The Billionaire's Redemption

Chapter 3: Gabriella

Gabby

I burst into the bar with a shout and I'm immediately taken aback,the interior was definitely not what I was expecting; as I spied the bar and countertop I quickly raced to it to hide behind it in a bid to escape the loan shark's goon chasing me .

From my hiding place I heard; “where is the girl that just ran in here”? I silently prayed that the good people in the bar do not give me up who am I kidding they looked like criminals---Just then a deep baritone voice interrupts my musings by saying “we didn't see any girl and I'll advise you to leave now before things gets a lot more complicated”.

“Holy s**t”, the sound of his voice sounds hot and I can't stop myself from imagining what his face would look like. After a while I heard the sound of the goon chasing me leave the restaurant and I heaved a sigh of relief. Just then the bartender pokes his head over the counter top “how are you doing there kid”? Just fine sir thank you for your help.oh that was not me but this gentleman right here. I stood up to thank the gentleman and I was gobsmacked as my gaze locked with his.

He was tall, with an imposing build and I saw hints of a tattoo on his collarbone that seemed stretched down to his fingertips so maybe it's a full sleeve. But it was his eyes that truly took my breath away—bright, piercing blue, like an endless, frozen ocean. He looked at me with a quiet intensity that made me forget the danger I was in, even just for a moment.

"You're welcome," he said, his voice low and calm, though his expression held a slight hint of amusement. It seemed like this was a regular occurrence for him—people running in, hiding from trouble, and being saved by him.

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what would have happened if he found me here."

He nodded, acknowledging my gratitude with a slight, almost imperceptible smile. “You should be more careful,” he said, as if giving friendly advice rather than a warning.

The bartender chuckled as he wiped a glass with a cloth. "Listen to him, kid. He looks like he knows a thing or two about sticky situations.

The stranger didn't break eye contact, and for some reason, it made me feel safe, like I had nothing to worry about as long as I stayed near him.

---

I tried to steady my breath as I took in the stranger who had just saved me. He leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his broad chest, his gaze fixed on me with an unreadable expression. I still felt the adrenaline from my close call, but the electric energy between us was just as intense. It was like he saw right through me.

“So…” He arched his brow. “Mind telling me who that was, and why he was after you?”

I hesitated. How could I explain? It was hardly something I wanted to announce in the middle of a bar, especially to a stranger. But something about his presence made me feel oddly comfortable, as if he would understand without judgement.

“It’s… complicated,” I said finally, hoping that would be enough. But his gaze didn’t waver.

“Complicated how?” he pressed, his tone gentle but firm, like he wasn’t going to let me dodge the question.

I sighed, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. The bartender seemed busy polishing glasses, and a few patrons were scattered around, too involved in their own conversations to notice us.

"He's a... a loan shark’s enforcer. I owe some money, a lot of money, actually, and I’m running out of time to pay it back,” I admitted, feeling a pang of embarrassment wash over me. “I made some bad choices, and now—”

“How much?” he interrupted, his expression hardening as he considered my words.

“A lot. Too much. I was… desperate.” My voice was barely a whisper, and I hugged my arms to myself, the weight of my circumstances pressing down on me again. “They’re not exactly the forgiving type, so... here I am.”

He watched me for a moment, his intense blue eyes softening just a bit. “And you didn’t think to ask for help?”

I scoffed bitterly. “From who? I barely know anyone in this city, and besides, who would lend that kind of money to a stranger?”

The corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smirk, and he tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the countertop. “Maybe you’re asking the wrong people,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised at his remark. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He looked at me thoughtfully, then extended a hand. “My name’s Chance Montgomery. And you are?”

“Gabriella Thompson,” I replied, shaking his hand, still not entirely sure where this was going.

“Well, Gabriella, let’s just say I might have a solution to your problem.” He spoke casually, but there was an edge to his words that piqued my curiosity.

“A solution?” I echoed, studying his face for clues.

He nodded, his fingers laced together as he leaned in closer. “Let’s call it… a mutually beneficial arrangement if you will. I need something, and you need something. This could solve both our problems.”

I glanced at him warily. “What exactly are you offering?”

Chance let a small smile play at the edge of his lips. “A marriage contract.”

My jaw dropped, and I blinked at him, wondering if I’d misheard. “You can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious,” he said, unfazed by my reaction. “I need a wife. For personal reasons. And you… need money, from what it sounds like.”

I stared at him, trying to make sense of this surreal turn of events. “Why… why on earth would you want to marry someone you just met?”

He sighed, as if considering how much to reveal. “Let’s just say I have a lot on my plate without adding my parents incessant nagging to get a wife to it and I need to get married to get them off my back.“But I’m willing to offer you a contract that would settle your debts and provide you with some additional security.”

“You’d… pay off my debt?” I asked, still in disbelief.

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. “In exchange, you’d agree to a marriage of convenience. Nothing romantic or permanent. Just business. After a year,we part ways. Clean and simple.”

I bit my lip, my mind racing. It sounded too good to be true, but desperation clawed at me, reminding me of the man who had just been hunting me down. This offer—ridiculous as it seemed—was the first lifeline I’d been thrown in a long time.

“What’s the catch?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“No catch,” he said, shrugging. “You’ll sign a contract. My lawyer will handle everything, and you’ll be well-compensated. It’s a temporary arrangement, nothing more. Besides,” he added with a wink, “I’m not that terrible of a husband, even if it’s just on paper.”

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks, but I quickly pushed it down. “This is insane. You do realise that, right?”

He laughed, the sound deep and genuine. “Trust me, I’ve done crazier things. Besides, I think you’ll find I’m not such bad company. And considering your situation, it’s an offer you might want to think about.”

Before I could respond, another man strolled over, a tall, striking figure with a similar build to Chance. He gave me a curious look, then turned to Chance with an arched eyebrow.

“Who’s your new friend, brother?” he asked, his tone teasing as his gaze shifted back to me.

“Brady, this is Gabriella,” Chance said, gesturing to me. “Gabriella, meet my brother, Brady.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Brady said, extending a hand. His grip was firm, his smile easygoing, but his eyes held the same intensity as Chance’s. I wondered briefly if all the men in their family looked this… intense.

“Nice to meet you,” I replied, shaking his hand.

“So, Gabriella,” Brady said, leaning casually against the bar, “It's a fine night to go drinking, yeah?”

I spluttered, feeling my cheeks heat up again. “I… I wouldn’t say that.”

Chance shot his brother a pointed look. “Brady, cut it out. She’s in a bit of a bind over here. I'm sure you saw somebody chasing her.

“yes,” Brady turned sober. I did. It would be nice to help you, he said, smiling slightly.

Chance ignored him, turning back to me. “The offer still stands, Gabriella. I’m not asking for an answer right this second. All I ask is that you help me out with this arrangement.”

I glanced from Chance to Brady, still reeling from everything that had happened in the last hour. It felt like my life had taken a bizarre twist, but at the same time, I could see a way out of the mess I’d gotten myself into.

“Okay,” I said finally, meeting Chance’s gaze. “I’ll think about it.”

Chance’s expression softened, and he gave me a small nod. “That’s all I ask.”

“What offer,” Brady asked, looking from Chance to me. Well I'll leave you guys to it. Just remember, Gabriella—my brother’s tough to deal with. But he’s got a good heart. If he’s offering you a way out, it’s worth considering.”

With a wink, Brady walked off, leaving me alone with Chance once more. I felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension, still not quite sure if this was the answer to my problems or if I was simply trading one dangerous situation for another.

Chance watched me, his expression unreadable, as if he knew exactly what was going through my mind. “Take your time,” he said softly. “But know that my offer stands. You’d be safe with me, and you’d finally be free of that loan shark.”

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. “So I'll see you around yeah” he winked at me and left. What's with this guy's and winking,well at least I have something to think about tonight.