CHAPTER 2

"Mia, you won't believe what just happened!" Isabella said happily, as she tried to settle in.

Mia looked up from her book, curiosity sparkling. "Try me! What's going on? You didn't get the job.?

Isabella dropped onto the couch, exhaling deeply. "Far from it girl, I got more than the job. James Reed offered me an insane proposal."

 "What kind of proposal?" Mia's eyes widened 

Isabella hesitated before blurting out the truth. "He wants me to pretend to be his girlfriend, then marry him, and if possible, bore him an heir, and in return, he pays me the sum of $500,000."

Mia's jaw dropped. "What? That's insane! And amazing! At the same time"

Isabella nodded. "I know, right? I'm still trying to process all of it, it seems like a dream to me."

"Tell me everything! What did he say exactly?" as she jumped up in excitement.

Isabella took a deep breath, recounting the meeting. "He said he needs someone to pretend to be his girlfriend, then marry him to satisfy his parents, and in return, he's going to pay me the sum of $500,000. Here is already a partial payment of the money."

Mia whistled. "Wow, That's a fortune, girl! But what's the catch?"

Isabella frowned. "That's the thing – I'm not sure. He seems genuine, but this feels wrong. Especially the part where I have to bore him a child."

Mia's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe it's not that bad. You'll be securing Miranda's surgery and financial stability."

Isabella nodded slowly. "That's what I keep telling myself. But what about James's intentions? What if he expects more? What if he tries to control me, like some toy?"

Mia waved her hand dismissively. "You'll handle it. You're strong. Besides, it's just business, and he wouldn't dare control you, and even if he does; trust me, I've got your back."

Isabella sighed. "I hope so. I don't want to get in over my head."

Mia sat beside her, reassuring her. "You won't. You'll navigate this. Now, let's focus on the positives – you'll be married to a billionaire!"

Isabella laughed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Mia grinned mischievously. "Maybe a little. But seriously, Bella, this could change your life."

Isabella's smile faltered. "What if I lose myself in this charade?"

Mia's expression softened. "You won't. You'll always be you, no matter what."

As they talked, Mia began helping Isabella arrange her belongings.

"Okay, let's sort these documents," Mia said, holding up a folder.

Isabella nodded, handing her a stack of papers. "Those are the contracts James gave me."

Mia scanned them, eyes widening. "Wow, this is serious. He's committing to this."

Isabella leaned back, watching Mia organize. "I know. It's surreal."

Mia looked up, concerned. "Bella, are you sure you're ready for this?"

Isabella took a deep breath. "I have to be. For Miranda."

Mia nodded, understanding. "We'll get through this together."

As they worked, Isabella's doubts began to fade.

"Thanks, Mia; all these wouldn't have been possible if not for you," Isabella said, smiling.

Mia grinned. "Anytime, Bella. Now, let's celebrate – champagne?"

Isabella laughed. "You're something else. Remember, I need to visit Miranda today; you need to hurry."

Isabella sat beside Miranda's hospital bed, holding her hand.

Miranda smiled weakly. "Hey, sis. How's it going?"

Isabella forced a smile. "It's going well. Don't worry about me, focus on getting better."

Miranda's eyes sparkled. "I'll be fine. But how will you afford my surgery?"

Isabella hesitated before lying. "I...I will be getting a promotion soon at work. Everything's covered; very soon, your surgery will be done."

Miranda looked relieved. "Thank goodness. I was worried."

Isabella squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, Miranda. You'll be home soon."

Miranda's gaze turned curious. "What's going on with you? You seem...different."

Isabella shrugged. "Just stressed with work and taking care of you."

Miranda's eyes narrowed. "There's more to it. Tell me."

"It's nothing, really." she insisted.

Miranda's voice softened. "Bella, I know you. Something's bothering you."

Isabella sighed, struggling to maintain the charade. "It's just...life, Miranda. But I'm handling it."

Miranda's expression turned skeptical. "You're not telling me everything."

Isabella's guilt surged, but she couldn't reveal the truth.

"Miranda, trust me. I've got this under control."

Miranda nodded slowly. "Okay, sis. But promise me one thing."

"Anything," Isabella said.

Miranda's voice barely rose above a whisper. "Take care of yourself, too. Don't sacrifice your happiness for me."

Isabella's eyes stung with tears. "I promise, Miranda. I'll be fine."

As Isabella left the hospital, her emotions swindled.

James poured Steve a drink in his study.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "So, who's the lucky girl you said you've found?"

James answered, "Her name is Isabella Hartley. She's….quite okay for the job."

"Wow, How does she look? How did you both meet.? Common James, give me the full story" Steve persuaded.

"She's a simple lady; besides, there isn't much about her. She came to seek the position of the house cleaner," he said, smiling sheepishly.

"A house cleaner? Do you want to settle for a house cleaner? Common James.

James's expression turned stern. "Steve, stop. My mind is made up."

Steve's tone softened. "James, I just want what's best for you. Are you sure about this?"

James nodded. "Positive. Isabella's the one."

Steve sighed. "Fine, but be careful. You're putting yourself in a vulnerable position."

James's gaze hardened. "I can handle myself, Steve."

Steve leaned forward. "But what about your Father? How do you think he's going to take it?"

James shrugged. "He will be satisfied with the illusion. He has been on my neck to get married and give him an heir. So, That's all that matters."

Steve's eyes narrowed. "And what about this Isabella girl? How well do you trust her?"

James's confidence wavered for a moment before recovering. "She needs the money for her sister's surgery. She will play along."

Steve's skepticism remained. "And what do you think will stop her from not taking the money and running?"

James's smile turned cold. "I've taken precautions. She'll uphold her end of the bargain."

Steve's expression turned serious. "James, I'm worried. This feels reckless and I'm skeptical about this whole arrangement."

James's tone turned final. "Drop it, Steve. My decision has been made. Besides, she's moving in tomorrow, for us to get to know each other more before introducing her to my Father. You know my Dad, he always visits unexpectedly, and I don't want to get stuck when next he visits and finds a lady, and I wouldn't know what to say.”

Steve nodded reluctantly. "Alright, if that's your final decision but if you need me, remember I'm always here."

James appreciated Steve's concern but remained resolute.