my fake husband, my real love

Chapter 1: A Deal That Changed EverythingThe rain poured relentlessly over the city as Maya Daniels stood outside the hospital, clutching an unpaid medical bill in trembling hands. The numbers blurred through her tears.Five million naira.Her grandmother had raised her since she was six years old. Now the doctors refused to continue treatment until another payment was made. Maya had sold everything she owned, worked two jobs, and borrowed from friends, but it still wasn't enough.Her phone buzzed."Miss Daniels?""Yes.""This is Mr. Alexander King's assistant. Mr. King would like to meet you immediately."Maya frowned. Alexander King was the country's youngest billionaire and the CEO of King Holdings. She had interviewed for a junior architect position at his company a week ago but hadn't heard back."There must be a mistake.""There isn't. A car is waiting."Curiosity and desperation outweighed caution. Twenty minutes later, she entered the top floor of King Holdings, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the glittering skyline.Alexander King stood by the window in a tailored black suit. He was tall, calm, and intimidating, with a reputation for making billion-dollar decisions without blinking.He turned to face her."Miss Daniels, have a seat."She remained standing."You said this was urgent.""It is."He slid a file across the desk.Inside was every detail of her life—her employment history, her university degree, and even her grandmother's hospital records.Maya's heart skipped."You investigated me?""I investigate everyone I do business with."She swallowed hard."What business could you possibly have with me?"Alexander folded his hands."I need a wife."Silence."I'm sorry... what?""A fake wife."She stared, convinced she had misheard."My grandfather's health is failing. His last wish is to see me married before he hands over the family company. If I refuse, I lose control of the business to my uncle.""And you think I'll agree?""I'll pay all your grandmother's medical bills."The room spun.He continued."Our marriage lasts one year. We live together for appearances, attend family events, and convince everyone it's real.""No romance?""None.""No feelings?""Impossible.""No secrets?"His expression hardened."Everyone has secrets."Maya laughed bitterly."You think you can buy my life?""I'm offering a solution."She looked at the hospital bill again.One year.A fake marriage.Enough money to save the only family she had left.It sounded insane.Yet reality was even crueler."What happens after one year?""We divorce.""And then?""You return to your life."She searched his eyes for any sign of deception.Instead she found exhaustion.For the first time, the famous billionaire didn't look powerful.He looked trapped.Finally she whispered,"I have conditions."He nodded."You keep working at the company.""I wasn't planning to stop.""My grandmother must never know this marriage is fake.""Agreed.""And if either of us falls in love..."Alexander almost smiled."That won't happen."She extended her hand."Then we have a deal."The moment their hands met, neither of them realized they had just signed away their peaceful lives.Three days later, headlines exploded across the country.BILLIONAIRE CEO ALEXANDER KING MARRIES MYSTERY WOMAN.Reporters surrounded the courthouse.Cameras flashed nonstop.Maya forced a smile as Alexander wrapped an arm around her waist for the photographers."Smile," he whispered."I am smiling.""You look terrified.""I married a stranger.""So did I."The reporters shouted questions."When did you meet?""Was it love at first sight?""When's the honeymoon?"Alexander answered smoothly."We've been together privately for months. We wanted to keep our relationship away from the public."Maya nodded on cue.Inside the limousine, the smiles disappeared."This is exhausting," she muttered."You'll get used to it.""I don't want to."He looked out the window."Neither did I."When they arrived at King Mansion, Maya froze.The estate looked less like a home and more like a palace.A line of servants greeted them."Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. King."The words sent an unexpected shiver through her.Mrs. King.It was supposed to be fake.So why did it sound strangely right?As she stepped inside, she didn't notice a woman watching from the upstairs balcony.Victoria Hart.Alexander's ex-fiancée.Her eyes burned with jealousy."If I can't have Alexander," she whispered, "then neither can she."Far below, Maya laughed at something Alexander said.Neither of them knew that their fake marriage had just gained its first enemy—and the greatest test of all was still to come.