Chapter 3

               ”Startled, Kate looked up, her eyes still red and puffy. “Who the hell are you, and how is that your concern?” she shot back, her tone defensive. She didn’t have the strength for strangers pretending to care. Sebastian was taken aback by her bluntness. People usually recognized him—either for his looks, his wealth, or his reputation. But this girl seemed genuinely ignorant.

“You don’t know who I am?” he asked, expressing disapproval, more amused than offended.“Are you some kind of celebrity I’m supposed to know?” Kate responded, her irritation flared up. Distraction wasn't what she was looking for. He leaned back in his seat with a faint sigh. “Not exactly, but I am someone who can help you.”Kate’s brows furrowed. “Help me? With what?”Sebastian’s expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her uneasy. “I have a job offer for you. Something… unconventional.”Kate felt a chill run down her spine. She’d overheard a strange conversation about a “contract wife” at the hospital yesterday—could this be the same man? Her heartbeat quickened, a mix of fear and curiosity building within her.

“What kind of job?” she asked cautiously.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a smile, but his eyes remained dark, calculating. “One that could change both our lives. But it comes with a price.”Kate’s breath hitched, her mind racing. She knew she was at a crossroads, and whatever he was about to propose would be anything but ordinary. 

Before she could respond, a loud crash blew up from the other end of the cafeteria, drawing both their attention. Someone shouted, and a crowd began to gather, panic spreading like wildfire. Sebastian stood up, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the scene. “Stay here,” he ordered his voice firm.

But Kate, feeling a surge of defiance and curiosity, stood as well, ready to follow him. She wasn’t about to be left behind—especially now that things were getting interesting.

"A contract marriage?" Kate repeated, her voice trembling with disbelief. "I must be dreaming right now."

Sebastian’s expression remained cold and composed. "Yes, a contract marriage. I would pay you generously and provide for your basic needs. After three years, we’d get a divorce. Simple."

Kate blinked, still trying to process his words. "And who are you?"

"You don’t know who I am?" he asked, his tone unconvinced. "I’m Sebastian Willows, son of David Willows."

Kate’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly pulled out her phone and typed in his name. The screen flooded with images and articles confirming his identity. Her eyes widened in shock, she was flabbergasted. “You must be joking,” she whispers.

“Does this look like a joke to you?” Sebastian's voice was firm, and his gaze locked on her, making it clear he wasn’t playing.

"Not at all…" Kate stuttered, feeling the weight of his presence.

"So, are you interested in this offer?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes following hers.

Kate’s mind raced. She was desperate. If this was just a contract marriage—no strings attached—it could solve her financial problems. But the risks… Could she trust this man?

"How much would I be getting?" Kate finally asked, her voice shaky but steady enough to show she was serious.

Sebastian couldn’t help but smirk internally. “Of course, girls and money always align,” he thought to himself. “Five million dollars a month,” he replied nonchalantly.

Kate's eyes widened. "What?!"

“Is that too little?” Sebastian asked with a hint of amusement.

“No, I’m just… shocked,” Kate managed to say, trying to steady her breathing. “And you seriously mean for three years, you’re going to pay me that every month?”

“Yes,” he replied, already looking bored with her questions.

“Okay… So, how do we go about it?” she asked, a strange mix of excitement and fear bubbling inside her. Sebastian took her phone from her hand and typed his number in.

“That’s my number. Text me later today. I’ll be forwarding the address to you tomorrow; make yourself ready, and we’ll finalize the contract,” he said. He brought out a newly withdrawn stack of dollar notes from his wallet and gave it to her.

“What is this for?” Kate asked, eyes wide.

“To get yourself over to my place tomorrow. I doubt you have any… proper means,” Sebastian said dismissively, his focus shifting back to his phone. “I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Oh… thanks,” Kate muttered, clutching the money. She stood up, still couldn't believe what had happened. She headed off to see her mom, staring miraculously at the stack of cash in her hand, whispering to herself, “This can't be possible. It’s all a dream…”

Suddenly, her phone rang, distracting her from her multifaceted emotional experience. She answered hesitantly, "Hello... Who is this?"

“How could you forget me so soon?” a chilling voice hissed from the other end. Kate's blood ran cold. It was the man her father had borrowed money from before he died.

"Tick-tock," he continued. "Time is running out. If you don’t balance your debt soon, I’ll have your organs sold on the black market. Understand?" He didn't wait for a reply and hung up immediately.

Kate stood frozen, her hands trembling. She felt a surge of panic but also a steely determination. She needed to do this contract marriage. She had no other choice. Without wasting a second, she texted Sebastian.

Sebastian felt his phone buzz during the board meeting. The room fell silent; no one had ever seen him check his phone during a presentation. Whoever it was, they had to be important. He glanced at the message—Kate had agreed. A faint smile crossed his lips as he quickly texted her the address.

“Continue with the presentation,” Sebastian said, his voice calm but commanding. The tension in the room slowly dissipated. 

As soon as the meeting ended, Jay, his closest confidant, approached him. “Seb… How are you?” he asked cautiously.

“I’m surviving,” Sebastian replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“I’ve already got a couple of candidates lined up for your contract marriage,” Jay said with excitement.

“Forget about them. I’ve already found someone,” Sebastian interrupted. “Just draft a contract and have it ready for her to sign today. And don't be late—she’s coming to my condo. You have an hour.”

Jay’s eyes widened in surprise, but he knew better than to ask questions. “Got it.”

Sebastian wasted no time leaving the conference room.

Kate stood outside the massive glass mansion, clutching her bag tightly. She double-checked the address Sebastian had texted her. It matched. She took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. The gate swung open automatically, making her jump slightly. She walked in slowly, her heart racing with every step.

Inside, she expected a cold, dark interior, but instead, she found a tastefully designed space in black and ivory tones. She was almost mesmerized by the decor when someone cleared their throat.

“Hi…” she said nervously, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Have a seat. I’d like to discuss some basic rules,” Sebastian said, gesturing to the plush sofa.

“Do I get to make my own rules too?” Kate asked softly, her eyes darting around the room, trying to steady herself.

“Of course. This is an agreement, after all. It has to benefit both of us,” Sebastian replied, his tone business-like. “First rule: You must not get involved in any scandal that could damage my reputation.”

“Of course… I wouldn’t do that,” Kate interjected quickly.

“Let me finish,” Sebastian said sharply. “Second, for the next three years, you’ll live in this house with me, and our arrangement must remain a secret, no matter how close the person is to you. Lastly, in public, we must look like a perfect, loving couple.”

“Are we free to be in any other relationships?” she asked, her voice cautious.

“That would cause a scandal, wouldn’t it? So, no, we can’t,” Sebastian replied firmly.

“So, when do I start getting paid?” Kate asked, her desperation barely hidden.

“Always about the money…” Sebastian thought bitterly. Memories of Susan flooded back—how she’d used him and betrayed him. His jaw tightened, but he pushed the thought away. He needed this deal to save his business, and he wouldn’t let his past ruin his future. “Your first payment will be sent to you as soon as you sign the contract. Then, we can head to court for the marriage certificate to make it official. You move in tomorrow.”

Just then, Jay walked in and silently placed the contract on the table. Sebastian handed it to Kate, who scanned through it carefully. After a few tense minutes, she signed, and so did Sebastian.

“Send me your account details. I’ll have a moving company pick up your things tomorrow,” he said, getting up and walking away without another word.

Feeling like she was on another planet, Kate grabbed her bag, as she was heading out. She found the driver waiting outside to take her home.

On arriving home, she was stunned to find all her belongings thrown out and scattered on the ground. She groaned, her heart sinking further. She remembered she had been overdue on her rent for two months. Could this week get any worse?

Suddenly, a black SUV pulled up beside her. Two men in dark suits stepped out, their faces stern. One of them said, “Miss Kate, our boss would like to see you… now.”