THE CEO's HIDDEN WIFE

“You have three minutes.” The phrases were sharp like a knife. Lily Carter was standing at the door of the office of Sebastian Blackwood with a battered folder in her hand, the corners of which were turning down, having been opened and shut so many times. It was so cold that her hands were numb, but her palms were so wet with perspiration. It is the last opportunity. She was aware of it. It weighed down in her chest, directly above her heart, where she could not get her breath to be steady. He had not looked up when she went in and continued to type. His voice was cold, detached. He seemed indifferent about everything; she was just a mark on his clean glass table. He hadn’t even looked up when she walked in— he just kept typing. His voice was cold, disinterested. Everything about him felt unbothered, like she was no more than a scratch on his perfect glass desk. But Lily didn’t care about pride anymore, not after everything. Not after Daniel. Her brother had been diagnosed two years ago with chronic kidney disease. At first, it was manageable — painful, yes, but manageable. She worked two jobs, skipped meals, and did everything she could to cover medications and dialysis. But then his condition worsened. His body began rejecting the treatments, and the doctors said the only option now was a transplant. Then came the miracle — a match—a real one. Only miracles weren’t free. The operation deposit alone was over two hundred thousand shillings. Without it, the kidney would go to someone else. And Daniel would die. She’d gone to everyone. Every bank. Every family friend. Posted online and sold everything of value — even her mother’s old ring. It wasn’t enough. Nothing was. And now there were only six days till the deadline. Lily gazed at the man at his desk. She didn’t know Sebastian Blackwood personally. But she remembered him, two years ago at a charity event where she’d been serving drinks. She had found him sitting alone in a stairwell, head down, breath sharp like someone trying not to fall apart. She had sat beside him quietly and said nothing. Stayed. And then left without a word. She never imagined he’d remember her. But a nurse at the hospital had whispered something weeks ago about a rumor. That one time, a mysterious donor had covered the full cost of a child’s transplant. No press. No names. Just one man. Sebastian Blackwood. That is why she came here. She paused and advanced a bit, laying the folder on the desk. 'I know you do not know me,’' she replied tersely. “But I—my brother’s name is Daniel. He’s fourteen. And he’s dying.” He didn’t stop typing. “You have two minutes now.” “I don’t want your pity,” she said. And I’m not here to scam anyone. I have all the reports here — hospital letters, surgery requirements, doctor notes, rejection letters from every place I’ve begged. I just… I thought maybe… maybe you could help.” Now he stopped. His fingers stilled on the keyboard. Then at last he looked up. They fell on her face, sharp, unreadable. “You look familiar.” “I served at the Logan Foundation Gala two years ago,” she said softly. You were in the stairwell. You looked like you couldn’t breathe.” He blinked. A long, deliberate pause succeeded. Yes, I remember, he said. Lily nodded and swallowed hard. Lily nodded, swallowing hard. “I never told anyone." I never would.” “I know.” He stood slowly and walked to the tall glass windows behind his desk. The city stretched out below him, wide and cold. Then he turned back, his eyes narrowing on her. “I’ll pay for it.” Lily gasped — barely catching herself before her knees gave in. “I—what?” “But,” he continued calmly, “I want something in return.” The hope that had just bloomed inside her chest froze. She said nothing, waiting. He stepped closer, voice-controlled. “You’ll marry me.” Her mind blanked. “What… Did you say?” “Marry me. For one year. No press. No real relationship. Just paperwork. You’ll live in my penthouse. Appear with me when needed. Obey the rules I give you. Nothing more.” Lily looked at him, speechless. He spoke again, voice steady. “In return, your brother will get the best care money can buy.” It was wild. It was wrong. It was cold. It was everything she never thought she would agree to. But Daniel was dying. And no one else had offered her anything but pity. So Lily looked at the folder. In her brother’s name. His little photo was clipped to the top. His messy smile. His tired eyes Then she read the contract Sebastian handed her across the desk. She picked the pen tremulously.