The Impossible Offer

Episode 2: The Rules of Being His Wife

The Impossible Offer

Episode 2: The Rules of Being His Wife

Amelia stood completely still.

The words Adrian had just spoken refused to leave her mind.

There are people who will do anything to make sure this marriage fails.

She tightened her grip on the door handle.

"Who?"

Adrian didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he walked back toward the table and poured himself a glass of water.

"You'll learn soon enough."

Amelia frowned.

"That's not reassuring."

"It wasn't meant to be."

She turned around fully.

"You expect me to marry you tomorrow, move into your house, pretend we're in love, and somehow ignore the fact that people might be trying to destroy us?"

"You don't have to pretend we're in love."

"Then what exactly am I supposed to pretend?"

"That we're happy."

Amelia stared at him.

"That's worse."

For the first time, a genuine smile touched Adrian's lips.

It was brief, but it changed his entire face.

Amelia hated that she noticed.

"You're going to be difficult," he said.

"I'm beginning to think that's the only reason you chose me."

His smile disappeared.

"I chose you because you fit the arrangement."

"Right."

She looked toward the contract.

"Can I take a copy?"

"Daniel will give you one."

"And the money?"

"It will be transferred tonight."

Amelia's eyes widened.

"Tonight?"

"You said you needed it immediately."

She hesitated.

"How do I know you're telling the truth?"

Adrian reached for his phone.

"You don't."

He made a call.

"Daniel."

A few seconds passed.

"Transfer the first payment."

Amelia's heart began pounding.

She hadn't expected him to act so quickly.

Adrian ended the call.

"Check your account."

Amelia pulled out her phone.

Her fingers trembled as she opened her banking application.

For a moment, the screen wouldn't load.

Then the balance appeared.

She stared at it.

The number was real.

Her eyes filled with tears.

One million dollars.

She covered her mouth.

For the first time in months, she could breathe without calculating what she couldn't afford.

Her mother's treatment could be paid.

The rent could be settled.

The electricity bill could disappear.

Everything could change.

"Amelia."

She looked up.

Adrian was watching her.

"Are you all right?"

She quickly wiped her eyes.

"Yes."

"You don't look fine."

"I'm fine."

She slipped the phone into her purse.

"I should go."

"You can't."

She stopped.

"Why?"

"You have a wedding tomorrow."

Amelia blinked.

"Tomorrow?"

"You signed a contract."

"Yes, but I assumed there would be preparations."

"There are."

He checked his watch.

"They've already begun."

Her mouth fell open.

"You planned everything before I agreed?"

"I had to."

"You were certain I'd say yes?"

"No."

"Then why prepare?"

Adrian's expression became unreadable.

"Because I don't leave important things to chance."

Something about that answer made Amelia uneasy.

She walked closer.

"What happens tomorrow?"

"You'll sign the marriage certificate."

"That's it?"

"Afterward, we'll hold a small ceremony."

"Small?"

"Family only."

Amelia exhaled.

"Your family."

"Mostly."

"Mostly?"

Adrian looked at her.

"There will be someone you need to be careful around."

"Who?"

"My grandmother."

Amelia raised an eyebrow.

"Your grandmother?"

"She doesn't like me."

"Why?"

"She believes I'm incapable of making good decisions."

Amelia almost smiled.

"She may have a point."

Adrian's eyes narrowed.

"You've known me for less than an hour."

"And you've already asked me to marry you."

A silence settled between them.

Neither looked away.

Amelia suddenly became aware of how close they were standing.

Adrian's gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes.

Her breath caught.

He stepped back.

"The car will take you home."

"I can take a taxi."

"No."

"I don't need a driver."

"It's late."

"I've managed by myself this long."

"Not tonight."

Amelia folded her arms.

"You don't get to control me just because we're getting married."

Adrian's expression hardened.

"I know."

"Good."

"But until tomorrow, you are still a woman who has just signed a contract with a stranger."

His voice lowered.

"And I don't want anything happening to you before you become my wife."

The words sent an unexpected warmth through her chest.

She quickly dismissed it.

"I can take care of myself."

"I believe you."

"Then let me go."

Adrian nodded toward the door.

"Daniel will drive you."

Amelia sighed.

"Fine."

She walked outside.

Daniel was waiting in the hallway.

He looked at her, then at Adrian.

"Everything settled?"

"Yes," Adrian replied.

Amelia stopped.

"One more thing."

Adrian looked at her.

"If we're going to do this, there are things I need from you."

"Such as?"

"Respect."

"Obviously."

"Honesty."

She nodded.

"And no treating me like a prisoner."

Adrian studied her.

"Agreed."

"Then we're clear."

"For now."

She narrowed her eyes.

"What does that mean?"

But Adrian had already turned away.

---

The following morning, Amelia woke before sunrise.

For several seconds, she forgot about the contract.

Then reality returned.

She was getting married.

To a man she barely knew.

She sat on the edge of her bed and stared at the ring sitting inside a small box on the table.

It had been delivered before midnight.

She opened it.

A simple diamond caught the morning light.

It was beautiful.

Far too beautiful for a marriage that wasn't supposed to mean anything.

Her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Miss Hart?"

A woman's voice.

"Yes?"

"This is the wedding coordinator. Mr. Black asked me to inform you that the car will arrive at nine."

Amelia glanced at the clock.

Seven thirty.

"All right."

"And Miss Hart?"

"Yes?"

"Please don't be late."

The call ended.

Amelia sighed.

"Apparently, I'm getting married whether I'm ready or not."

---

By nine, Amelia was dressed and waiting outside her apartment.

The black car that arrived looked like something from another world.

Daniel stepped out.

"Good morning."

"Morning."

He opened the door.

Amelia got inside.

During the drive, she stared through the window.

The city passed by in a blur.

Her old life was disappearing behind her.

She didn't know what waited ahead.

When the car finally stopped, Amelia looked up.

Adrian's mansion stood behind enormous iron gates.

She stared.

"You've got to be kidding me."

Daniel smiled faintly.

"No."

The gates opened.

The car moved forward.

Amelia's heart began beating faster.

She had agreed to become Adrian Black's wife.

But standing before his enormous home, she suddenly realized something.

The contract had not changed her life.

It had taken her into an entirely different one.

And she had no idea whether she was walking into a dream...

or a trap.

The car stopped at the front entrance.

Before Amelia could step out, the massive doors opened.

A group of people stood waiting.

At the center was an elegant elderly woman holding a silver cane.

Her eyes immediately settled on Amelia.

She looked her up and down.

Then her gaze moved toward Daniel.

"Is this her?"

Daniel nodded.

"Yes, Mrs. Black."

The elderly woman's expression hardened.

She turned toward Amelia.

"So you're the woman Adrian chose."

Amelia swallowed.

"Yes, ma'am."

The woman stepped closer.

"Interesting."

She leaned slightly toward Amelia and whispered,

"Because I know exactly why my grandson chose you."

Amelia's blood ran cold.

"What do you mean?"

The woman's eyes sharpened.

"You don't."

Before Amelia could ask another question, the woman turned and walked inside.

Amelia stood frozen.

Daniel's expression had changed.

"Come inside."

She followed him.

But one thought refused to leave her mind.

What did Adrian's grandmother know about her that she didn't know herself?