š Chapter 1: The Forced Marriage Proposal Due to Debts
Lian sat in the small living room, surrounded by the remnants of a cold coffee cup and papers filled with red numbers. Her sick father's voice groaned from the adjacent room, while her mother tried to calm the atmosphere with a strained smile.
"Lian, we have to do something. Our debts are increasing daily, and the hospital is demanding payment now."
Lian lowered her head, knowing that all options led to one word: impossible. The job loss, her father's illness, and accumulated debts made it impossible to see a bright future.
At that moment, the phone rang. It was Adam Al-Hashmi's business manager ā one of the city's wealthy men.
"Mr. Adam is ready to meet you today at the Palace of Happiness at 3 pm. He is ready to discuss an offer that could change everything for your family."
Lian didn't know what this offer was, but she felt something was off.
3:00 pmā¦ Palace of Happiness
Her situation didn't allow her to think twice. Lian sat in a luxurious room, facing a man in his late thirties, handsome with a cold demeanor, looking at her without showing any emotions.
"You are Lian, the daughter of the bankrupt businessman, Hassan Naji."
She nodded.
"I have an offer for you. I'm willing to pay off all your father's debts, treat him in the hospital, and give your family a financial compensationā¦ in exchange for marrying you."
Silence fell. Marriage?!
"Why?" she asked in a faint voice.
"I want a wife by name only. A one-year deal. After that, I'll divorce you and give you a large sum that will suffice for your life."
His words were a shock. A placeholder wifeā¦ in exchange for her family's salvation, she collided with harsh reality.
"Sign here."
His voice was cold, as if it didn't matter to him. Lian looked at the paperā¦ hesitated for a moment, and finally decided quickly, her hand trembling as she signed.
Inside, she promised herself: _I won't remain weak forever._ š„