Chapter 3: A Dangerous Deal

The city's distant buzz grew faint as Emily sat opposite Liam Westbrook in his glass-walled office, the air between them heavy with tension. She nervously toyed with the hem of her coat, her thoughts spinning from his shocking proposal.

Marriage. To a billionaire. For money.

It sounded like the kind of wild scheme you’d read in trashy romance novels, not something that happened to real people—least of all her.

“I understand this may come as a shock,” Liam said, leaning back in his chair with an air of cool indifference, “but I’m not asking for your hand out of sentimentality. This is a business arrangement, plain and simple.”

Emily arched an eyebrow. “You think marriage is just... paperwork?”

“Marriage is about power and control,” Liam said matter-of-factly. “Love is optional.”

She snorted. “Wow, you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”

A ghost of a smile tugged at his lips. “I’m pragmatic, not romantic. But I’m also offering you a solution to your financial problems, Miss Monroe.”

Emily stiffened. “You don’t know anything about my problems.”

“On the contrary,” he said smoothly, folding his hands on the desk, “I know quite a bit. You’re drowning in debt, barely making rent, and clinging to a job that barely pays enough to survive.”

Her chest tightened with a mix of embarrassment and anger. How did he know all of that?

“Do you always do this—dig into people’s personal lives?” she asked sharply.

“When it’s necessary.” His tone was unapologetic.

Emily bit back a retort, her mind racing. The logical part of her wanted to storm out of the office and never look back, but another part—the desperate, exhausted part—whispered that maybe this was her chance to change everything.

“What exactly are you offering?” she asked cautiously.

“A one-year contract,” Liam explained. “We’ll present ourselves as a happily married couple to the world. In return, I’ll pay you handsomely—enough to clear your debts and secure your future.”

Emily’s breath caught. “How much?”

“Two million dollars.”

Silence stretched between them as Emily tried to process the staggering number. Two million dollars could change her life forever.

But there had to be a catch.

“And what do you get out of this?” she demanded.

Liam’s expression darkened slightly. “That’s not your concern.”

“It is if I’m signing my life away for a year,” she shot back.

He studied her for a long moment, as if debating whether to reveal more. “My father’s will stipulates that I must be married to maintain control of the company. This arrangement ensures I meet that requirement without... complications.”

Emily leaned back in her chair, disbelief coursing through her. “So, let me get this straight—you’re basically hiring me to be your fake wife so you can keep your empire?”

“Essentially.”

She laughed humorlessly. “This is insane.”

“Perhaps,” Liam admitted, “but it’s also mutually beneficial.”

Emily shook her head, trying to make sense of it all. “Why me? You could probably hire some actress or socialite to play the part.”

“I don’t want someone with ulterior motives,” he said simply. “You have no agenda, no interest in fame or power. You’re... uncomplicated.”

Her pride bristled at the backhanded compliment, but she bit her tongue.

“And what happens after the year is up?” she asked.

“We part ways,” Liam said smoothly. “No strings attached.”

Emily’s heart pounded as she considered the offer. It was tempting—dangerously so. But there were too many unanswered questions, too many risks.

“You make it sound easy,” she said bitterly.

“It is,” he insisted. “As long as you follow the rules.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What rules?”

Liam reached into a drawer and pulled out a sleek black folder, sliding it across the desk toward her.

“Everything is outlined in the contract,” he said. “Review it carefully before making your decision.”

Emily hesitated before picking up the folder, the weight of it heavy in her hands.

“Take your time,” Liam added. “But not too much time. I need an answer by tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” she repeated incredulously.

“This isn’t a fairy tale, Miss Monroe. It’s business.”

Emily stood abruptly, clutching the folder to her chest. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I ask,” Liam said smoothly, rising to his feet.

As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Oh, and Miss Monroe?”

She glanced over her shoulder.

“If you do agree to this,” he said, his gaze piercing, “be prepared for a world that will scrutinize your every move. This isn’t just about playing house—it’s about survival.”

A chill ran down Emily’s spine, but she forced herself to nod.

“Noted,” she said quietly before walking out of the office.

The sharp afternoon breeze struck Emily as she stepped out of the building. Her mind spun with conflicting thoughts, uncertainty chipping away at her determination.

This was crazy—completely and utterly insane. But the folder in her hands was a lifeline, one that could pull her out of the financial abyss she’d been drowning in for years.

Two million dollars.

The number echoed in her mind, tempting and terrifying all at once.

Could she really do this? Could she pretend to be Liam Westbrook’s wife for an entire year?

The thought made her stomach churn, but desperation had a way of making even the most impossible choices seem reasonable.

Emily took a deep breath, steeling herself.

She didn’t have to decide right now.

But one thing was certain—her life was about to change forever.

And there was no turning back.