ALEXANDRA

What was the first thing that I was supposed to feel, say, or think? Well, I wasn't sure because I had never been in such an embarrassing position in my life. The memories of the previous night came rushing back again and I felt sick instantly.

I stood frozen in the doorway, my gaze locked with Ethan Warner's. The man from last night. The CEO of TerraNova Holdings. The man I'd just spent the most mortifying yet exhilarating night of my life with.

A million thoughts raced through my mind, each one more absurd than the last.

Should I apologize? Should I run? Should I pretend I didn't recognize him? No, that would be stupid because definitely recognized me judging by the look of disbelief in his eyes as he stared at me. This wasn't just my dignity on the line! It was also my goddamn job! What if he said he didn't want to work with me? Fuck, I needed the money fast.

Ethan broke the silence, his voice a cool, detached baritone. "Ms. Thompson, I presume?" He asked as though he hadn't heard me the first time.

I nodded dumbly, feeling tongue-tied and acutely aware that we were alone In the office, and damn me for closing the door. There goes my escape.

"Please, have a seat," he gestured towards the plush leather chairs in front of his desk.

I gingerly lowered myself into one of the chairs, my movements stiff and awkward.

Ethan leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me quickly look down at my feet.

I fidgeted under his scrutiny, acutely aware of every imperfection, every flaw about me. He was trying to unravel me, to see what was beneath my exterior, and judging by the indifferent look on his face, I wasn't sure if he succeeded.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.

"Mr. Warner," I blurted out, "I want to apologize for my behavior last night. I... I wasn't myself. I think someone drugged me." That was the only thing that came to mind and I just blurted it out.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

"Drugged?" he repeated, his voice laced with confusion.

I nodded, my cheeks burning with shame.

"I only had a few sips of the drink, and I've never reacted like that to alcohol before. I woke up this morning in your hotel room, and I have no memory of how I got there." I explained, leaving Ronan out of this because someone of my caliber didn't accuse someone like him. His family would probably make me go missing.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"That's interesting," he said slowly. "Because this morning, my secretary informed me that the...escort I'd requested never arrived. I was so puzzled because who was the woman I was with and why did she leave so fast? And then I found your note."

My heart sank. Escort? He thought I was a prostitute?

"I'm not an escort," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm an event planner. I was at the party last night."

Ethan's lips curled into a wry smile. "I know who you are, Ms. Thompson. I was impressed with your work at Mrs. Valeria's event, and I asked my assistant to book you for tonight's party. I just didn't expect that you were the one who showed up at my door... in that state."

I winced.

"I'm so sorry," I mumbled, my gaze fixed on my lap. "I don't know what to say."

Ethan sighed. "It's alright, Ms. Thompson. I'm not going to hold it against you. It was a misunderstanding."

He paused, his gaze hardening. "But I do want to apologize for taking advantage of you. Even if it was a mistake, it was still wrong."

I looked up at him, surprised by his sincerity even though it sounded forced. "Thank you," I said softly.

The next few moments passed in silence. Ethan seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Finally, he spoke. "Ms. Thompson," he began, his voice low and serious, "I need your help."

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden request.

"My help?" I repeated.

He nodded, his gaze unwavering.

"I'm in a bit of a predicament. My parents are pressuring me to get married, and they've even threatened to arrange a match for me if I don't find someone soon." His icy blue eyes were fixed on me and I found myself gawking at how ethereal he looked.

He stood up and walked around his desk, his tall frame looming over me.

"I need a wife, Ms. Thompson. At least, for a year. Just long enough to get them off my back." He said nonchalantly.

My mouth gaped open. Was he serious?

"I know this is a lot to ask," he continued, "But you're the only one I can think of. You're intelligent and capable, and you look like you can get a job well done. Also now that we have…history together."

I shook my head, my thoughts racing as I opened my mouth to say no but he beat me to it.

Ethan leaned closer, his blue eyes piercing into mine.

"I'll pay you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ninety million dollars. For one year. All you have to do is be my wife."

Ninety million dollars.

The number echoed in my mind, a sense of hallelujah echoing in my head. It was more money than I could ever dream of earning. It was enough to pay for Sage's surgery, to give her a chance at life.

My resolve crumbled.

"Okay," I said, my voice barely a croak. "I'll do it."

I wasn't thinking. I was crazy and I didn't even think about it.

Ethan's face remained impassive. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver ring, a simple band with no form of diamonds or any of the fancy stones that people of his caliber wore. He took my hand and slid the ring onto my finger.

"One year," he said, his voice firm. "Be mine."

I nodded, staring at the ring. I'd just agreed to marry a man I barely knew. A man who thought I was a prostitute. A man who was offering me an obscene amount of money to be his pretend wife.

What had I gotten myself into?

Ethan stood up, his expression softening slightly.

"I'll take care of everything else," he said. "You just need to meet me tomorrow."

I rose to my feet, my legs feeling like jelly.

"Tomorrow?" I squeaked.

He nodded. "Tomorrow. Welcome to the family, Mrs. Warner."

I stumbled out of his office, my head still reeling. I'd just sold myself to the devil. But at least I'd saved my sister's life.

As I made my way back to the party, the realization hit me like a pail of freezing water.

I was married.