Chapter 1

The neon lights flickered, casting an eerie glow over the dimly lit club where Iris worked. It was her first week, and the weight of exposing her skin to strangers left her feeling vulnerable.

She looked down at her outfit-a deep V silver sequined mini top and a skirt that barely reached her thighs. With an embarrassed tug, she tried pulling it down, but it did little to ease her discomfort.

As she moved to the music, her thoughts drifted, floating like the smoke that lingered in the air. Tonight felt different. A heated gaze pierced through the usual sea of eyes, drawing her attention toward a figure in the back.

He was hard to miss.

Young, composed, and with a dangerous edge in his dark eyes. His chiseled features and slicked-back hair stood out among the usual older patrons. Iris felt his gaze fix on her, watching every move she made.

Most of the guests were wealthy, older men, a fact that only heightened her sense of discomfort. She was still new to this world- naivety was dangerous here.

After less than ten minutes on stage, one of the guests beckoned her over. He was insistent, demanding she come down for a drink.

"I'm just a dancer," Iris stammered, but the man was unrelenting.

"If you don't drink with me, I'll make sure the manager fires you."

She couldn't afford to lose this job. Her mother was ill, and the bills were piling up. The money she earned here, as degrading as it felt, was the only thing keeping them afloat.

Reluctantly, Iris reached for the glass of whiskey. She took a hesitant gulp, but the guest wasn't satisfied. "Finish it," he commanded.

The burning liquid slid down her throat, leaving her lightheaded. Dizzy, she barely noticed as he pulled her onto his lap, his hand resting on her waist, fingers tracing her skin.

He eyed her hungrily, eager to take her elsewhere. But from a dark corner, Ryan Kendrick watched the scene unfold.

Ryan had noticed Iris the moment he walked in. He was frustrated, tired of the constant pressure from his father to settle down and marry. Marriage wasn't part of Ryan's plan-he preferred a carefree life, moving from woman to woman without commitment.

To silence his father's nagging, he had decided on a solution: a contract marriage. He needed a woman who wasn't tied to a wealthy family, someone who wouldn't complicate things. She had to be somewhat attractive, but most importantly, her life had to be free of other entanglements.

As he watched the scene with Iris, he signaled his bodyguard. The man stepped in, stopping the guest from taking her away. Within minutes, Iris found herself being led to Ryan's table.

"Hello, sir. How can I be of service tonight?" she asked, her tone professional, though the alcohol had dulled her senses.

"Sit," Ryan ordered, his voice cold and commanding.

"I... I should sit?" Iris stammered, caught off guard.

"Don't ask dumb questions. I said sit."

Fear shot through her as she sat down, hands trembling in her lap. Who was this man, and what did he want?

Without a word, he pulled out a sleek black folder and a pen, pushing them toward her. "I have a proposal for you, and I need an answer now."

"A proposal?" Iris frowned, her mind spinning. "What kind of proposal?"

"Marry me," he said flatly.

Her heart stopped. "What? Marry you? Are you insane? I don't even know you!"

"Be quiet," he interrupted. "Listen. It's a contract. One year. No strings attached. After that, you're free to go."

Iris blinked in disbelief. "This is crazy! You don't even know me. Why me?"

"You need money. I need a wife," Ryan replied, as if it were the most logical solution. "I'll pay you a million dollars. No games."

"A... a million dollars?" Iris's voice faltered. The number was staggering.

Ryan leaned back, sipping his drink casually. "Yes. A million. And when the contract is over, you never have to see me again."

Her mind raced. A million dollars could change everything. Her mother needed surgery, and the medical bills were suffocating her. She could finally pay off the debt and maybe even start her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

But... marry a stranger?

"How do I know you're serious? For all I know, you could be some psycho," she challenged.

"Ryan Kendrick," he replied smoothly. "And trust me, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't bother with this."

Iris glanced around, noticing the two towering bodyguards standing behind him, their faces obscured by sunglasses despite the dim lighting.

Ryan continued, "I could take you without anyone noticing, but that's not why I'm here. I'm offering you a choice."

Iris's palms grew clammy. "I can't do this," she whispered, shaking her head. "It's insane."

Ryan's expression darkened. "Think carefully. How long do you think your mother has without proper care?"

Her stomach twisted. "How do you know about my mother?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"I know everything about you, Iris. Your mother is sick, you're behind on rent, and this job isn't enough to fix any of it. This marriage will solve all of that. Sign the contract, and your problems disappear."

Iris stared at the papers in front of her, her vision blurring. She wanted to say no, but the weight of her mother's illness crushed her resolve. A million dollars could save them both.

Her hand trembled as she picked up the pen.

Ryan watched her intently. "Sign it, and everything will change."

With a deep breath, Iris scribbled her signature on the dotted line.

"Good girl," Ryan said, a smirk playing on his lips. He took the papers and handed them to one of his bodyguards. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready by noon."

Before Iris could respond, Ryan stood, two women on either side of him, and strode out of the club.

Still reeling from what she had just done, Iris was jolted from her thoughts when her friend Skylar appeared, bouncing with excitement.

"Hey, girl! What was that all about? I saw you with Ryan Kendrick. You're so lucky! I've always wanted to meet him."

"Skylar," Iris whispered, her voice hollow. "I'm getting married."

Skylar blinked. "What?"

"I'm getting married. To Ryan Kendrick."

Skylar stared at her, dumbfounded, before bursting into laughter. "You're joking, right? Come on, what did he really say?"

"I'm not joking. It's a contract marriage. One year. For a million dollars."

Skylar's laughter died instantly. "Wait... what? Are you serious?"

"I didn't have a choice," Iris said, her voice breaking. "My mom... she needs surgery."

Skylar pulled her into a tight hug. "This is crazy. You're crazy. But I'm here for you."

Tears welled in Iris's eyes as she clung to her friend. Then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen-an unknown number.

"Hello?" she answered.

A weak voice cracked through the line. "Iris... help me..."

Her blood ran cold. "Mom? Mom!?"

The line went dead.