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Chapter 1 — The Proposal
The last day of the month painted the city skyline in streaks of amber and crimson. The sun was sinking behind the towering buildings, its fading light spilling into the quiet street below.
Lina's heels clicked against the marble floor as she climbed the stairs, clutching her worn leather bag tightly to her chest. Her throat ached from holding back tears, her heart heavy as though someone had dropped a stone into it.
Her father lay in the hospital, tubes and wires keeping him alive. The medical bills piled higher every day, suffocating what little hope she had left.
Her mother's words still echoed in her ears.
"It's just one year, Lina… just one year. If you do this, we can save your father…"
But could she really sell herself so cheaply, even for her family?
She stopped in front of a pair of gleaming black glass doors. The golden letters on the wall next to them read:
ZHENG CORPORATION — EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Lina's fingers trembled as she reached for the handle.
On the other side of those doors was him.
Leon Zheng.
The infamous cold-hearted CEO.
The man who'd made the offer.
"Marry me for one year. Be my wife in name. No love. No expectations. When the year ends… you walk away. And I'll pay you enough to save your family ten times over."
It was a contract. Nothing more.
Or at least, that's what he said.
Lina drew in a shaky breath and pushed open the doors.
And there he was — seated behind his massive oak desk, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His piercing gaze lifted to her, his expression unreadable.
"You came," he said coolly, his deep voice filling the room.
She swallowed hard, summoning what little courage she had left.
"Yes," Lina whispered, stepping forward. "I… accept your proposal."
For a split second, something flickered in his eyes — something she couldn't quite name. But it was gone as quickly as it came.
Leon rose to his feet, walking toward her with long, measured strides. He stopped just inches away, towering over her.
"Good," he murmured, slipping a crisp white envelope into her hands. "Read it. Sign it. From this moment on…"
His lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile.
"You belong to me."
Lina's fingers tightened around the envelope as her heart pounded against her ribs.
One year.
Just one year… right?
Or so she hoped.