The Millionaire's Contract Bride

The distinctive smell of hospital medications has become a part of Sienna’s daily life lately. Being in this place makes her even more anxious. What’s more, she still hasn’t found a solution. The worst-case scenario could happen at any moment. And that makes Sienna even more afraid. “Sienna.” The voice of the doctor, who had just stepped out of her mother’s hospital room, made the girl jump to her feet. “How is my mother, Doc?” “Your mother’s condition is getting weaker. Her illness has progressed more rapidly.” Those words struck her right in the pit of her stomach. Her knees felt so weak she could barely support her own weight, and she had to hold onto the wall to keep from falling. “The only option is surgery.” “The sooner it’s done, the better her chances.” Sienna understood that. It’s just… Where would she get that much money in such a short time? Three billion. An astronomical sum for her. “I’ll try to get it together as soon as possible, Doc.” Sienna tried to stay strong, even though her heart was in turmoil. “I’ll pray for the best,” said the doctor before leaving Sienna. Now Sienna went inside; there she saw her mother lying weakly on the hospital bed. Where would she get that much money? Their only asset was the house they currently lived in. Even that wouldn’t fetch much if sold. As a freelance editor, Sienna had only ten million in her savings account—money she’d set aside for daily expenses, given the unpredictable nature of her work. “I’m sorry, Mom…” she whispered, clutching her mother’s cold fingers. “I’ll try…” Sienna sobbed. She had nowhere else to turn but to Amelia, her mother. Even at a time like this, she didn’t know whom to ask for help. Slowly, Amelia’s eyelids fluttered open. The faint smile on her lips only made Sienna’s heartache even more. “Don’t cry. I’m fine.” Amelia’s voice was so soft, almost a whisper. Sienna wiped away her tears. She didn’t want to make her mother sad. She would try to stay strong in front of Amelia. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll do whatever it takes to get that money as soon as possible.” “Mom will be fine as long as her daughter is by her side.” Sienna’s smile widened. Her fingers gripped Amelia’s hand even tighter. “Whatever you do, I’ll pray for the best for you.” Before leaving, Sienna kissed her mother’s forehead. Unbeknownst to the mother and daughter, behind the slightly ajar door stood a tall, imposing figure—a man with his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “Who are you?” Sienna asked when she realized a stranger was standing right in front of her mother’s hospital room. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overhear your conversation.” “You were eavesdropping on us. That’s very rude,” Sienna replied sharply. “I’m really sorry. I just happened to be passing by.” “That’s irrelevant!” Sienna walked away. “Wait!” Sienna turned back around. “What is it?” “Maybe I can help you.” “What do you mean?” Sienna furrowed her brow. “Don’t tell me you…” Sienna stared intently at the man in front of her. He was very suspicious. “Come to the Harrington Royale Hotel at seven p.m. You’ll meet my boss. Who knows, maybe he can help.” “What do you mean? I’m not that kind of woman,” Sienna replied with a sharp glare. “It’s entirely up to you. I’m just letting you know if you’re willing. I’ll be going now.” Sienna’s face flushed red as she held back her anger. How dare that stranger assume she was that kind of woman? They’d barely even met. ** Night crept in slowly, shrouding the sky in a bluish-black hue. The streetlights began to come on, while vehicles continued to pass by in front of the hospital. Sienna sat on a park bench near the entrance, curling up against the night’s chill. The wind blew against her face, but it couldn’t dispel the heaviness filling her chest. Her fingers clutched her cell phone tightly. “I’ll never know if I stay here,” she muttered, as if trying to convince herself. “I’ll prove whether it’s real or just an illusion.” Finally, Sienna decided to leave. Sienna stood up. She wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks, then smoothed out her white shirt, whose color was beginning to fade. The Harrington Hotel wasn’t far from the hospital. With steps still filled with hesitation, she walked through the cold night toward a place that might change her entire life. ** The Harrington Hotel’s glass doors opened automatically as Sienna stepped inside. The cool air from the air conditioning immediately greeted her. The high ceilings were adorned with crystal chandeliers that reflected a golden glow. The gleaming marble floor reflected the shadows of guests passing by in expensive suits and elegant gowns. Sienna instinctively smoothed out her worn shirt. The canvas shoes she was wearing stood in stark contrast to the shiny leather shoes of the hotel guests. For a moment, she wanted to turn back. This place felt completely foreign to her. But the image of her mother’s face gave her the strength to keep going. She walked toward the front desk. “Good evening, how may I help you, Miss?” the receptionist greeted her with a professional smile. Sienna swallowed hard. “I… I’m looking for someone.” “May I ask their name?” Sienna fell silent. She had just realized something: she didn’t know the name of the man who had asked her to come here. Sienna scratched her head, even though it wasn’t itchy. “I... don’t know his name,” she said with a grimace. The receptionist looked a little confused. “Did that gentleman make an appointment with you?” “I don’t know that either.” The brief silence made Sienna want to disappear right then and there. “I was just told to come here at seven p.m.” The receptionist looked at Sienna for a few seconds before asking softly. “Excuse me, what’s your name?” “Sienna Anindya.” The receptionist’s expression changed instantly. “Your Sienna Anindya?” “Yes.” “Please wait a moment.” The receptionist immediately picked up the phone. “Yes, sir. Miss Sienna has arrived.” Shortly afterward, a man in a black suit approached her. “I’m Henry, Mr. Alex’s personal assistant. He’s been waiting for you.” The man Sienna had met earlier that afternoon stepped forward to introduce himself. “Sir?” “Please follow me.” Sienna nodded slowly, though her curiosity was growing. They entered a special elevator located off to the side of the lobby. Unlike the guest elevators, this one had only a few buttons. The man in the suit pressed the top button. The elevator began to rise. Higher and higher. It grew quieter and quieter. Sienna’s heart began to race. What if this really is a trap? The elevator doors finally opened. The hallway on the top floor seemed much quieter than the other floors. There was only one large door at the end of the corridor. The man in the suit stopped. “Please go in.” “And you?” “I’ll wait outside.” Sienna took a deep breath. Her hand slowly reached for the doorknob. Click. The room was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offered a panoramic view of the city bathed in the night’s glow. Behind that window, a man stood with his back to her. Both hands were tucked into his pants pockets. He didn’t move a muscle. It was as if he’d known Sienna was coming. The door closed softly behind Sienna. “You’re here.” His voice was low. Calm. Yet for some reason, it sent a chill down Sienna’s spine. A few seconds passed. The man finally turned around. His gaze was sharp, but his face was almost expressionless. The black suit he wore looked flawless, as if it had been custom-made to fit his body perfectly. That face... Sienna felt like she’d seen it before. Alex Harrington. The young CEO of Harrington Holding. The man known to the public as the most successful businessman of the decade. And also because his life had almost never been touched by gossip. No wonder Sienna was familiar with that cold face. He often appeared on television. Alex stared at Sienna without so much as a hint of a smile. “Thank you for coming.” Sienna gripped her bag tighter. “Are you… the one who offered to help me?” “No.” That brief reply made Sienna frown. Alex walked over calmly. Each of his steps sounded steady on the marble floor. He stopped right in front of the desk. Then he placed a black folder on its surface. “Read it.” Sienna alternated her gaze between the folder and Alex. “What’s inside?” “An opportunity.” “What do you mean?” Alex’s expression remained impassive. “An opportunity to save your mother.” Sienna opened the first page. Her eyes widened in surprise. “A contract marriage?”