Chapter 1

"I think we won't be a good match," Emma Walker looked at the stern-faced man in front of her, feeling quite nervous. She never expected that an elite executive, clearly someone from the upper echelons, would participate in a blind date.

Emma did not want to embarrass herself, so she decided to gracefully exit the situation. She was aware of the challenges her circumstances posed in the dating market—being twenty-six with a four-year-old child.

Even if someone wanted to marry her, it would likely be someone with an average background, looking for a partner to share the burdens of life. Not someone like Landon Stirling—the sophisticated businessman was not someone who would be interested in her.

She wanted to get married, but she was not unrealistic. She had self-awareness.

Landon carefully observed Emma. He was quite satisfied with his prospective date, not because of her attractive appearance but because of her clear self-awareness.

What he needed was a marriage. It did not matter who the marriage partner was. However, having someone who understood boundaries was preferable to avoid troublesome complications.

"Miss Emma, I believe our mutual acquaintance has briefed you on both our situations," Landon was accustomed to taking control. He immediately set the tone.

Emma could not help but focus intently.

"You have a four-year-old and are looking for someone with a house to settle down. I happen to be in need of a marriage," Landon stated matter-of-factly.

"I know," Emma nodded. "However, Mr. Landon, finding a marriage partner shouldn't be a challenge for someone of your status."

Just based on his appearance, many young women would be overjoyed to be with him.

"I only need a year of marriage. After that, we can agree to a divorce," Landon straightforwardly proposed.

"A temporary marriage?" Emma frowned. "I'm afraid I can't agree to that."

"As you know, Mr. Landon, I have a young child. I don't want to expose him to the kind of married-then-divorced life. It wouldn't be good for him."

She wanted someone of similar background to provide her child with a stable home. She believed that love could be nurtured after marriage, as long as the person had a decent character.

Clearly, Landon did not meet her requirements.

"One year later, the house under my name can be transferred to yours," Landon, being a savvy businessman, knew how to pinpoint his opponent's weak points during a negotiation. He presented her with a reason she could not refuse.

Landon further pressed on, throwing another reason at her that she could not easily reject, "If you seek other blind date prospects, can you guarantee you wouldn't end up divorced?'"

"Marry me, and you'll have a house in a year's time. Even if you choose not to remarry, it won't affect your child's education," he added.

"I know that you're a hardworking person, Miss Emma. You can definitely support yourself and your child through your efforts. But buying a house might be a bit challenging," Landon said sincerely.

Emma knew that his last words were considerate. Buying a house was a difficult task for someone in her social class.

Faced with reality, she made a decision without hesitation.

"Should we sign an agreement first, Mr. Landon?" Emma asked.

A satisfied smirk was on Landon's lips as he pulled out two pre-prepared agreements and a pen from his briefcase.

"Feel free to review the terms."

Emma scrutinized the man opposite her, realizing that even the agreement had been prepared in advance.

It seemed Landon had never considered the possibility of the negotiations failing.

Fortunately, it was only a contractual marriage. Otherwise, she would never want to be associated with such a person.

Someone like Landon who was manipulative and full of schemes was worlds apart from Emma.