Chapter 4

MARCUS

Nicole Zachary was stunning. I had already noticed her beauty the day we met at the diner, but today she looked even more striking. Whether it was the red dress, the red lip gloss, or the way the dress hugged her figure, I couldn't say.

As she walked through the door, I felt fate was on my side. My friends had bet that I would never get married, but I was determined to prove them wrong. And there was only one person I had in mind: Nicole Zachary.

I had done my research and paid for information on her. I knew she was a struggling artist in need of money, making her an easier target. Offering her a large sum of money would be all it would take to win her over.

At least, that's what I believed - women are programmed to be drawn to money, or so the stereotype goes.

I approached her, standing behind her with my head tilted. It was now or never.

“Nicole Zachary," I said, and she turned to face me, her eyes widening in surprise and recognition as she locked her gaze onto my face.

"Mr. Marcus, what a pleasant surprise to see you here," she responded, and I walked over to stand beside her.

"I must say, it's an even more pleasant surprise to see you as an artist, and a good one at that," I complimented her.

A soft smile graced her lips as she responded, "Well, you never know with people, Mr. Marcus. People are very unpredictable."

As I looked at her, I couldn't help but think about the bet my friends had made about me finding a woman to get married to. With $9000 at stake, I knew I had to win.

"True. Can we step outside for a moment? I have a business proposal I'd like to discuss with you," I said, watching as she placed her drink on the table.

"Sure, let me just inform my best friend that I'll be outside if she needs me," she replied, before making her way toward her friend.

“Sure, take your time. I'll wait here," I nodded as Nicole excused herself and walked towards another brown-haired girl. As she exchanged pleasantries, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"I suspected that it would be you. And I was right. What in the world of arts are you doing here? This has never been your thing, Marcus Russell," the lady said, and I let out a sigh.

It was Emily Reins, one of my numerous ex-girlfriends.

"Well, people change. People can become unpredictable. I didn't expect to see you here either. Alana said you went to Europe," I replied,

I cringed at the thought of Emily catching me red-handed with another woman, and the memory of her crying her eyes out still lingered in my mind. However, I couldn't bring myself to care about it.

"I returned to finalize a contract here. Then I heard there was an exhibition being held here tonight, so I said, 'why not?'" she explained, taking a sip from her wine glass.

"Oh, I see," I replied, feigning interest in our conversation.

"So, what are you doing tomorrow? I'm less busy. I was thinking we could hang out," she suggested, and I gave her a weird look.

"You want to have lunch with me? A guy who broke your heart and doesn't feel sorry about it?" I asked, unable to mask the incredulity in my voice.

Women. Women were the most impossible creatures to predict.

“You still owe me an apology, I know that. But I'm not a vengeful person, and I don't hold grudges. So, dinner tomorrow? My treat?" she said, flashing a smile.

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't refuse her invitation. "Okay, deal. Do you still have my number? Text me the location, and I'll be there by seven. I have to go now," I said, already walking away towards Nicole.

"Well, Nicole, have you forgotten me?" I said, sliding up beside her.

"No, no. I was just greeting some people, but we can go now”.

“Nina, if you need me, I'll be outside," she said, nodding at her friend. I followed her out to the balcony.

"What's this business proposal you have for me?" Nicole asked as we stood overlooking the city. Her hair was loose now, and it swayed in the breeze.

No way was I going to tell her it was all for a bet. I had to tell her something different.

"My parents are pushing me to get married, but I don't want to. I'm tired of their nagging, so I'm looking for a contract marriage," I said, watching her reaction carefully.

"And?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.

"I want a contract marriage, and I think you just might be the perfect candidate for it. You're beautiful, calm, and intelligent," I said, waiting for her response.

Her blue eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing.

“Mr. Marcus, are you suggesting a contract marriage between us? I must confess, I am surprised. After all, I belong to the lower class of North Dakota's society," she said.

"Your social status doesn't matter to me. I believe that class distinctions are unnecessary. However, as I mentioned before, this is a contract marriage designed to provide mutual benefits. You stand to gain something, and so do I," I explained, and she looked at me quizzically.

"What exactly are the benefits I would receive?" she inquired.

"Financial gains, to put it simply. Money. Lots of it" I replied, and she let out a sigh.

****

NICOLE

“Money. Lots of it.” Marcus said and I sighed.

I didn't have faith in men and relationships have never been my forte, but Marcus made it clear that he was proposing a marriage of convenience solely for financial gain. And at this point in my life, that was something I desperately needed

Suddenly, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was my mom.

"Excuse me," I said to Marcus as I stepped away to answer the call.

"Hi, Mom," I said as I put the phone to my ear.

"Nicole, I'm sorry to interrupt your work, but it's urgent. Damian is in the ICU, his lungs collapsed and he's going into surgery. And your dad is scheduled for surgery in two days, and he's currently in the hospital," my mom said, her voice trembling with emotion. It was evident that she had been crying.

My heart sank as I heard her words, and tears began to well up in my eyes.

“Is Darla with you, Mom?" I asked, my voice shaking with worry.

"Yes, she's with your dad in his hospital room," she replied.

"Nicole, we don't have the money. I need to deposit something for them to prepare Damian's room after surgery," my mom said, her voice filled with despair.

"Okay, Mom. I'll see what I can do," I replied before ending the call.

I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath. I had to keep my emotions in check. The only way I could save my dad and Damian was to go ahead with this contract marriage, no matter how distasteful it seemed.

"I accept the contract, Marcus, but with one additional condition," I said firmly.