Chapter 3: The Billionaire's Proposal
333 Words
Ariana stared at Damian Knight.
His expensive black suit looked untouched by the rain, as if the storm itself knew better than to challenge him.
"You said you have a proposal," she said cautiously.
"What kind of proposal?"
Damian folded his hands.
"My grandmother is dying."
Ariana blinked.
"I... I'm sorry."
"She has one final wish."
He paused.
"She wants to see me married before she dies."
Ariana frowned.
"And what does that have to do with me?"
"My fiancée disappeared three days ago."
The words hung in the air.
"I've spent millions trying to find her."
"Nothing."
Ariana's heart pounded.
"So... you want me to help you find her?"
Damian shook his head.
"I want you to replace her."
Silence.
Ariana laughed in disbelief.
"You're joking."
"I never joke about business."
"I'm not an actress."
"I don't need an actress."
"Then what do you need?"
"I need a woman everyone will believe is my wife."
Ariana stared at him as though he had lost his mind.
"You don't even know me."
"I know enough."
"You were willing to walk away from a man who betrayed you in front of hundreds of people."
"You didn't beg."
"You didn't create a scene."
"You left with your dignity."
Damian looked directly into her eyes.
"That's exactly the kind of woman I need."
Ariana's voice became firm.
"And what do I get?"
"I'll pay every debt your family owes."
She froze.
How could he know about her father's debts?
Before she could ask, Damian slid a thick envelope across the seat.
Inside was a bank statement.
Her father's company...
...was only forty-eight hours away from bankruptcy.
"If the company falls," Damian said quietly, "your parents lose everything."
Ariana felt the world spinning around her.
Then Damian delivered the sentence that changed everything.
"Marry me for one year..."
"...and I'll save your family."
Outside, thunder roared across the night sky.
Inside the car, Ariana realized the worst decision of her life...
...might also be her only choice.
- Writer
