Chapter 4: The Proposition Weighs Heavy

The pale light filtering through Emily's apartment window did little to brighten the cluttered room. A stack of unpaid bills sat precariously on the edge of her dining table, a constant reminder of the chaos her life had become.

She sat on her worn-out couch, the sleek black folder Liam Westbrook had given her resting heavily on her lap. Two million dollars. The words echoed in her mind like a siren call, tempting and dangerous all at once.

Her fingers traced the edge of the folder, hesitant yet curious. What would her life look like if she accepted his offer? Debt-free, secure, and perhaps even content. But at what cost?

She flipped the folder open, revealing the meticulously drafted contract within. The legal jargon made her head spin, but certain phrases jumped out at her:

One-year term.

No romantic expectations.

Public appearances required.

Emily huffed a laugh under her breath. No romantic expectations? That was rich coming from a man like Liam Westbrook—practically the poster child for eligible billionaire bachelors.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, jolting her out of her thoughts. She picked it up and saw a message from her best friend, Becca:

Lunch at our spot? You need a break.

Emily smiled faintly. Becca always knew when she was spiraling.

Be there in 30, she texted back.

Maybe some fresh air and a dose of Becca's no-nonsense advice would help her make sense of this mess.

The café was bustling with its usual lunchtime crowd when Emily arrived. She spotted  becca waving from a corner booth, her fiery red hair impossible to miss.

"Hey, stranger," Becca greeted as Emily slid into the seat across from her. "You look like you haven't slept in days."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Emily said dryly.

 Becca narrowed her eyes. "What's going on? And don't say 'nothing'—I can see it all over your face."

Emily sighed, debating how much to share. Becca was her closest friend, but even she might find this situation too ridiculous to believe.

"I got... an offer," Emily began hesitantly.

Becca's eyebrows shot up. "What kind of offer?"

"The kind that involves a fake marriage to a billionaire."

There was a beat of silence before Becca burst out laughing.

"Okay, seriously—what's going on?"

"I'm not joking," Emily said, her tone dead serious.

Becca's laughter faded, replaced by disbelief. "Wait. Are you telling me some rich guy wants to pay you to marry him?"

"Pretty much."

"And you're considering it?"

"I don't know," Emily admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "It sounds insane, but... it could solve all my problems."

Becca leaned back in her seat, studying her friend carefully. "What's the catch?"

"He says there are no romantic expectations. It's just a business deal."

Grace snorted. "Yeah, right. Guys like that don't do anything without strings attached."

Emily bit her lip. That was exactly what she was afraid of.

"So what are you gonna do?" Becca asked.

"I have to give him an answer by tomorrow," Emily said quietly.

Becca reached across the table, squeezing Emily's hand. "Listen, I can't tell you what to do. But whatever decision you make, make sure it's for you. Not just because you're desperate."

Emily nodded, her heart heavy.

Later that evening, Emily found herself pacing her apartment, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She knew what the logical choice was—but logic had never exactly been her strong suit.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

Frowning, Emily crossed the room and opened it to find Liam Westbrook standing there, impeccably dressed as always.

"Liam?" she said, startled. "What are you doing here?"

"I thought we should discuss your decision in person," he said smoothly.

Emily blinked. "Isn't that a little... over the top?"

He arched an eyebrow. "I prefer direct communication."

"Of course you do," she muttered, stepping aside to let him in.

Liam surveyed the modest apartment with a critical eye but said nothing.

"So," Emily said, crossing her arms, "what's so urgent that you had to show up at my door?"

"I wanted to ensure you understand the seriousness of this arrangement," he said, his tone grave. "This isn't just about money, Emily. It's about maintaining my family's legacy and protecting the company from hostile interests."

Emily frowned. "And what happens if I say no?"

Liam's expression didn't waver. "Then I'll find someone else. But I'd prefer it to be you."

Her heart skipped a beat, though she couldn't quite say why.

"Why me?" she asked again, needing to hear the answer one more time.

"Because you're not like the others," he said simply. "You're honest, straightforward. And you have nothing to gain from exploiting me."

Emily swallowed hard, torn between skepticism and a strange, unspoken trust.

"I need more time," she said finally.

Liam nodded, though his jaw tightened. "You have until tomorrow. But remember—this is a rare opportunity. Don't waste it."

With that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Emily standing there with her thoughts in turmoil.

As the door clicked shut, Emily realized two things:

First, Liam Westbrook was far more dangerous than she'd initially thought.

And second... she was dangerously close to saying yes.