Chapter 2: The proposition
1337 Words
Sara Hayes wasn’t sure which part of her day felt more unreal being fired over a wrong order, or being stopped outside by a gorgeous, elegant woman offering her something that sounded like a prank.
A marriage contract?
It was absurd.
It was impossible.
It was… strangely tempting.
Still clutchin
If anything, Emilia radiated sincerity.
And something else… worry.
They took a seat at a quiet bench outside the café.
Emilia folded her hands. “My brother needs to be married within three days.”
Sara blinked. “That’s extremely sudden.”
“Yes,” Emilia agreed, lips thinning. “But it’s a requirement for the deal and my brother’s company can’t afford to lose this opportunity ”
Sara didn’t know much about corporations, but she understood desperation.
Rent due tomorrow.
No job
No family
No health insurance
Still… marriage?
“For a year,” Emilia clarified gently. “Just one year. Legal, official, public. But strictly professional. He won’t bother you emotionally trust me, he’s terrible at emotions.”
Sara tried not to laugh, but a tiny chuckle escaped. Emilia smiled.
Her gaze warmed. “Damian needs someone strong. Someone real. Someone who won’t try to use him.”
Sara looked down at her hands, unsure what to say.
“Why can’t he marry someone he already knows?” she asked quietly.
Emilia inhaled deeply. “Because he doesn’t trust anyone he knows.”
“What exactly would you need me to do?” Sara asked slowly.
Emilia relaxed just a little. “Live with him. Attend public events as his wife. Maintain a believable marriage in front of the press. But behind closed doors, you’ll be respected, protected, and given complete freedom.”
Protected.
The word hit Sara strangely hard.
“And… compensation?” she asked, cheeks heating with embarrassment.
Emilia didn’t flinch. “One million dollars at the end of the one year contract. Plus a monthly allowance, a private room in the mansion, security, and anything else you need.”
Sara’s breath caught.
A million dollars.
She could finally breathe again. Finally stop worrying. Maybe even go back to school like she once dreamed.
But it was insane.
Utterly insane.
“You can say no,” Emilia said softly. “But you deserve a chance at a life that isn’t drowning you.”
Sara’s lips parted, emotions swirling.
“If I agree…” she whispered, “what kind of man is your brother?”
Emilia’s eyes softened with a mixture of affection and frustration.
“He’s brilliant, loyal, intense but cold. You will get to know more when you meet him”
Sara swallowed. “He won’t expect anything romantic?”
“No,” Emilia said firmly. “He doesn’t even believe in love”
A strange flicker moved through Sara’s chest, but she ignored it.
“Okay,” Sara whispered. “I’ll meet him.
Relief washed visibly over Emilia. “Thank you Sara, let’s be on our way”
She stood, offering Sara her hand.
Sara hesitated then took it.
Not dramatically.
The door to Damian’s home office burst open, and in walked Emilia, his younger sister, vibrant and audacious as always. Behind her was a woman Damian didn’t recognize. Her posture was confident, her expression calm.
“Damian, meet your wife” Emilia announced, beaming as if this were the happiest moment of her life.
Damian’s mouth went dry. He blinked. “Excuse me?”
“The contract” Emilia continued, “you said they demanded you must be married and provide evidence of your marriage , also they demand that your wife be present on the day the contract is to be signed, you asked for my help so here I am, No wife, no deal, and I’ve found you a suitable bride” She gestured to the stranger beside her.
“ It’s just a contract, both of you will get married and get a divorce after one year as you said earlier”
Damian looked even more confused than before “do we need to have an actual wedding?”
“Of course, what were you thinking how else would you get a legitimate certificate to present” Emilia replied
The stranger looked at him with dark brown eyes “I am Sara, Sara Hayes,” she said, voice steady, almost challenging. “I understand I’m to be your wife?”
Damian’s gaze hardened. “And you’ve agreed to this?” he asked, standing and straightening his tie.
Sara’s lips curved into a subtle smirk. “I was offered a contract, it seemed interesting and challenging so why not?”
Emilia rolled her eyes, glancing between them. “She’s stubborn, like you. Watch out, big brother.”
Damian clenched his jaw. He had controlled every part of his life: his company, his schedule, even his own emotions. Love, attachment, and vulnerability were weaknesses he had long buried under ambition and discipline. But something about this woman irritated and intrigued him simultaneously.
“Follow me,” he said curtly. He gestured toward the elevator, his voice leaving no room for discussion. Sara simply followed, unconcerned, while Emilia trailed behind with her usual smug expression.
Inside the elevator, Damian tried to read Sara. She seemed ordinary yet there was an aura of confidence. Her calmness unnerved him. Normally, people were intimidated by him, or at least respectful. Not her.
“Do you know what you’ve agreed to?” Damian asked sharply, glancing at her. “This isn’t a game. My life isn’t a game. And this marriage” he paused, his chest tightening slightly, “It’s a business arrangement, nothing more, don’t expect love, emotions or attention. You must attend the contract signing that’s non-negotiable.”
Sara tilted her head, her smirk widening. “I understand.
“Emilia will send the marriage contract to you, just so we are on the same page” Damian said to her.
“It should be a secret, only Emilia, you and I should know this is a contract marriage”
“I don’t intend to tell anyone” Sara said.
When the elevator doors opened, the penthouse stretched before them, Damian’s home was a fortress of glass, steel, looked expensive like a palace where everything moved according to his rules. He had decorated it meticulously, every piece of furniture selected for style and functionality. And now, he had to share it.
Sara stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room casually. “Impressive” she murmured. Damian’s chest tightened. She didn’t flatter him, didn’t fear him, and most importantly, she didn’t act like a woman bought by money.
“You must follow my rules,” he said sharply, “Do you understand?”
Sara opened her mouth, and Damian braced himself for rebellion. Instead, she simply nodded. “I understand.”
“Good,” Damian said, though his voice was clipped with suspicion. He handed her a thick notebook labeled, Rules of the Marriage. “Everything you do from now on here, in public, in front of anyone is controlled. I don’t like surprises.”
The evening was awkward. Dinner was tense, filled with formalities and polite conversation. Damian tested her repeatedly: etiquette, table manners, knowledge of corporate affairs anything to see a crack in her composure. There was none. Sara handled every test with subtle poise and quiet confidence.
When Damian excused himself briefly, Sara leaned toward Emilia. “He thinks he can control everything, doesn’t he?”
Emilia laughed softly. “He’s never met anyone like you before. Be careful. He doesn’t know how to handle resistance.”
“You will pass the night here, I’ll show you to your room and give you something more comfortable to sleep in” Emilia said to Sara
Later that night, Damian returned to his private study. suddenly, the stakes of this “marriage” hit him fully he couldn’t afford to fail, and he couldn’t trust her yet.
“First step done, tomorrow we’ll take care of the others” Damian said to himself”
- Writer
