Chapter 1 - The Agreement

 

The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the constant noise that already fills the diner. Another day begins, where I, with my inseparable worn apron, force a smile on my face. I haven’t had many opportunities in my life, so I’ve resigned myself to taking what comes and smiling, even if the world is crumbling at my feet.

"Table three, Sophia!" shouts Charlie, the manager, from behind a towering stack of plates she balances with precise movements.

"I'm on it!" I reply, grabbing another tray loaded with sandwiches, hot coffee, and muffins.

The in-and-out of people is relentless. Some mumble a good morning; others don’t even notice my presence. After all, to most of them, I’m just here to serve. But that’s okay. I know I’m more than that. I’m a daughter fighting to give my family some comfort and juggling to keep them togetherdespite my mother… I sigh without realizing it. Also, an older sister trying to give my younger brother a better future than mine, even though he doesn’t seem as worried about his tomorrow as I am.

My feet ache, and it’s not even lunchtime yet, the time when things always feel like they’re spiraling out of control. I take a quick sip of water, returning to the counter, but almost choke when I see a call on my cell phone. It’s from the hospital. My breath catches.

"Hello?" I answer with trembling fingers and a faint voice. These calls never bring good news.

"Miss Carter? I’m calling about your mother. I think we’ll need to change the plans for her treatment. And we need to discuss the hospital bills. They’re piling up..."

"I know that, doctor," I sigh. "I… please! Give me a little more time." I plead.

I hear a slight scoff on the other end. It’s so humiliating!

"I think you understand we don’t have much time left, Miss..."

The call drops, and a sense of defeat washes over me. I roll my eyes, trying to hold back the tears. I take a few breaths. I can’t break down now. Not here.

"Are you okay, Sophia?" Charlie asks, perhaps noticing my desolate expression.

"I just need a minute," I mutter and step away.

At the back of the diner, far from curious eyes, I lean against the cold wall and close my eyes tightly, bringing my hands to my forehead.

"I need to find a solution..." I whisper to myself.

My rent is overdue, hospital bills are piling up. My paycheck barely covers basic expenses to keep everyone from starving.

"Sophia?" I startle when I hear a man’s voice call my name.

It’s Paul, a family friend and my father’s lawyer before he passed away. His expression is serious, and deep down, I know my situation is about to get worse.

"What happened, Paul?"

He bites his lip, looking hesitant.

"I don’t have good news."

I let out a bitter laugh.

"What else is new?" I notice the man looks even more uncomfortable and wave my hands, urging him to continue, feeling guilty. After all, it’s not his fault.

"It’s about your father’s debts."

A wave of dizziness hits me.

"I’ve already paid what I could... I swear, I’m trying..."

"I know," he interrupts me, his tone heavy with sympathy. He’s been watching my struggle. "But the largest debt... with Hawthorne Corp... they’re growing impatient and demanding immediate payment."

I swallow hard. I try to speak, but no words come out. Hawthorne Corp. The most powerful company in the city, led by CEO Alexander Hawthorne, the most ruthless man ever known. It’s public knowledge that he doesn’t forgive debts, no matter the circumstances.

"You know I don’t have that kind of money, Paul. I just got a call from the hospital... The bills are piling up... I don’t know what to do anymore!"

He places a hand on my shoulder, perhaps sensing my despair.

"There might be a solution."

"What?" my voice comes out strained, probably from desperation.

"Alexander Hawthorne wants to speak with you. He said he has a proposal."

I feel my heart pounding in my throat. What could a powerful man like Hawthorne want to talk to me about? I’m just an ordinary girl with debts he could simply ignore or collect through legal means.

"I’ll go," I say, though I have no idea what awaits me.

Hawthorne Corp is exactly what I expected: imposing, luxurious, and intimidating. The building seems to touch the sky, and its glass walls reflect a city that never sleeps. I walk into the lobby, where everything is immaculate. Elegant receptionists, men in suits, and the constant sound of ringing phones.

"Sophia Carter?" A blonde, serious woman approaches me.

"Yes."

"Mr. Hawthorne is expecting you. Follow me, please."

She guides me to an elevator that rises so quickly my ears pop. When the doors open, we’re on the top floor. The walls are glass, and the view of the city is breathtaking, but I can’t admire the scenery. My stomach is in knots.

"Come in."

The deep, authoritative voice makes me look ahead. Alexander Hawthorne is sitting behind an enormous mahogany desk. He’s exactly like in the photos: tall, perfectly styled dark hair, and eyes as cold as steel.

"Sit, Miss Carter."

I obey, making an enormous effort to appear calm, though I’m far from it.

"You wanted to talk to me about my father’s debt?"

He observes me for a few seconds, as if evaluating my every move.

"Yes. Your father’s debt. It’s substantial, and the company cannot absorb such losses."

I swallow hard before speaking.

"I... I can’t pay right now, but I’m willing to work, to do anything to repay the debt."

A subtle, almost imperceptible smile appears on his lips.

"Anything?"

I lift my chin.

"Yes."

Alexander stands and walks to the window, looking out at the city below.

"I have a proposal for you. An agreement that will benefit both parties."

"What kind of agreement?"

He turns, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Marriage."

The word echoes in my mind like thunder.

"Marriage?"

"Yes. I need a wife for personal and business reasons. Someone who can play the role perfectly for one year. In return, your debt will be cleared, and your family will receive all the necessary support."

My heart races. This can’t be happening.

"A marriage... of convenience?"

"Exactly. No emotional involvement. Just a contract."

My mind races. It’s insane. Crazy. But what about my mom? My brother? This agreement could save them.

"And if I refuse?" My voice trembles.

"If you refuse, I’ll demand the full payment immediately. And we both know you can’t pay."

The air feels heavier. He’s cornering me, but not with violence. It’s with cold, relentless logic.

"I... need time to think."

"Don’t take too long. The clock is ticking."

I stand, my legs trembling, and leave the room. In the elevator, my hands are cold, and my heart is still pounding.

When I step out of the building, the sun is shining, but I feel like I’m trapped in a storm.

My life will never be the same.

Now, I have to make the hardest decision of my life.