It was just another tiresome day at the cafeteria. I dragged my tired ass around, refilling coffee cups and adding more donuts. Just another day.
The doorbell rang. I glanced at the new customer—and noticed this wasn't a normal customer. Black tuxedo, sharp-cut hair… everything about him looked sharp. What is he? A rich male model? His eyes almost scanned the whole cafeteria before stopping at the table of an older man who drank coffee here every day.
I stepped around the counter and refilled the coffee jar. From the corner of my eye, I noticed their heated conversation.
Well, it didn't matter. I needed to do my job well, pay my bills, cover debt from my ex-husband, and feed my little kid—my little sunshine.
As I walked toward the table where this sharply dressed man was sitting, the older man stirred and hurried out. I had never seen him leave in such a rush; he was always a kind old man.
I approached the table, standing before the man, who looked at me.
"You shall be fine. Marry me."
I gaped. The coffee jar slipped in my hands, spilling half the coffee onto the floor. What is wrong with this guy?
"Watch it!" he gasped as hot coffee splashed over the table, the chairs, and into his lap. He jumped up and grabbed the pot from my hands.
I looked at him. "Are you crazy?! What kind of question is that?!"
"No. Just listen for a moment. Someone like you would need this opportunity."
This was so offensive. Someone like me?! I thought it—and actually said it out loud.
"Yes. You. You have a low-paying job, probably swimming in debt, and need this. And me? I need a wife. We can do this on paper. Today or tomorrow. You will have benefits."
I was half burning inside. Angry.
"How dare you!" but he smirked.
"I dare."
I was so shocked I couldn't say much.
He sat on another chair. "Look, I need a wife to inherit my grandfather's fortune. He wants me to be married, to have kids and such. But I don't have time for this. Time is money. For a wife like you, a billion is enough, right? One billion. You shall be my wife on paper and just occasionally join me at some events. Nothing much. Easy."
I stared at him. A billion??!! What kind of money is that even?
That would solve my problems… but no. I must be crazy to even consider this. He must be some dangerous man, some weirdo.
I turned around, wanting to leave.
I heard him again: "Look, just think about it. I'll be here, waiting for fresh coffee. A contract can be ready in a minute."
I walked away.
Behind the counter, I counted my own coins. What if this is a trap? What if I get pulled into something I don't have the energy to deal with?
Omg.
Then my phone rang.
I looked at the phone. Kindergarten.
"Hello?" I answered.
A long line of words came from the other side:
"Miss Kate Longhorn, you haven't paid the bills for months now for your kid's kindergarten. I was really hoping we could work this out, and we've given you so many chances. If you don't solve this now, you'll have to pick up your kid yourself. We're not a charity here—other parents have kids too, and we're fully booked!"
The annoying voice of the secretary at the kindergarten echoed in my ear.
What will I do? I can't even pay the house bills or buy food, but having my little boy Ken here is a must. My boss will be so mad. And it's just the two of us at home.
My mind was racing, spiraling into despair.
"Please… just give me more time," I whispered.
"No, Miss. We cannot have this ongoing. If the bills aren't paid, we have a problem, don't we?"
And then she hung up the phone.
I was cracking inside.
This was the breaking point. It wasn't the first time I'd been called this week. Mortgage for the house, bills for water and electricity, grandma's bills for her caretaker, Ken's kindergarten fees… it was too much.
I held back my tears and whispered to myself, maybe this is the point when I have to risk my own life.
I looked at that weird, fancy man. Let me see… what is this contract about?
As I walked toward him, he noticed me. He smirked and leaned back, as if he knew exactly that I would return.
"Are you considering, lady…?" he asked.
"Kate," I said, trying to steady my voice.
"What is this about… you were saying, a contract wife?"
He smiled. "Sit, and let's talk."
I sat down and leaned back, as if a bone of steel ran through my spine. I can be tough too. Let's see.