Title: THE BILLIONAIRE'S ARRANGED BRIDE

The cold wind sipped through my skin as I got down from the bus at my stop. My hands tightened around the strap of my handbag which was worn out. The city light above me flickered aimlessly. It reminded me about how different all human lives were. I took a deep breath, adjusted my scarf and hurried down the street. After a few minutes of walking, I finally got there—Home. It wasn't much. Just a cramped up apartment in a very old building with leaky pipes and thin walls, where I can hear the neighbors loud and clear. But this is where I could barely afford and where my only family, my mum and I stayed so it did not matter. Using my key, I pushed the door, the scent of medicine and herbal tea greeted me. My mother, Rebecca, laid on the couch with a thick old blanket. Her once vibrant eyes were now dull and she looked weak. She looked up to me with a weak smile, “you are home late!” I took a deep breath as I shove the frustration down my throat, with a forced smile, I replied, “Sorry, I had to pick up an extra shift at the diner, how are you feeling?” She gave a dismissive wave, “I feel better.” I knew it was a blunt lie but I said nothing to push the subject. I walked in and dropped the little bag of groceries on the table as I took my seat, my hands rubbing together to drive away the cold, “The doctor called, they want you to come in for another check up, mum.” I noticed her frozen, her lips in a thin line, “Suzan, we can't afford that.” She reminded me of the glaring situation we had. I swallowed the lump which was fast forming in my throat, “don't worry about it, I will figure something out.” Mum sighed as she reached for my hands, “Suzzy, you already work way too hard. You work three jobs, barley sleeping. I don't want you to have a breakdown.” “I don't have much of a choice, mum.” I whispered, “I don't want to lose you.” Just then a knock came from the door, which startled us. I looked up at the old wall clock and it was late, way too late for any type of visitor. Mum and I exchanged glances which made us a little scared. I got up and walked to open the door. When I opened it, a woman stood in front of the door. I gasped, surprised about what this type of lady would be looking for in a building like this. She screamed money and power. She looked like she was in her late fifties, she was dressed in the most expensive dress ever. Her black coat alone could pay my five years rent in this run down apartment. Behind her, two hefty looking men stood— they scared me but I kept my cool. “Miss. Cater?” her voice came out unsure but with a command. “Ye…s..s” I replied with a hesitation. Her lips went up in a smile, “I am Maureen, Maureen Callahan. May I come in?“ I quickly glanced at my mother, who looked confused also. Something about this woman set off alarms in my head. Her name was awfully too familiar but I couldn't pinpoint the reason why. “Hmmm…sorry ma'am but you can't, we are not interested in whatever you are selling.” I said, trying to be as respectful as I can. The old lady let out a chuckle, a well known rich person laughed, “I am not here to sell anything, I am here to make you an offer of a lifetime.” I wasn't moved, “what kind of offer?” Her smile never left her face but she looked at me calculatingly, “The one that could change your life. May I come in?“ I looked at her for a while, then my face moved to the two men and then back to her. After a little hesitation, I stepped to the side permitting her to enter. She walked in gracefully, her expensive perfume overwhelming the scent of drugs. Her eyes moved around my apartment but she said nothing but she walked towards my mum who was struggling to sit up. “Ahhh, you must be Rebecca.” she extended her hand, which my mum shook but I could see the questioning look she had. “Who are you?” my mum finally asked the question in my mind. Maureen took a seat, “I am here on behalf of my son, Raymond Callahan.” My heart immediately dropped to my stomach. Raymond Callahan—Billionaire, CEO and the only heir to the Callahan empire. One of the richest men in the state. I had seen his face very well on different newspapers, television, magazines, blogs and he looked cold and untouchable. “I don’t understand,” I said, finally finding my voice, “why would someone like him send you here, not just anyone—his mother.” Maureen smiled, the smile that refused to leave her lips, “because he needs a wife.” The room was silent, mum and I trying to process what she just said. “A wife?” I repeated She nodded, “my son needs a wife.” I was still confused, “and how does that relate to me.” She took a deep breath, “My son is a single father. His father and I believe it is high time he remarries—for the sake of his son and to keep his family reputation from taking a dive.” I let out a quick but short laugh, “what does that have to do with me?” Maureen leaned forward, “well, I have been watching you and yes, I have done my research, Suzan. You are a hardworking and devoted lady. You’ve never been involved in any type of scandal. You are the type of lady who would fit perfectly well in our world—when taught perfectly.” The way she spoke gave me goosebumps, making it seem like I was some sort of project that needed refinement. I crossed my arm, “I am not interested in being your puppet.” Maureen's expression remained passive, “you know, I thought you might say that which is why the sweet part of the deal comes in.” She reached into her coat, and pulled out a little brown envelope, “inside this envelope is a check—it would be able to cover all your mother's medical bills and pay any pending debts, if only you agree to marry my son.” My stomach twisted, “my mom’s health is not up for a bargain.” “This is not a bargain, Suzan, it is about opportunities.” She gestured around the old apartment, “do you really want to keep living like this, barely surviving?” I felt my mum’s hand on mine and it was slightly trembling. Mum leaned to me, “Don’t listen to her.” She said in a whisper. My eyes darted to my mom, her body shrunken and weak, her eyes bulging and dull. The weight of reality was dawning in me. “Think about it, Suzan.” Maureen’s voice cut through my thoughts, “Marry my son. It doesn't have to be real—just long enough to keep everything stable. When it is over, you will be compensated.” My throat felt dry as I spoke, “ what does your son think about this?” Maureen’s smile flattened, “She doesn't need to know—not until the deal is signed and stamped.” “You are doing this behind his back?” I said, horrified. She waved her hand dismissively “Raymond is a bit—stubborn, but he would understand when the deal is done.” Everything in me screamed no but when I look at mom. She was my mom and I cant afford to lose her. How could I walk away when there is an option to save her life? Maureen noticed my hesitation as she stood up from the couch, “ Take tonight to sleep on it but don't take too long the offer won't last a lifetime.” She strolled to the door, pausing for a while, “tomorrow is noon, at the estate. If you don’t show, I would assume that you declined the offer.“ With that she turned on her heels, shutting the door behind her.