The rain came down heavily which beat against the gallery's windows, raining over the city in gray. In the space which served as a gallery Sophia Bennett sat at the counter, her hands tightly in her lap. In the air was the smell of turpentine and old canvas, also that of roses from a vase which she had put out an attempt to bring in some life. The gallery had been a dream, a source of pride for her mother. Now it was a broken ship, burdened with debts which Sophia could not pay. In the display window of the counter lay a framed photo of her mother which had that paint splashed on her cheeks, that smile which held Sophia as a tiny 8 year old. That smile which had been her rock in the middle of the night's despair did in fact not bring relief at this time. The door was wide open with a loud noise which startled her out of her thoughts. then three men in dark suits came in which left no doubt that these were no friends, They stepped inside, their polished shoes clicking against the wooden floor. At their center was Mr. Harding, the bank's representative. He looks straight and sharp not letting emotion crawl in but at the same time his face was full of pity that didn't reach his eyes. Miss Bennett, I had put on my tie, today we reached the date which was the last. The bank will not be able to grant you more time. Sophia stood up, she was sweating in her palms. Please Mr. Harding, a little more time. I have been trying, I have a buyer for two of the paintings.
Harding's smile was cold. Even if you sell the entire gallery, it will not cover half the debt you are to pay. he gave her a scary look , Have you found a miracle? Sophia's throat was tightened. Before she could respond, another voice cut through Smooth, deep and commanding. that is enough Harding. All heads turned to the door. He stood there as a shadow A tall broaded shoulder man, in a black suit that looks expensive Their presence alone reduced the room temperature. Sophia's breath got stuck in her chest. Everyone in the city knew his name. Cold-Hearted CEO of Knight Enterprises. A person who bore his company's name as untouchable as a skyscraper. Ruthless. Fabulous. Dangerous. Harding immediately stepped back, his ego melted into fear. Mr Alexander, he stuttered. I didn't know, I know everything Alexander said, her gaze never leaves Sophia. Leave us , Harding hesitated in just one moment before bowing his head and go out with the men. The door was closed behind them, left Sophia alone with a man, which she did not expect to see anytime. why are you here? she asked. . You are drowning in debt, Miss Bennett. Your family's legacy is about to collapse. Yet you still begging for the time you do not have. His words were cut deep because they were true.
If you have come here to make fun of me, you have wasted your time. I will find a way. Her lips were shaking unconsciously .you have no answer, no plan, no miracle. Alexander stepped closely, the sound of his shoes echoing in the empty gallery. When he was standing in front of him, she felt the cool breeze as if she stood very close to a storm. I can erase your debt, he said. Her breath was caught. What? I will not pay all this. Gallery, your home, your family name all this will be safe. His gaze cooled her, cool and unbreakable. But everything is a price.Sophia's stomach turned. She knew that there is no such thing as generosity in her world. And what do you really want in return? Alexander's silence was suffocated. Then his words fell like a blade. marry me. Sophia's eyes widened. She kept staring at him, definitely a mission to him. What! what did you say? Marry me, he repeated, his tone is serious as if he was asking her to sign a receipt. A contract marriage. Two years. You will play the role of my wife for Two years, and in return, your debt will be forgotten he said. His knees were almost bent under him. You can't be serious she said. I'm always serious. He looked into her eyes you need someone to save you and I need a wife. It's very simple. Sophia violently shook her head, she began to feel uncomfortable with the whole talk . I don't even know you. Why me? but why most the lady be me? Alexander responded to her with his voice less, almost dangerous, you are the perfect lady for the role. You are desperate, and you still do not want me. And unlike some women who throw themselves on me,so it means you are not interested in my fortune.Which I love the most , The word stings. Her pride wanted to refuse him she would ruin herself instead of marrying a man like him. But then she thought about the gallery, his mother's smile, his younger brother, who depended on him. Why two years? she asked, I don't need a wife forever. Just for a long time to silence the board of directors and secure a merger. You will surely be Free. she caught the edge of the counter, her hands trembling, struggling to stabilize her breath. Sophia's heart skiped. Every instinct shouted that it was madness that she would be destroyed by accepting to do it. And yet, what option did she has?it rain harder against the windows, such as a watch tick was counting on its decision. Alexander bent down slightly, his appearance was heavy. So, Miss Bennett. What will happen?I need you to decide now. Do you want all the things that matters to you gone? Or you marry me. Sophia's lips moves, but no words were said.