CHAPTER ONE

While the city streets were bursting with activity, I was left standing still, as if I were caught in an ocean of hopelessness and were suffocating in the harsh currents of existence. 

My fingers shook as they brushed against the crumpled job applications inside the old bag, and I gripped it even more tightly. My responsibilities appeared to weigh too heavily, crushing my hopes under their relentless strain.

The interviewer's voice reverberated, 

"I'm sorry, Miss Anderson, but the position has been filled,"

Each word conveying an echo of sadness. I had gotten used to hearing stories about doors shutting one after another. My goals of becoming a well-known doctor were vanishing into the night, sliding through my fingers like sand.

I kept walking through the packed streets while a jumble of emotions swirled inside of me. Not only were my goals at stake, but also the welfare of my family. 

We were trapped in the devastating eye of my brother's deteriorating health, which had turned into an unrelenting storm. The growing medical debt served as a constant reminder of our helplessness.

The air was thick with the fragrance of sorrow when I entered our little flat. My father, who used to be active, glanced up from his mountain of overdue bills. His expression was a combination of tiredness and resignation as his weary eyes met mine.

"Elah, I'm doing all I can, but your brother's operation," he groaned, his voice heavy with the weight of his fears.

I quietly spoke, "I know, Dad," my heart breaking at his absolute weakness. 

"Somehow, I'll find a way."

I looked out the window, watching as the city lights created a glittering mosaic on the glass. Another night of restless tossing and turning while fighting the never-ending wave of anxiety that seemed to envelop me. 

There was a growing mountain of debt from the hospital visits that I had no clue how to climb. After the tragedy that had befallen our family, our financial well-being collapsed, and I was left looking for means.

Despite being hurt, my father found comfort in a little garden that was flourishing behind our home. He carefully tended to it, treating each plant as if it contained the deeper purpose of existence. 

He found refuge in the garden, where his commitment to supporting our family physically yielded fruit. He simply harvested enough from those plants to keep us going. 

The formerly vibrant and exciting ambition of becoming a well-known doctor was now dimming like a faraway star. My fingertips traced the borders of the medical textbooks that were scattered over my desk as I groaned. How did life become so oppressive and intolerable?

"Elah?"

When I heard my brother's frail voice, I turned around. David was fragile and pallid, lying in a hospital bed. His once-vibrant eyes had become dull due to illness and pain. When I saw him, my heart broke, and I rushed to his side, clutching his feeble hand in mine.

"Hello David, how are you feeling?" 

I made an effort to smile in order to hide the continuous presence of my sadness.

His eyes were filled with a combination of love and worry as he forced a feeble smile.

"Elah, I know you're trying your best. But every time you look at me, I can see the concern in your eyes. It is eating you."

I bit my lip while trying to remain calm. "I only want you to get better. All that counts is that."

David's fingers became more tightly around mine as his stare fixed on mine. Elah, "There might be a way."

I frowned in perplexity. The question "What do you mean?"

He inhaled quickly, scarcely raising his voice above a whisper. 

"I overheard some doctors talking to each other. Ethan Stone was the subject of their conversation. Elah, he is a billionaire. He offers a hand to those in need and gives them money. Perhaps he could assist us."

I glared as doubt tore at my convictions. 

"I can't simply depend on a random stranger's goodness, David. And I don't want to owe anyone anymore."

He gave my hand a flimsy squeeze. "Consider it, Elah. You've taken all the necessary steps and then some. If there's even a possibility…"

My thoughts were racing, caught between pride and despair. I couldn't bring myself to ask for assistance. But when I turned to face David, I saw how much his life depended on me. My resolve became shaky.

Days passed into weeks and the weight of my inadequacy got heavier as David's health deteriorated. 

"I lost my mother, and I won't lose another family, either." I said quietly to myself. 

And so, I found myself in front of the Accuzy Tech Company's magnificent entrance with a devastated heart. My hands were sweaty with anxiety as my heart raced.

I was led into a magnificent office where a man was sitting at a sleek desk assessing me with a keen glance. He had a strong sense of control over everything, and his stance was unwavering.

"I presume that you are Miss Anderson?" His voice was cool and deliberate.

In an effort to calm my anxiety, I cleared my throat. 

"Yes, my name is Elah Anderson."

He steepled his fingers as he sat back in his chair. 

"I am Ethan Stone!. I'm out of time, so let's get to the point. I've heard you need financial support?"

Even though my cheeks were burning with humiliation, I hunched my shoulders. 

"Yes, the cost of my brother's medical bills is out of control, and I'm not sure how much longer we can keep up."

Although there was a hint of a grin on Ethan's lips, it didn't extend to his eyes. 

"In exchange for something, I can give you the financial assistance you require."

A chill ran down my spine, and my heart sank. I was expecting it. 

"What do you want in exchange?"

Leaning in closer, he kept staring. "Miss Anderson, marry me. A marriage by contract that is just for show."

The earth seemed to have been pulled out from under me. to marry him? A total stranger? However, as soon as I thought of David, I realized there was no other option. Once again, I felt the pressure of responsibilities bearing down on me.