The rain fell in sheets as Lena Moore clutched her mother's hospital bill in trembling hands.
$73,000.
Her vision blurred—not from the water dripping from her soaked hair, but from the crushing weight of reality.
She had already sold everything she could: her car, her jewelry, even her grandmother's locket. But it wasn't enough. Not even close.
As she stood at the hospital entrance, drenched and desperate, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"
A deep, emotionless voice came through. "Miss Moore. My name is Damien Blackwood. I believe you're acquainted with my assistant."
Her heart skipped a beat. Damien Blackwood—the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. Cold, ruthless, and untouchable. She had served him once at the luxury restaurant where she worked. He hadn't spared her a glance.
"Y-yes. What is this about?" she asked.
"I have a proposition for you. One that could solve your... financial burden."
Lena's breath caught in her throat. "What kind of proposition?"
"A marriage. On paper only. One year. You'll receive full financial support, including your mother's medical expenses. In return, you will attend events as my wife, and follow a few simple rules."
Lena's grip on the phone tightened. This had to be a joke.
"Why me?" she whispered.
There was a pause. Then he said, "Because you're ordinary. No scandals. No attachments. And you know how to keep your mouth shut."
Lena swallowed hard. Her pride screamed at her to hang up.
But her mother's face—pale, fragile, fading—flashed through her mind.
"When do we meet?" she asked, voice barely steady.
There was a pause. Then: "Tomorrow. 9 a.m. My office."
The line went dead.
And just like that, Lena Moore's life began to change forever.