CHAPTER 1

Isabella slumped onto her bed, surrounded by stacks of unpaid bills. Her best friend, Mia, sat beside her, going through a glossy magazine, concern etched on her face.

"Isabella, you’ve been quiet for too long and you kinda look restless. What’s going on?” she asked gently, setting the magazine aside.

“It’s just... everything is piling up, you know? I lost my job last month, and now the bills are starting to come in. Miranda's surgery is next week, and I still can't afford it. I don't know what to do, Mia," Isabella confessed, tears welling up in her eyes. 

Mia’s brow furrowed. “But you were doing so well at your place of work! What happened?”

"It was a budget cut, They let go of half the staff. I thought I was safe, but...” She replies with tears full.

It's okay, we'll figure something out. You're not alone in this, you know you just can't give up! There has to be something we can do." Mia assures her.

Isabella sighed, frustration and despair mingling in her chest. "I've applied everywhere, but no one's hiring. And the hospital keeps calling, demanding payment. I feel so helpless right now."

"What if I told you I heard about a job opportunity as a house cleaner, and the pay is catchy, and it could cover up for your sister's surgery f*e, you know? Besides, I heard he is a Billionaire, and who knows? You might even meet someone important.” as she leaned closer.

Isabella's hope sparked. “A billionaire? That sounds too good to be true."

Mia hesitated. "Well, I heard he expects perfection, and his staff works long hours. But if you're willing to take the challenge, I can set up an interview."

 “But what if I mess up? What if he’s a nightmare to work for?” as she began to doubt herself, biting her lower lip.

“Then you’ll find another job,” Mia replied confidently. “But at least you’ll have something in the meantime. Think about your sister. This could be your chance.”

Isabella weighed her options. She had none. "I'll take it. When is the interview.?

 "Tomorrow, 10 a.m. sharp. Be prepared." Mia replied, smiling.

Isabella stood before James Reed's apartment, her heart racing. She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, and knocked on the door.

The door swung open, revealing James himself.

"And you are,?" James said, his deep voice commanding attention and a non-smiling face.

"Isabella..... Isabella Hartley sir. I'm here for the post of house cleaner" answered with a smiling face.

"Come in; there isn't much work to do here; as you can see, the place isn't that dirty. I want someone to always ensure everywhere is sparkling clean, and my laundry is done.”

“That won't be a problem, sir, and I promise you, you won't regret it,” Isabella assured as she began her work.

She was done with her work and about to inform James she was done.

James leaned back in his chair, "I must say, you're not what I expected. Tell me, Isabella, what drives you?"

Isabella hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm supporting my sister, Miranda, who's undergoing surgery. I need this job to cover her medical expenses and other bills."

 "I see. Family is important. I admire that. Tell me about yourself, Isabella." He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers.

Isabella took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I'm 24 years old, born and raised in the city. I'm an orphan. My parents died when I was little. I've been working multiple jobs to support my sister, Miranda, who's been struggling with health issues. She's my world and the only family I have.

"What do you enjoy doing in your free time?" he asked.

"To be honest, I haven't had much free time. Between work and caring for Miranda, my life's been quite busy. But I love reading, especially historical fiction, and trying out new recipes." she responded calmly.

"I've got a proposal for you, it's unconventional, but I think you might be the perfect fit," he said smiling 

Isabella's curiosity piqued. "What kind of proposal?"

“I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend; we get to know each other better, I'll introduce you to my Father, we get married, I will sign my contract and, if possible, have a child so I can get my part of the family's inheritance. And then I pay you $500,000, in addition, I'll clear all of your outstanding debts.” He asked.

Isabella's eyes widened, her mind racing. "Marriage? You want me to marry you? But...but this is insane!"

Isabella hadn't recovered yet when he continued.

“Look, you just need to be my wife, that's for two years, to be clear, stay home, be with me at any party I need to attend, and travel with me. In short, just be a submissive wife, no strings attached, also; don't worry, I am harmless: we can sleep in separate bedrooms. I assure you, Isabella, this is a business arrangement. Nothing more."

Isabella spun to face him, her voice trembling. "A business arrangement? You're asking me to pretend to love you, to deceive your family...and marry you! How can I trust you?”

“We can make a written agreement and sign on it. I won't control you and after the deal, we will both have our freedom back. I forgot to mention, even if we don't control each other, you're not allowed to be in a relationship, nor are you allowed to have any suitors.” As he begins to sound convincing.

“This is too much. I don't know if I can do this. I….I need to think about it.” She stammered.

Becoming impatient, “I don't have the time to spare; look, Isabella, it's a win-win situation. I know you need the money to clear up your bills and pay for your sister's surgery and I also need someone to be my wife.”

James walked to a nearby safe, extracted a briefcase, took out his checkbook, and signed the part payment of the agreed f*e.

"Here, part payment of the agreed f*e and use the rest to get yourself anything you need," he added.

Isabella's eyes widened as she collected the check, "This is...too much," she stammered.

James smiled coldly. "Consider it a gesture of my commitment. The remaining will be paid after you've produced an heir for me."

James handed her a sleek black car key. "My driver will take you home. Tomorrow, you can move in."

As she left his place, her heart began to beat, having all kinds of feelings. Soon, her phone beeped receiving a text from the Doctor concerning her sister's deteriorating health.