CHAPTER 3

I skirted through the crowd of people in the ballroom while attempting to concentrate on my goal. It was a whirlwind of color and laughter. I had to look for someone who could assist me in securing my future. But my confidence started to falter as I looked around the room. Each of these men exuded confidence and elegance.

What if I wasn't enough? What would happen if I was unable to find someone who could help me?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a bartender’s voice, low and smooth. “You look like you could use a drink.”

I turned to find the bartender standing before me, holding out a glass of wine and pouring me some. He was dressed impeccably in a black and white uniform.

I forced a smile, taking the glass from him. “Thank you. I suppose I do.”

He raised the bottle to pour some on my glass. “This might be quite hard on you”

“I can manage,” I echoed, clinking my glass before taking a sip. The wine was crisp and cold, but it did little to calm the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

“You’re new to Monaco, aren’t you?” he asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

I nodded, deciding it was best to keep things simple. “Yes, just arrived today, actually.”

“And what brings you to our lovely little corner of the world?”

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something about him that made me feel like I could be honest—or at least somewhat honest. “I needed a fresh start. Monaco seemed like the perfect place for that.”

“A fresh start,” he mused. “Most guest have that as reason.” He smiled, a slow, enigmatic smile that sent a shiver down my spine. “I thought you have the same reason as what other minority has.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like, what reason?”

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “To find something—or someone—worth starting over for.”

His words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. I studied him, trying to read the bartender, but he remained a mystery.

“What if we don’t find what we’re looking for?” I asked, my voice softer than before.

He held my gaze, his expression serious. “Then you keep looking until you do.”

Something in his tone made me believe him. For the first time since I’d arrived in Monaco, I felt a glimmer of hope—a belief that maybe, just maybe, this wild, reckless plan of mine might actually work.

Following that, I wove through the crowd, observing the men around me. They were all well-dressed, elegant, and confident—just the type of man I needed. But as I tried to muster the courage to approach one, my confidence faltered. What if I wasn’t enough? What if I couldn’t find someone I could ask to marry me?

Frustrated, I headed back to the bar once more. The bartender looked at me again with concern as I ordered another strong drink, but I waved him off. “No worries, I could handle it.” I told him and he continued to pour some more.

I had to stop the anxiety from eating at me. My thoughts became harsh as the drink warmed me.

I had the bartender to fill my glass to the brim and drink it like there was no tomorrow. As I finished another glass I lost count how many times already, the room twirled a little, but it didn't bother me. My only goal was to go as I please.

Following that I told the bartender, "Once I find a rich husband here in Monaco, I'm going to go back to Miami and make them all pay."

Perhaps I was just too drunk again to actually say all this stuff. I could barely recognize the face of the bartender now that his face was beginning to look a little fuzzy.

But as I was expecting the bartender to give me some response, I was then surprised when someone else did. "That sounds like quite the plan," said the domineering voice of the man next to me.

I was startled to see a man was already seated next to me. Even though he had a mask covering most of his face and was wearing an immaculate black suit, I could tell he was dangerously gorgeous. 

There was something captivating about him, and I couldn't help but be drawn to him. He had sleek blondie hair that reminds me of that guy I encountered during my dad’s company anniversary. 

I chuckled at the thought of him following me all the way here in Monaco. Of course, such cases would be so rare.

"And who are you?" I asked, trying not to lose my cool, my voice faltering a little.

He cocked his head, a grin flickering over his mouth. "Well, just someone who could possibly help you with that plan of yours."

I arched an eyebrow as doubt began to seep into my consciousness. "And why would you even do that?"

"Because I think I qualify for the kind of man you're looking for," he continued, bending closer and spoke in a silky, low voice. "How about I become your husband? If you agree, I can help fulfill whatever you desire.”

His words ignited something within me, like an alluring spark. I examined him closely, attempting to determine his motives, but I couldn't properly read his expression because of the mask. Nevertheless, there was something about him—a dominant, self-assured air of power—that gave me hope that he might be exactly what I needed.

I bit my lower lip, thinking about what he was offering. This was insane—totally uncontrolled—but wasn't that what I desired to begin with? To abandon prudence and seize control of my life, even at the cost of putting my trust in this stranger before me?

"What's the catch?" I asked, narrowing my gaze.

Suddenly, chill went down my spine as he laughed gently. "No catch. Just two people with something to gain. You need a husband, and I could use a wife for my own reasons.”

With my heart racing in my chest, I paused. This was completely crazy. But if I couldn't do this, then I was better off back to Miami, back to the life I’d run from. And yet, I couldn’t do that anymore. 

I simply don't want to.

"All right," I replied, speaking more firmly than I felt. "let's get this done with."

With his eyes shining beneath the mask, he held out his hand to me. "Okay, but first, let’s make a deal.”