CHAPTER ONE – THE CALL
The ballroom was filled with soft music and quiet laughter. People moved around with drinks in their hands, smiling as if nothing in life ever went wrong. I stood near the edge of the room, holding my glass tightly even though I had not taken a sip. My name tag shone under the light, Elizabeth Brown, Marketing Department.
It was Grey Enterprises' annual gala, the kind of event everyone in the company looked forward to. But I was not one of them. My stomach was tight, and my face hurt from pretending to smile. The gold decorations and the smell of wine made me feel even more out of place.
My phone started to vibrate in my small purse. I pulled it out quickly and saw the name I had been avoiding all evening — the hospital. I looked around. Everyone was busy talking and laughing. Slowly, I stepped away from the crowd and moved behind the long curtains that reached the floor. The music became faint. I pressed the phone to my ear.
"Please, doctor, just a few more days," I said softly.
The voice on the other end was calm but firm. "Miss Brown, we've extended your mother's stay three times already. We can't continue her treatment without payment."
My heart sank. I turned my back to the room, facing the wall. "Please, I'm trying to raise the money. I just need a little more time."
"Tomorrow is the final day," he said. "After that, we will have to stop her medication."
I swallowed hard. "Please don't do that," I whispered.
There was silence, then the call ended. I stood still for a few seconds, my hand shaking. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't—not here. Not in front of people who would never understand.
I placed the phone back in my purse and tried to breathe. When I turned, my chest tightened again.
Anderson Grey was standing a few feet away, watching me.
He was tall, dressed in a black suit that fit him perfectly. His face was calm, but his eyes were sharp. He was the CEO of Grey Enterprises, my boss and the most powerful man in the room.
"Mr. Grey," I said quickly, my voice unsteady. "I'm sorry about that. It was a personal call. It won't happen again."
He didn't answer at first. His eyes stayed on me, unreadable. "You should be careful where you have private conversations, Miss Brown."
"Yes, sir," I replied quietly.
He gave a small nod and walked away. I stood there for a moment, my heart racing. When I finally returned to the hall, the music felt louder, the lights brighter. But nothing felt the same anymore.
That night, I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the hospital's number on my phone screen. My mother's face kept coming to my mind. Her voice, her smile, the way she used to call me Lizzy girl. I couldn't lose her.
The next morning, I reached the office early. I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen, trying to focus. My phone rang again. It was from Human Resources.
"Miss Brown, Mr. Grey wants to see you in his office at ten."
My heart stopped for a second.
By the time the elevator reached the top floor, my palms were cold. I took a deep breath before stepping into his office.
The room was wide and quiet, with glass walls that looked out over the city. He was sitting behind his desk, reading a file. He didn't look up when he spoke.
"Sit," he said simply.
I sat down, my fingers twisting around my bag.
"You were at the gala last night," he said.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"And you had a personal call."
I nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm really sorry. It was an emergency."
He looked up then, his eyes calm but serious. "You said your mother needed treatment."
My voice caught in my throat. "Yes, sir."
He leaned back in his chair. "How much do you need?"
I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. "Sir?"
He spoke slowly. "I'm asking how much the hospital bills cost."
I looked down. "I don't understand why you're asking."
He folded his hands. "Because I want to help you."
I stared at him, confused.
Then he said something that made my heart race faster. "I need a wife."
My mouth fell open. "What?"
He spoke like he was talking about work. "A one-year marriage contract. You will act as my wife in public. In return, I will pay for your mother's treatment and give you full financial support after the year ends."
I felt my hands go numb. "That's not something you joke about."
"I'm not joking," he said calmly. "I have an important business deal coming up, and my investors expect a stable image. I don't have time for a real relationship. This arrangement will solve both our problems."
"Why me?" I asked quietly.
He looked straight at me. "Because you're disciplined. You work hard. You don't cause trouble."
I didn't know if that was a compliment or a warning.
He slid a folder across the table. "Read it before you decide. You have two days."
My eyes dropped to the folder. My name, Elizabeth Brown, was already printed on it.
He said, "No pressure, Miss Brown. It's just a deal."
I stood slowly, my legs weak. "Yes, sir."
As I walked out, my head was spinning.
That night, I sat beside my mother's hospital bed. Her breathing was weak. The room smelled of medicine and faint hope.
"Lizzy," she said softly. "Why do you look so worried?"
I smiled a little. "I'm fine, Mom."
"You've been crying," she said.
I turned away. "It's nothing. You just need to rest."
She gave a small smile. "You always try to protect everyone, even when you're breaking inside."
Her words cut deep.
After she fell asleep, I opened the folder on my lap. I read every line. Marriage for one year. No emotional ties. Total confidentiality.
I closed the folder. My hands were shaking.
I didn't want to do it, but I didn't see another way.
The next morning, I signed my name at the bottom of the page.
At nine a.m., I was back at Grey Enterprises. My heart was beating so hard I could feel it in my throat. The receptionist looked surprised when I asked to see Mr. Grey.
When I entered his office, he looked up from his desk. "You've decided," he said.
"Yes," I whispered.
His tone stayed calm. "A lawyer will handle the documents today. We'll make the engagement public next week."
I nodded.
He stood and walked toward the window. "You'll move into my penthouse before the announcement. You'll have to attend public events with me. Do not speak to the media without my approval."
"I understand," I said quietly.
He looked back at me. "This is not a game, Miss Brown. Every move will matter."
"I know, sir."
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "That will be all for now."
I stood and walked to the door. When the elevator closed, I pressed my back against the wall and shut my eyes.
I had just agreed to marry a man I barely knew. Not for love. Not for dreams.
But because it was the only way to save the person I loved most.
And somewhere deep inside, I wondered if this deal would save me too or destroy me first.