Chapter 1

“Get closer,” the photographer said as he gestured.  

  

Valentina Miller bowed unnatural to the man beside her.  

  

“Smile,” the photographer was still dissatisfied and said, “They are wedding photos, do not be so rigid, look in love, happy!” 

  

Valentina twisted the corners of her mouth again. I did not know the expression of the man beside her, and it should be the same as hers.  

  

“PERFECT.” 

  

Finally, the session was over. All three people breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.  

  

As she was leaving, Valentina vaguely heard the photographer’s complaint: “I had never seen such a strange young couple.” 

  

They’re a match made in heaven, but they don’t know how to laugh.  

  

Valentina sighed and denied it, not that she didn’t know how to laugh; she didn’t want to.  

  

Is there anything to be proud of in a marriage linked by a paper contract?  

  

Getting married is as simple as it costs nine dollars.  

  

It drizzled in the sky. Neither brought an umbrella.  

  

“Where are you going?” asked Nathan Mercer, Valentina’s new husband, who just took a photograph.  

  

“Go home first,” Valentina looked at the gray sky, “I can come back alone.” 

  

“Are you going with your mother? Do you need to go now?”

  

“No. She’s not awake yet. I’m going to work.”  

  

“Okay. Then I’ll go back to the apartment first.”  

  

Thereafter, Nathan walked to the luxury car across the road. Valentina did not know what brand the car was, but from the enviable eyes of passersby, the absolute value was very high.  

  

Nathan walked to the car without looking back.  

  

Looking at the back of her now “husband,” Valentina was dazed.  

  

He remembered the first close contact with him.  

  

That day, she was called to the president’s office. Although she is the deputy director of public relations, Valentina can’t understand why the president would suddenly call her.  

  

Could it be that something went wrong at work?  

  

Upon arriving at the office, Valentina met her great boss, Nathan Mercer, face to face for the first time. Seen more closely, his face is also meticulously crafted, without imperfections.  

  

It should be six feet tall, with full lips and dark pupils oozing a biting lightly. In a black suit, Valentina thinks it should be more suitable for blue.  

  

“Is it Valentina Miller? The branch manager of the public relations department?”  

  

Nathan spoke calmly, holding a piece of paper, and walked slowly to Valentina’s side. I heard your mother was admitted two years ago because of cancer; your father abandoned them; your life is very difficult right now, isn’t it?  

  

She was shocked and could not help but be on guard.  

  

Why would such an important president investigate his employee?  

  

“Thank you, sir, for your concern; everything is fine for me, he said calmly.”  

  

“Is everything okay?” Nathan said lightly, “So what about the treatment fees due to the hospital?”  

  

Depending on your part, “time jobs, I’m afraid they won’t be settled for a few years, will they?” 

  

Valentina was a little nervous, frowned, and asked: “How does it taste so much? Are you investigating me?”  

  

“Yes, I investigated you. I just want to make a deal with you.” 

  

Nathan’s eyes were sharp and cold, watching Valentina’s every reaction.  

  

“Deal?” Valentina opened her lips and asked, “What deal?” 

  

“I want your marriage in exchange for his mother’s medical expenses.” Nathan stared at Valentina, waiting for her answer.  

  

“Are you crazy?” Valentina refused without hesitation and turned around.  

  

“You …” “Are you sure?” Nathan said aloud.  

  

Valentina’s back stiffened and stopped.  

  

She hesitated. Her biggest concern is her mother’s health.  

  

Thinking about her mother’s expectations when she was still awake and her mother’s illness. In addition, the doctor said that the mother would not last a few months because of her illness. Can the mother’s longed-for wish be fulfilled if the marriage is false?  

  

Reflecting on this, she said, “If I accept, what should I do?” 

  

“This is a contract. Take it and take a look”. Nathan delivered a folder, “it’s written on it. Actually, you don’t need to do anything. Be yourself, only with the title of my wife, and we will live together.”  

  

Valentina turned around and accepted the contract without certainty.  

  

Upon seeing Valentina’s suspicions, Nathan said lightly: “You can rest today and think about it, but you will answer me tomorrow. You can go out.”  

  

“Wait a minute. Why are you doing this?”  

  

You don’t need to know anything else. Just consider your part.  

  

What an asshole!  

  

Valentina returned to her desk and opened the contract; the content was not much, concise, and clear. It is the style of the big boss.  

  

The woman voluntarily entered into a contractual marriage with the man for one year. The man is responsible for all the expenses of maintenance of the woman and the expenses of treatment of the mother. Every month, the woman is paid another hundred thousand dollars. Both men and women need to live together, but sex is forbidden. Men require marriage to be public, and women must cooperate fully with men on important occasions.  

  

Looking at the contract, Valentina was almost astonished. With so much money, wouldn’t the hundreds of thousands requested by the hospital be paid?  

  

And will Mom get a better deal too? So, I don’t have to work so hard part “time until late at night?  

  

This is completely beneficial to me without any harm.  

  

But is it that simple? When Valentina hesitated, the hospital called. She felt afraid when she received a call from the hospital.  

  

  

  

  

  

“Valentina Miller? Your mother is not well and has been moved to the emergency room. You must be prepared.” 

  

“What!” shouted Valentina, “I go immediately, Doctor Smith; please save my mother.” 

  

“Relax, don’t worry, we’ll do our best.” 

  

Valentina was rushed to the hospital, but fortunately, her mother was treated immediately, and Valentina was relieved again. Looking at his mother through the glass window, he felt the last trace of warmth.  

  

“Miss Miller.” 

  

“Oh, Doctor Smith, she turned her head, “Thank you.”  

  

“This is what we should do, but… However, your mother’s medical expenses are not covered; our hospital is not a charity. I…” 

  

“Doctor Smith, I understand; I will pay the medical expenses in three days, just give me three days,” said Valentina firmly; he had already decided quietly in his heart.  

  

As I left the hospital, he pulled out the phone and made a call. “I promise to sign that contract, but… first, give me a sum of money.” 

  

“Consider it done.”

  

“Thank you.”  

  

The matter was simple, Valentina sold herself.  

  

He stopped remembering the past, and when he looked up, he saw Nathan starting the car on the opposite side of the road and seemed to take a look at his side.  

  

This is the fifth king of diamonds in the business circle, but why does Nathan Mercer pay for a fake marriage? He has 30 years, assets of more than 100 million dollars, a reserved personality, and a surname of power. He’s tall, has brown hair, and has an attractive body.  

  

Valentina saw the car drive away. 

  

Shaking her head, Valentina thought to herself that she was crazy. Just mind your own business.  

  

I walked in the rain, he said he wouldn’t go to the hospital, but he had arrived without realizing it. Just go in and look; maybe he can see his mother wake up.