Ariana stood frozen in Adrian Cole's office, her heartbeat loud in her ears.
A fake fiancée?
Her?
This had to be a dream. A strange, impossible dream.
She forced herself to breathe. "Mr. Cole… why me?"
Adrian walked behind his desk, picked up a file, and spoke without emotion.
"You were in the right place at the right time."
"That's not an answer," she whispered.
He closed the file and finally looked at her again.
His gaze was sharp, calculating.
"You're desperate for money," he said plainly.
"You're quiet. You don't cause trouble. You listen. You're not a gold-digger. And you won't fall in love with me."
Ariana blinked. "Why do you think that?"
"Because women like you never do."
She swallowed hard at the sting.
"So," he continued, stepping closer, "you're perfect for the role."
"What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Attend events with me. Smile for photos. Stay by my side when needed."
He paused.
"Pretend you care about me."
Ariana's stomach tightened. "And how long would this… engagement last?"
"Six months."
Six months.
Six months of living beside a man who looked at her like she was a tool.
He walked to a drawer and pulled out a sleek black folder.
"The contract," he said simply.
Ariana hesitated before taking it. Her hands trembled as she opened it.
Rules.
Conditions.
Boundaries.
– No emotional involvement
– No physical intimacy unless publicly required
– No interference in his personal life
– Confidentiality required
– Payment released monthly
– Immediate termination if she breaks any rule
Her eyes widened.
This wasn't a job.
It was a cage.
"How much are you paying me?" she asked quietly.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, watching her.
"Ten million naira a month."
Ariana's breath caught. She felt dizzy.
"That much… just to pretend?"
"It's not pretend for me," he said coldly.
"It's strategy."
She gripped the folder tighter.
Ten million naira a month…
That could save her mother.
Pay all debts.
Change everything.
Adrian stood up again.
"Ariana."
Her name sounded like velvet in his deep voice.
"You don't have to like me. You just have to play your part."
She looked at him.
He was powerful.
Cold.
Untouchable.
She had no job.
No money.
No options.
And he was offering salvation—
at a price.
She took a slow breath.
"I'll do it."
Adrian didn't smile, but something in his eyes shifted.
"Good. Then we start immediately."
She blinked. "Start what?"
He walked past her, opening the door.
"Your transformation."
"Transformation?" she echoed, confused.
He glanced at her from the doorway.
"You're going to be the fiancée of a billionaire CEO.
You need to look like it."
Ariana looked down at her wet shoes and cheap handbag.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Adrian turned away, speaking to his assistant outside.
"Bring Olivia to my office. Tell her it's urgent."
Ariana stepped forward. "Who is Olivia?"
"My PR manager," he said.
"She'll teach you how to walk, talk, dress, smile, and breathe like you belong in my world."
Ariana swallowed.
Trapped.
That's exactly how she felt.
Adrian's voice softened just a fraction.
"Don't be afraid. You agreed to this."
She met his gaze.
"I'm not afraid," she said, though her voice trembled.
He watched her for a long moment.
"We'll see."
She didn't know it…
But this was the beginning of a deal that would change her life—
and his—
in ways neither of them expected.