200,000 dollars in exchange for a wedding ring

Bianca’s POV

I slammed the passenger door shut, fury coursing through my veins as I buckled my seatbelt. Who does he think I am? Proposing marriage to a contract girlfriend in such a ridiculous way, and in front of his parents! Oh no!

Regret washed over me. I should have never gone to that bar. I should have gritted my teeth and borne the consequences of my boss's wrath.

But no, I let loose with just one shot, two shots, three shots... and ended up in a stranger's bed. Becoming his pretend girlfriend in exchange for paying off my debts was bad enough, but marrying him? Unthinkable!"

Hayes didn’t bat an eyelid, his gaze fixed intently on the car radio buttons as he searched for his preferred station. His nonchalance only fueled my irritation.

"You have completely ruined my life, Hayes," I yelled at him, my voice filled with frustration and fury. "You've reduced me from a normal girl to a public gold digger. How delusional of you to think that I'd actually marry you?"

Hayes paused his station selection and a part of me was glad that I finally said something that made him flinge. He turned to me slowly then locked his gaze onto mine, his expression was inscrutable. "What has gotten into you to trigger this outburst, Bianca? All I did out there was save your ass from anymore drama"

I scoffed, incredulous. "Save my ass? No thank you, I can save myself! I can’t believe you’re seriously asking why I’m mad? This whole charade is a sham. I want out – now. Drop me off and I'll take a cab home."

Hayes's lips twisted into a sneer. "Suddenly, you're moralistic? After accepting $50,000 for a pretend relationship and sharing a bed with a total stranger? Common, tell me about it."

My eyes widened in shock, and I felt a sting from his words. "How dare you!" I hissed. "You were right there with me, enjoying every damn minute."

Hayes snorted. "And you didn’t? Look Bianca, if there’s anyone who doesn’t want any of this among us, it has to be me. You think I enjoy this? Or do you think I paid for your companionship? I know what I’m doing Bianca, and I remember vividly saying no strings attached and now you’re claiming all moral and trying to run off?"

I glared at him, my mind racing with different feelings all at once but the most heightened was regret. "That's not the point Mr Hayes! You're blaming me for something we both agreed to. Besides, what has no strings attached got to do with marrying you? So I’ll marry you, and then what? Have sex with you with no strings attached until I get pregnant and deliver you a child? All for a contract? I see how well you value kids… YOUR kids!"

The car slowed to a stop on the roadside, outside the mansion's gates. Hayes turned to face me, his eyes turning from angry to cold.

“Listen carefully, Bianca," Hayes warned coldly, staring deep into my eyes like he would rip out my heart in a blink. "If you think you can simply back out now, you're gravely mistaken. I'll ensure that your life becomes a never-ending nightmare, filled with regrets for ever crossing paths with me. You can't just parade me in front of the world and then opt out without consequences."

His eyes narrowed, suspicion carving deep lines on his face as he locked onto mine, his piercing stare scanning my eyes one by one, as if seeking to unfold the truth, before speaking again. "Who's to say this wasn't all a clever ploy to set me up? That you deliberately manipulated the situation, planting cameras in the room to extort me? If you try to double-cross me, Bianca, I'll make sure you pay dearly."

He leaned in closer and said in a tone slightly above a whisper. "I'll use every resource at my disposal to ensure you're prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. You'll rot behind bars, Bianca, charged with extortion and manipulation. Your reputation will be left in tatters, and your future will be nothing but a bleak, hopeless existence."

My heart sank, fear gripping me as I realized the enormity of his power and influence. I mean, he was Hayes Caldwell. A freaking rich CEO worth hundreds billions and can get anything done by just snapping his fingers. I got scared but tried to cover it, I refused to back down. "I'm done with this charade. I'm done with you Mr Hayes, don’t ever contact me again."

I grasped the door handle and hastily exited the car, crossing the road without noticing the approaching vehicle. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, yanking me to safety just in time. We tumbled onto the opposite sidewalk, our bodies entwined.

As I regained my balance, I turned to face my rescuer. "Mr. Hayes..." I whispered, stunned. My heart skipped a beat, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a flutter.

No one had cared for me, protected me, or shown such concern since my parents passed away, leaving me alone in a harsh world. The unexpected display of kindness from this man, who moments ago had been cold and menacing, left me reeling.

Hayes's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes softening ever so slightly. "Bianca," he murmured, breaking the spell.

His voice dropped to a low, husky tone, sending shivers down my spine. "Two hundred thousand dollars to wear my ring for just two years. Agree to be my fake wife, and the money is yours."

My eyes widened, locked onto Hayes's, as shock froze me in place. "What...what?!" I stuttered, my mind racing to grasp the enormity of his proposal. The words echoed in my head like a cruel joke.

"How can you even suggest such a thing?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling. "Marry you, pretend to love you, for money?"

Hayes's smile crept up, slow and unnerving, sending shivers coursing through my veins. His eyes gleamed with a calculated intensity.

"Think carefully, Bianca," he warned, his voice low and deliberate. "This is your only escape, your only chance to break free from the struggles that haunt you. Two hundred thousand dollars will erase your debts, secure your future."

He paused, his gaze piercing mine.

"In return, all I ask is that you wear my ring, bear my name, have a baby for me and play the part of my devoted wife for two short years. A small price to pay for financial freedom, don't you think?"

I stood there, weighing my options, as Hayes's words resonated deep within me. He was right; I had struggled tirelessly, sacrificing so much for far too long. The prospect of financial freedom beckoned, tantalizing me with promises of a brighter future.

Two years seemed like an eternity, but perhaps it was a risk worth taking. And what if, amidst this charade, something unexpected blossomed? Hayes was undeniably handsome, and I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest when our eyes met.

Taking a deep breath, I made my decision. I pulled away from him, smoothing my wrinkled skirt and dusting off the dirt. Then, with newfound determination, I extended my hand, my palm open in a firm handshake.

"Deal," I said, my voice resolute.

Hayes's eyes sparkled with triumph as he enveloped my hand in his, his grip warm and firm. A jolt of electricity ran through me, and for an instant, our handshake felt more like a promise than a business agreement.

"Two years," he reiterated, his voice low and husky. "You'll wear my ring, bear my name, give me a child and be my devoted loving wife in public. No questions asked."

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of trepidation.

What had I just gotten myself into?