Dr. Lee's words cut deeper than any knife:
"Maya, we've exhausted all options. Your mother's cancer is terminal. We can only manage her pain now."
Maya's world crashed. No, this couldn't be. Her mother was her rock, her everything.
She felt like she'd been holding her breath for weeks – sleepless nights, endless tears. Two jobs plus odd ones weren't enough; hospital bills suffocated her – $250,000 and counting. Her brother, Tyler, is only 10... What would happen to him? Their father had abandoned them years ago. Maya had sacrificed college dreams to care for them.
As Dr. Lee left, Maya collapsed into a chair, head in hands. Death seemed easier than this helpless feeling... yet she had to stay strong for Tyler.
A miracle had to happen... but how?
Tyler's tiny hands wrapped around Maya's waist,
"Sissy, why are you crying?"
His voice cracked her heart further. She knelt,
"Hospital food is bad, buddy. Makes my stomach sad."
Tyler giggled slightly before hugging her tight. Maya composed herself enough to head home.
Their small apartment door had a notice plastered on it:
FINAL EVICTION NOTICE
Maya's knees buckled. How could this happen?
'Rent overdue: $5,000
Move-out date: 3 days from now'
Tyler clutched her hand, sensing panic.
Maya called everyone:
Her Aunt Rachel – traveling abroad, no answer...then Cousin Jake – "tight on cash, maybe next month"
Best friend Emily – "My dad could help with a loan... but 10% interest". Every other number – voicemail or rejection
Tyler played quietly on the floor as Maya's hope faded.
Maya gathered Tyler and some belongings, escaping their apartment's looming eviction. The landlord's daily visits and remarks were suffocating.
They returned to the hospital, seeking refuge. A storage room became their makeshift bed – cramped but landlord-free. The next morning, Maya ventured to the hospital cafeteria, hoping for food. Tyler ate hospital applesauce; she hadn't eaten in days.
As she ordered, reality hit – only coins jingled in her pocket. $1.50 short.
A line formed behind her. One man sighed impatiently... then spoke up,
"Allow me. I'll cover it."
Maya turned to face him – piercing blue eyes, chiseled features.
"Thank you... I will repay you somehow," Maya said, taking the food.
"I'm Liam. No need to repay me. Just enjoy your meal."
Maya introduced herself briefly before Liam excused himself to visit someone.
Maya wondered:
Who was that generous stranger?
Maya spent the day with her mom and Tyler in the hospital room. As evening fell, she stepped out to grab coffee from the cafeteria.
Liam stood by the coffee machine, staring at his phone. Their eyes met again.
"Coincidence or do you work here?" Liam asked, breaking the silence.
Maya smiled slightly, "My mom is a patient. You're visiting someone, too?"
He nodded, "Yes... someone close to me."
Liam's eyes softened, "How's your mom doing? If you don't mind?"
Maya's voice cracked, "Doctors say... not much time left. Cancer's won."
Liam nodded slowly, pain flickering across his face.
"My mom's ill too... car accident left her with memory loss. Some days she doesn't recognize me."
Maya saw sadness in his eyes.
Liam cleared his throat, composing himself.
"Enough sadness. Tell me about you – what do you do ...?"
Maya smiled faintly, surprised by the question.
"I studied business part-time while working two jobs. Had to drop out though... hospital bills and my little brother."
Liam's eyes widened slightly, "Brother? How old?"
"Tyler's 10. Our dad left years ago... I'm all he has left, besides Mom."
LIAM'S POV
Liam nodded thoughtfully.
I watched Maya, calculating my next words carefully. Mother's memory loss accelerated daily – I needed her approval now.
Running Rykard Corp required a "stable family man," her words. Never mind my MBA or 5-year business plan.
A temporary marriage would seal my position as CEO before Mother forgot everything... including her company.
My mind wandered back to my mother's words:
"Liam, your father's company needs stability... and you need love again."
Love
A risk i had avoided since Sarah passed away. Yet, something about Maya drew me in – her strength, her beauty, her kindness towards strangers like me.
I leaned in, voice low and sincere,
"Maya, I know this is unusual. But I believe I can help you with your financial struggles. Will you consider my offer?"
Liam leaned against the cafeteria table, eyes locked on Maya's.
"Actually, I have been looking for someone... reliable. My business needs a personal touch. How about a job as my wife?"
Maya's heart skipped a beat.
Before she could answer, Liam added,
"So marriage. My investors want me settled. It would be a contract – 2 years, then divorce. Debt paid, job guaranteed."
Maya choked on her coffee.
I watched Maya's expression change from surprise to shock. My business proposal – marriage included – hung in the air like a challenge.
Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, "Why does your business need marriage? I don't understand."
I leaned back, choosing words carefully,
"My mother founded Rykard Corp. She's... hesitant to hand over control to a bachelor. Thinks family men are more stable."
Maya raised an eyebrow,
"So you need a wife to impress your mother? What about love or actual partnership?"
I shifted uncomfortably,
"Love's not part of this deal. Just a contract – 2 years, then we part ways. You'll be debt-free, I'll have the company."
Maya was confused. Her mind raced as she weighed the pros and cons. Debt-free but at what cost? Could she handle a loveless marriage?
For a moment, Liam mask shifted and she saw a glimmer of desperation in his eyes.
Maya's expression turned cold, her voice barely above a whisper. "You expect me to marry you, pretend to be a happy couple, and then walk away without any emotional attachment?"
I shifted uncomfortably, sensing her scepticism. "It's a business arrangement, Maya. You'll benefit financially, and I'll gain control of Rykard Corp."
Maya's eyes narrowed. "What about your investors? Won't they suspect something's off if our marriage seems... transactional?"
I leaned forward, my voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Leave that to me. I'll handle the PR. You will need to play the part of my devoted wife for two years."
Maya's gaze lingered on mine, her thoughts unreadable. Then, she spoke, her voice firm. "I need time to think."
I nodded, sensing a glimmer of hope. "Take all the time you need. But know this, Maya – I'm not a patient man."
Maya stood up, her movements graceful despite the turmoil brewing inside her. "I'll need a day or two to think it over. How can I contact you?"
I pulled out a card from my pocket and handed it to her. "My direct line and email are on there. I'll expect your response soon, Maya."
As she took the card, our fingers touched briefly, sending a spark through me. Maya seemed unaffected, her expression still guarded.
"Thank you for considering my proposal," I said, standing up. "I believe this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Maya nodded curtly and turned to leave. I watched her go, my eyes fixed on the back of her head. This was just the beginning – and I was intrigued.
As the door closed behind her, I felt a sense of anticipation. Would Maya accept my proposal? And if she did, could I keep everything in check for the duration of our contract?
I sat back down, my mind racing with possibilities. Only time would tell.
MAYA'S POV
The next day, her brother came home crying because he was being laughed at. It turned out he took a torn shoe to school, and his friends were laughing at him because they had seen it. He sobbed and said he wished their mother would get well and everything would go back to normal so he did not feel left out at school.
Maya knew all her money was depleted, so she made up her mind then and there to give Liam a call. She needs to discuss what the contract marriage entails
Maya's heart ached as she comforted her brother, holding him tight. "It's okay, little one. Mom will get better, and we'll get through this together.
" But the reality of their situation hit her hard – depleted savings, mounting medical bills, and a future uncertain.
As her brother's tears subsided, Maya had made her decision. She picked up her phone and dialed Liam's number.
"Liam Rykard," he answered, his voice smooth.
"Hi, this is Maya. I'd like to discuss your proposal," she said, her voice firm.
"Of course. What would you like to know?" Liam's tone turned curious.
Maya took a deep breath. "The contract – what exactly does it entail? What are my responsibilities as your wife?"
Liam's response was prompt. "We'll finalize the details when we meet to sign the contract. But rest assured, Maya, you'll be well taken care of. You'll have a generous allowance, and I'll provide for your family's needs."
Maya's grip on the phone tightened. This could be the solution they desperately needed.
"I'll do it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I have conditions."
There was a pause before Liam spoke, "I'm listening." She hesitated for a moment.
"Let's meet up.
I've been thinking about your proposal, and I'd like to discuss the details further. Would it be possible to meet in person? I'm interested in understanding the contract better and what this arrangement would entail. "
The thought of meeting Liam again made her stomach flutter, but she pushed aside her nerves. This was about securing her family's future.
Maya asked, her voice clear over the phone.
"Of course," Liam replied. "Where would you like to meet?"
"The coffee shop at The Grand Plaza? Tomorrow at 2 PM?" Maya suggested.
"Perfect. I'll be there," Liam said. "Looking forward to seeing you, Maya."
The line went silent, and Maya felt a shiver run down her spine. She pushed aside her doubts, focusing on the reason for their meeting.