The fluorescent lights of the mall buzzed overhead, casting a harsh glare that felt almost suffocating. In a quiet corner of the staff break room, Alicia sat on a bench, a half-eaten sandwich forgotten in her lap. Her mind was a relentless loop, fixating on the same numbers: the $300,000 debt Peter had left her with and the $35,000 needed for her mother's surgery.
"Alicia? Hey, you there?" a voice broke through her thoughts.
She jolted, her head snapping up to see her coworker, Sarah, standing in front of her, concern etched on her face.
"Oh, Sarah," Alicia said, blinking as if waking from a dream. "Sorry, I didn't hear you. My mind was... elsewhere."
Sarah sat down beside her, the worry in her eyes deepening. "Still thinking about Peter? You really need to let that go and move on."
"It's not just him," Alicia replied, her voice heavy with frustration. "It's everything, the bills, my mom's health..."
Sarah's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "I get it. And that's why you need to hear this. I was in a social chat group this morning, and someone posted a really strange ad. I looked into it, and it's legit." She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "A super wealthy guy named Julian is looking for a woman for a short-term contract marriage."
Alicia's jaw tightened. "No. Absolutely not. I'm not doing that." She stood up, anger and disgust surging through her. "I'm not going to sell myself."
"Alicia, this isn't about selling yourself," Sarah insisted, rising to match her intensity. "This is about saving your mother and taking care of your brother. This is for them." She pulled out her phone, scrolling quickly. "The post said Julian needs a beautiful, classy lady for a couple of months. The pay is $50,000, more than enough for your mom's surgery."
The words hit Alicia like a punch to the gut. Sarah was right. Her pride felt insignificant compared to her family's survival. The image of her mother's pale, still face flashed in her mind, and she felt her resolve crumbling.
She closed her eyes, took a deep, shaky breath, and lowered her head in defeat. "Okay," she whispered. "I'll do it."
Sarah's face broke into a relieved smile. "Great! I'll send you his contact information." She quickly typed on her phone and turned the screen toward Alicia. "This is Julian's info. I've already messaged him to let him know you'll be calling."
***
Alicia's taxi pulled up to the curb of a sleek, modern building made of glass and steel. She felt small and out of place in her simple clothes, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. Inside, a receptionist guided her to an elevator that opened directly into a vast, silent office.
Julian stood by a floor-to-ceiling window, his back to her. He was tall, dressed in a sharp, expensive suit that seemed to radiate power. He didn't turn around until the receptionist announced her presence.
"Alicia," he said, his voice as cold and formal as the office itself. When he finally faced her, his gaze swept over her quickly, assessing her with a clinical detachment that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Thank you for coming," he said, gesturing to a sleek leather chair in front of a massive desk. He remained standing, a silent reminder of his control over the situation.
"I've seen the pictures Sarah sent me. Your appearance is more than acceptable," he continued, his words feeling more like a judgment than a compliment. "Let's be clear about what this is. This is a business arrangement. You will be my wife in name only for two months. You will attend a few social events with me, meet my family, and play the part of a beautiful, first-class lady without mistakes, after which, we divorce"
Alicia's heart sank. She had known this was a contract, but his detached manner made it feel far more clinical than she had anticipated. She nodded, her throat dry and tight.
"In return," he continued, "I will pay you the agreed-upon fee of $50,000, but I will pay you an advance of $20,000 first. My lawyer will have the documents ready in two days. You will come here, sign them, and the money will be transferred to your account." He gave her a sharp, final look. "Don't be late. And don't disappoint me."
With a vague gesture toward the door, he signaled that the meeting was over. Alicia stood up, feeling like a product that had just been evaluated and deemed acceptable. She mumbled a goodbye and walked out.