Emily stared at Alexander Knight, certain she had heard him wrong.
"I proposed the marriage?" she repeated, her voice rising in disbelief.
Alexander looked completely calm, as though this situation was perfectly normal.
"Yes," he said simply.
Emily shook her head immediately. "That's impossible. I would never marry a stranger!"
"You were drunk," Alexander replied.
Her face turned red with embarrassment.
Emily quickly tried to remember what had happened after they met at the bar, but the memories were foggy and scattered. She could vaguely recall laughing, talking, and signing something—but she couldn't be sure.
"This has to be a mistake," she said nervously. "We can just get the marriage annulled, right?"
For the first time, Alexander's expression changed slightly.
"It's not that simple."
Emily's heart skipped. "What do you mean?"
Alexander stood up from the bed and walked toward the large window overlooking the city. His tall figure looked even more intimidating in the morning light.
"This marriage might actually be useful," he said thoughtfully.
Emily blinked in confusion. "Useful?"
He turned around and looked directly at her.
"My grandfather has been pressuring me to get married for years," he explained. "He believes a married man is more responsible."
Emily frowned. "And?"
"And if I show him that I am already married, the pressure will stop."
Emily's eyes widened slowly as she realized what he was suggesting.
"You can't be serious."
Alexander walked closer, his dark eyes steady.
"I propose we keep the marriage… temporarily."
Emily almost choked. "Absolutely not!"
"Think about it first," Alexander said calmly.
Emily crossed her arms stubbornly. "There's nothing to think about. I don't even know you!"
Alexander studied her face for a moment before speaking again.
"I will compensate you."
Emily froze.
"What?"
"For staying married to me for a while," he continued. "You will live comfortably, and I will solve any financial problems you may have."
Emily's heart pounded.
How did he know she had financial problems?
Before she could respond, Alexander added quietly,
"You needed a strong drink last night after talking about your landlord threatening to evict you."
Emily's face went pale.
He remembered everything.
Alexander slipped his hands into his pockets and looked at her calmly.
"So tell me, Emily Carter," he said.
"Are you willing to be the billionaire's wife… just for a little while?"