Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Emma being lost in her thoughts, the world around her seemed to freeze, every option, every choice narrowing to this one moment.

How could it come to this?

Despite desperately needing a job, this opportunity wasn't her ideal solution. However, the prospect of $350,000 was enticing; it would help them bounce back financially. She would be able to provide for food and drugs in the meantime while they wait for the clinical trials to kick off.

“Emma, are you there?” Aunt Jane snapped her out of her thoughts as she could sense the silence from the phone. “Ooh yes, I am; this was her chance to save her brother.

I just wasn’t expecting this. Emma, just come over to my place now so we could talk about it, ok?” 

“Alright,” Emma responded. “I will be on my way now.” Hmmm, she exhaled deeply. ‘This would be a whole new experience, as she never thought people were still into this. Well, rich people, I guess, have all the money to spend on crazy things.’ But now she had no choice, did she?

She went back inside and picked up her bag. “Lukas, I’m going out to meet up with Sonia; I will be back soon. If you need anything, call me.”

At Aunt Jane's waiting room, she sat anxiously in the waiting room, unsure of what to expect. When Aunt Jane walked up, she jumped to her feet, her heart skipping a beat. She was ridiculously nervous.

“Nice to see you, Emma.” Emma smiled; she couldn’t wait for her to spill everything about the contract. “Aunt Jane, about the contract marriage, what is it all about, and also the duration." Emma asked with curiosity.

“You marry someone, legally, for a set period. No emotions, no real attachment. You’d be helping him fulfill a requirement, and he’ll give you the money you need.”

Aunt Jane’s voice was steady, almost too calm.

Emma's mind was racing. Marriage? To a stranger? It was crazy. But Lukas needed her. She couldn't shake the picture of him always lying in that hospital bed, so weak and helpless. That's what made this insane decision seem like the only way out.

“So… I just marry him, and that’s it? No strings?”

Aunt Jane hesitated, then leaned back. “Yes, though there’s one more thing. For the duration, it's after you bear him a child, the contract ends.

A child?” Emma's eyes widened in shock. “You never mentioned a child in our previous discussion. A fake marriage I can deal with, but a baby? That’s a living, breathing human being.”

“Emma, I know this isn’t what you were expecting;" Aunt Jane's voice softened, her gaze steady. "But I wanted to help you the best I could. It's a wholesome $350,000, an offer other ladies would not think twice about.”

Aunt Jane understands Emma’s fears but she knows she needs the job.

You were the first person I had, considering what you are currently going through with your brother’s health, and this is the best I could do in respect of your late mother to help you.”

Emma for sure could see the truth in what Aunt Jane was saying; other ladies would jump on this offer, and yes, it was her best chance in sustaining her brother’s life.

“Can I at least know the name of this man I am supposed to get married to?” Emma asked, wanting to be more involved with the proposal.

“Aunt Jane sighed, of course she wouldn’t suggest a random person to Emma, considering her current situation. 

“His name is Ryan Miller; that’s all I can say for now until you are ready.”

Emma’s stomach twisted. She had no idea who he was, but his name brought a sense of peace to her. 

“I need to think about this,” she responded to Aunt Jane, standing up abruptly. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts as she left the office.

Back at her small apartment, Emma sat on her bed lost in thought about her things lately: the death of their parents, Lukas cancer, their endless visits to the hospital, the huge medical bills, and how she has been striving to provide a three-square meal for them.

"How did it come to this?" she whispered to herself. “Marry a stranger and bear his child for money? It sounds insane…”

But then the thought struck her. Why settle for just the $350,000 when the man she was about to marry was obviously wealthy? What if she could negotiate something better? Though she has to be very strategic so she doesn't sound so greedy.

What if I can convince him to sponsor Lukas’ spot in the clinical trial instead of just paying me? The thought burned brightly in her mind. It would be the perfect solution—a guarantee that Lukas would get a place in the trial and a chance to survive.

Her mind raced with possibilities, but the uncertainty lingered. Could she pull this off? What if she messes up the entire opportunity and goes back to square 1? At that point, Aunt Jane wouldn’t be there to help her.

Emma paced by the window, thinking. She had to meet him to save Lukas. It was a risk, but she'd take it. Feeling overwhelmed, she needed to talk yo someone.

She will call Sonia. Her best friend would understand; she always did.

She reached and to her phone and dialed Sonia’s number

"Hey, Sonia?" Emma's voice shook. “Hey Sonia?” Emma’s voice shook, betraying her inner turmoil.

“Hey, Emma! What’s up? You sound off. Is everything okay?”

Emma took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Actually, no. I've got something on my mind and I need to talk to you.Can I come over?” Emma asked 

Sonia, wondering what it could be responded with a faint tone, “Of course! Come right now. I’ll be waiting.”

A few minutes later, Emma arrived at Sonia’s place. As soon as she stepped inside, Sonia could sense something was wrong. “What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Emma”s smile was weak; more reasons she liked being around Sonia were that she knew how to crack her funny jokes. 

"I've gotten myself into something strange," she admitted. "Aunt Jane offered me a job, but it's not what it sounds like."

Sonia's eyes raised in curiosity. “What kind of job are we talking about?”

“A contract marriage,” Emma said.

Sonia blinked, then laughed nervously, thinking her friend was joking. But when she saw Emma’s serious expression, the smile faded. For sure her friend was serious.

“Wait. What? A contract marriage? Like in those drama series?”

Emma nodded. “Yes. Apparently, there’s this wealthy guy who needs a wife. And guess what?”

Emma asked, watching Sonia adjust herself properly on the couch.

“Wait, there’s more?” Sonia asked; her eyes widened; the whole story was getting interesting.

“The contract ends with me giving him a baby.” Emma opened up with a smile as she continued, “And I’m considering accepting the offer.” 

Sonia’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. “Emma, are you hearing yourself? This sounds crazy! You don’t know this guy, and he wants you to marry him? What’s the catch?”

The money of course, it’s $350,000. It could help with Lukas' treatments.”

Sonia’s eyes widened. “Wait, wait. Hold on. You’re telling me this guy wants a baby out of the deal and offers you such a huge amount of money? And that’s it? What’s his name? Do you even know who he is?”

Emma bit her lip, trying to remember the name Aunt Jane had told her. 

“Yeah, I think his name is Ryan Miller.” 

Sonia’s jaw dropped. “Shut up! Ryan Miller? The Ryan fucking Miller?”

“Do you know him or something?” Emma asked, curious of her response and Immediately, Sonia brought out her phone and googled Ryan Miller. "Let me show you who Ryan Miller is." She flashed Emma the search results: “Forbes 30 Under 30, richest man in New York?” 

Emma was stunned, trying to connect the dots with what Sonia was saying. 

“Great then.” Emma responded, staring at the photo, her mind racing. Ryan Miller wasn’t just some random wealthy man—he was a powerful figure. “I’m going to ask for more than $350,000,” Emma said, her voice firming up.

Sonia looked at her skeptically. “Like what?”

“I’m going to ask him to sponsor Lukas' clinical trial. That’s the only way I can justify going through with this.”

Sonia raised an eyebrow. “You think he’d agree to that?”

“I don’t know,” Emma admitted. “But I have to try. For Lukas.”

The next morning, Emma called Aunt Jane.

“Aunt Jane,” Emma began, “I’ve made up my mind. I want to meet this man—Ryan Miller. Let’s set up a meeting for the agreement and signing.”

Aunt Jane sounded relieved, glad that Emma was taking the deal. It would go a long way in helping her through her situation. She thought.

“I’ll arrange everything. You’re doing the right thing, Emma.”

But Emma hadn’t revealed her full plan. She wasn’t just going to sign the contract. She had one more condition in mind.

Aunt Jane's words didn't calm Emma's nerves. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place, desperate to save Lukas but unsure what that meant anymore. Ryan Miller, some rich guy, held all the cards. Their meeting loomed, and Emma's anxiety spiked. She'd have to negotiate with him, potentially sacrificing everything. Scary, but she wouldn't back down.

That evening, Emma found herself sitting across from Ryan Miller in a private room at an upscale restaurant. The tension in the air was thick, and Emma couldn’t help but feel small in front of him. He was more imposing in person, his sharp eyes studying her every move. 

He was handsome and had a very captivating body figure. She wonders why he would stoop so low in paying someone to marry him when he has the money, fame, and body.

A lot of girls will be willing to marry him for free. There must be more to this  she thought to herself, silently sipping her drink, waiting for him to start a conversation. 

“I understand Aunt Jane has explained the terms of our agreement.” Ryan’s voice was calm yet commanding.

Emma nodded. “Yes, but I have a condition of my own.”

Ryan’s eyebrows raised, intrigued. “Go on.”

Emma took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “In addition to the money you’re paying me, I want you to sponsor my brother’s spot in a clinical trial. He has cancer, and without your help, he won’t make it.”

Ryan’s eyes narrowed slightly, trying to digest her offer. 

Emma held her breath, waiting for his response, but noticing the silence, she continued.

“You also get to benefit from this;you will be highly recognized as someone helping the sick; you will be doing something good for society.” 

Emma watched him nod his head but wasn’t sure of what his response could be, but she was glad she took the chance of proposing this to him. The worst he would say is he isn’t interested.

A moment of silence passed, followed by his subtle smile. "Interesting," he said quietly. “You’re not just after the money. You’re smart. I like that.”

Ryan was pleased that she wasn’t just some dumb girl; she had her own terms, and like she said, he would be presented to the public to have a good motive. 

Who knows, this could be his way out with his struggling project before his grandfather fired him.

Emma’s stomach twisted. “So... you’ll do it?”

Ryan's eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. Then, in a low, measured tone, he spoke: "I'm open to negotiation."

“This contract goes beyond marriage, Emma. You'll be part of my life and family, with all its complexities." Ryan's tone hinted at unspoken concerns. 

"My grandfather's expectations are at stake. This marriage must prove something to him and the world. If we fail, we both have something to lose."

Emma signed, so he is agreeing to do it, which is a good thing, but what will this expectation be? How far is she willing to go to secure her brother's spot in the clinical trial?

Will this contract marriage bring unexpected complications?