Unexpected engagement

Alexander rested back in his chair, turning his fingers in a way that spoke of power and control. "Let's call it a mutually beneficial arrangement, Miss Grace."

Emily’s mind started racing. This could not be good, Infact any offer from a billionaire with a ruthless reputation can never be a good sign. But the crazy large bill for his ruined suit was still there, a very obvious evidence of her current predicament.

"What are you aiming at?" Emily asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

A slow smile spread across Alexander's face. "Simple. You become my wife."

The words struck her like a physical blow. His wife? The whole situation left her speechless. Marrying a stranger, a powerful, arrogant man she barely knew, to escape a financial burden? It seemed like something out of an extremely funny fairytale.

"Marriage?" Emily finally managed to blurt out, her voice strained. "Are you serious?"

"Perfectly," he responded , his gaze unwavering. "A marriage of convenience, of course. You'll have a place to live, financial security." He paused, then with a mischievous grin in his eyes. "And I'll get… certain benefits."

The implication was clear. She wasn’t just marrying him for his money; he expected something in return. But what?Companionship? A wife to show off? The uncertainty stared at her. This could not get any worst.

"Benefits?" Emily echoed, her voice barely audible.

"Let's just say," he continued, his smile turning mischievous , "you'll be confided in the full meaning of 'wifely duties.'"

Emily’s cheeks went red. Was he implying… no, it couldn't be. She was very sure it’s not the activities going on in her head that he is implying to. Not in this modern age. But the way he looked at her, a mix of amusement and something she couldn't quite place her hands on, sent shivers down Emily’s spine.

"I can't possibly consider this," She managed to say , her voice rising up a bit "Marriage is a serious commitment, not a business transaction."

He chuckled dryly. "Love and happily-ever-after are fairy tales, Miss Grace. Reality is a series of calculations,I expect you to know that, a game of power and influence."

His words got to Emily a bit, mirroring the betrayal she had felt that had seeped into her heart after Mark's saga . But did she really want to trade one kind of heartbreak for another, a loveless marriage built on convenience and unspoken desires.? This is not how Emily planned her life, Things are definitely not going according to plan.

There was silence for a long while, thick with tension. The luxurious office seemed to shrink around her, the city lights outside reminding her of the world she could never truly afford.

"Think about it, Miss Grace," Alexander said finally, his voice softer now, almost as if he was begging her. "The alternative… well,let's just say the cleaners won't be happy with the state of their expensive equipment after they're done with your burnt coffee pot."

The threat was so obvious. He is definitely threatening her. Despair washed over Emily. She was trapped, caught between an impossible debt and a marriage that is screaming manipulation.

Days fell into one another. The threat of the cleaners and the ever-present image of the large bill haunted Emily . Sleep offered no escape, her dreams filled with sude shadows and Alexander's steely gaze.

Finally, broken and desperate, Emily made her decision. She called the number on the business card, a knot of fear tightening in her stomach.

A shrilly voice answered, "Steele Enterprises."

"This is Emily Grace," Emily murmured, her voice shaky. "I… I want to accept Mr. Steele's offer."

There was a moment of silence, then a satisfied chuckle. It felt like the person on the line actually knows about all this. "Excellent decision, Miss Grace. Mr. Steele will be delighted."

The man on the phone gave Emily instructions on where to meet, and she hung up, her heart getting so heavy in her chest. She was walking into a cage, a prisoner of circumstance and a desperate need for security.

The following day, Emily sat in a taxi, on her way to a luxurious mansion on the outskirts of the city. Every fiber of her being fought against this situation, but she had nowhere else to turn.

Stepping out of the cab, Emily was met with a big estate that spoke of unimaginable wealth. A uniformed maid took her little belongings, and Emily followed her into the imposing mansion.

Inside, the luxury was overwhelming. Marble floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork adorned the walls. Every detail screamed of wealth and power, and a wave of loneliness came over her immediately.

The maid led Emily to a spacious bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet and a bathroom that looked like a spa. It was beautiful, but it felt cold, a stark contrast to her cozy, albeit cramped, apartment.

As Emily unpacked her little belongings, a knock on the door made her jump.