Ellie stared at Adrian Blackwell, her pulse pounding in her ears. This had to be a joke, some elaborate prank by the universe to remind her how absurd life could be. Yet the intensity in his gaze told her otherwise—he was serious. Dead serious.

"I don't think you understand what you're asking me to do," she said, her voice sharp despite the disbelief curling at the edges of her words. "You're asking a complete stranger to marry you. For money."

Adrian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his expression calm but resolute. "It's a business deal, Eleanor. Nothing more, nothing less. I need a wife, and you need...stability."

Her cheeks flushed. The audacity of the man. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're a talented artist," he said, ignoring her glare. "But talent alone doesn't pay rent or fund a gallery show. I can give you what you need to succeed—time, money, freedom. In exchange, you help me keep my company."

Ellie folded her arms across her chest. "You make it sound so simple. But it's not, is it? What's the catch?"

Adrian hesitated for the briefest moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face before his polished mask returned. "There are rules. Appearances to maintain. For the next year, you'd have to live with me, attend events, and play the role of my devoted wife. Everything must seem real."

"A year?" she repeated, her stomach twisting. "And what happens after that?"

"The marriage ends. Quietly. I'll ensure your life goes back to normal, but with enough money to pursue your dreams—no strings attached."

The weight of his words hung between them. Ellie's mind raced through the implications. A year wasn't forever, but it was long enough to change everything.

"And if I say no?" she asked, her tone defiant.

"Then I find someone else," Adrian said, his voice cool but not unkind. "But you'll lose the opportunity I'm offering. And I'll lose the company I've spent my life building."

Ellie leaned back, her thoughts a jumble of doubt, curiosity, and a strange tug of empathy. Despite his wealth and confidence, there was something raw about Adrian, something that hinted at a man desperate to hold his life together.

"How do I know you won't screw me over?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"You'll have a contract," Adrian replied. "It'll protect you as much as it does me. You'll be compensated upfront and monthly, with a bonus at the end of the year. Everything will be above board."

Ellie tapped her fingers against the table, her eyes narrowing. "This is insane."

"Maybe," he admitted, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "But sometimes, insanity is the only way forward."

The following night, Ellie found herself pacing her apartment, the details of Adrian's offer replaying in her mind. She'd spent hours weighing the pros and cons, arguing with herself about what was right and what was reckless.

Her art career was going nowhere fast. Bills piled up faster than she could pay them, and her dream of showcasing her work in a gallery seemed more like a fantasy with each passing day. Adrian's offer could change everything—if she could stomach the risk.

When her phone buzzed with an unknown number, she didn't need to guess who it was.

"Have you decided?" Adrian's voice was calm, but there was a thread of urgency beneath it.

Ellie exhaled, gripping the phone tightly. "I have questions. A lot of them."

"Understandable. Meet me tomorrow morning. I'll have my lawyers draft the contract, and you can review everything."

"And if I still say no?"

"Then I'll respect your decision," he said simply. "But I don't think you will."

There it was again, that quiet confidence that both irritated and intrigued her. Ellie bit her lip, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Fine," she said. "I'll meet you. But I'm not making any promises."

"Understood," Adrian replied, the hint of a smile in his voice. "I'll see you tomorrow."

The next morning, Ellie sat across from Adrian in a sleek, glass-walled conference room at Blackwell Enterprises. A stack of papers lay before her, filled with legal jargon that made her head spin.

"Everything you need to know is in the contract," Adrian said, his tone professional. "Your rights, your compensation, and your obligations. Take your time."

Ellie scanned the pages, her eyes catching the key points:
• A $100,000 upfront payment.
• A monthly stipend of $10,000.
• A $500,000 bonus at the end of the year, provided she fulfilled the terms.
• Non-disclosure agreements, ensuring the arrangement stayed private.

It was more money than she'd ever dreamed of having. Enough to change her life completely.

"I have one condition," she said, setting the papers down and meeting his gaze.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"I want a clause that lets me leave if you cross any boundaries," she said firmly. "I won't be treated like property."

His lips curved into a small smile, one that almost seemed impressed. "Agreed."

Ellie took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she picked up the pen. "If this goes sideways, I'm blaming you."

"Noted," Adrian said, his tone light but his eyes serious.

With a final exhale, Ellie signed her name.

There was no turning back now.

To be continued...