy. Andrea was the exact opposite of me in all ways possible. I looked tacky and irrelevant compared to her. “Unfortunately, Alaric is not in his office. Probably playing around in one of the subsidiaries,” she said, muttering the last part to herself. It seemed more like a normal thing he does and that made me more curious about who exactly he is. However, I couldn't be more happy that I didn't have to see him today because I wasn't mentally prepared. “You may leave now,” Andrea murmured, her attention on the computer in front of her. I clumsily stood on my feet and adjusted my bag before muttering goodbye with no response from Andrea. “Iris,” Amdrea called for me just when I placed my hand on the doorknob. I froze for a second as different thoughts flooded my mind. Could she have discovered my lies? “Yes,” I replied in a tone barely audible as I turned to look at her. “Do you still remember the most important condition in the details?” She asked with her head tilted to the side. This definitely had to be a test to confirm if I had actually read the book and the mere thought of being found out made me start to panic internally. There was no way I would be able to pay for the surge- “Don't fall in love with him.” My thoughts ceased for a second as I stared blankly at her, trying to process what she had just said. “No matter what you do, you mustn't fall in love with each other. Not like it would happen with your… appearance." Her last sentence was so insulting that I felt my cheeks match the red shade of my hair. “I understand,” and with a nod I shut the door behind me and let out a deep breath. Just ten months.