Amara lived a quiet life working as a cleaner in the biggest company in the city. She never imagined her life would change after one accident.
One morning, she spills coffee on the cold and powerful billionaire CEO, Adrian Blackwood.
Instead of firing her, he gives her a strange
offer.
"Pretend to be my girlfriend… and I'll pay you more money than you've ever seen."
But what started as a fake relationship slowly becomes something neither of themexpected,Love.
Amara rushed through the large glass doors of Blackwood Corporation, slightly out of breath.She was late.Again.
"Great… just great," she muttered under her breath while holding the tray of coffee cups.
Working as a cleaner in one of the richest companies in the city wasn't exactly her dream job, but it paid enough to help her and her sick mother survive.
That was all that mattered.
She quickly stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
The CEO's floor.
Most employees avoided that floor unless they were called. The CEO of Blackwood Corporation was known to be cold, strict, and impossible to please.Adrian Blackwood.Even hearing his name made workers nervous.Ding.
The elevator doors opened.
Amara walked carefully down the quiet hallway, balancing the tray of hot coffee in her hands.Just deliver the coffee and leave," she whispered to herself.Suddenly—BANG!
She crashed straight into someone.The tray slipped.
Coffee splashed everywhere.Amara froze.
Slowly… very slowly… she looked up,Standing in front of her was a tall man in a black suit, his expression dark and unreadable,The expensive suit he was wearing was now completely soaked with coffee,
Her heart nearly stopped.
Because she knew exactly who he was.
Adrian Blackwood.
The most powerful man in the company.
And she had just spilled coffee all over him.
"I—I'm so sorry!" Amara said quickly, her voice shaking.
The hallway became silent.
Adrian stared at her with cold eyes.
For a moment, she thought she was definitely getting fired.
But then something unexpected happened.
Instead of yelling… he suddenly smiled.
A slow, dangerous smile.
"Well," he said calmly, "this is interesting."
Amara blinked in confusion.
Adrian stepped closer.
"Since you ruined my suit," he continued, "you should take responsibility."
Her stomach dropped.
"I… I can pay for the cleaning…" she said nervously
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
He leaned slightly closer and said something that would change her life forever.
"You're going to pretend to be my girlfriend."
Amara's eyes widened.
"What?"
And just like that…
Her normal life was over.Amara's mind went completely blank."You're going to pretend to be my girlfriend."The words echoed in her head like a strange dream."I… what?" she stammered.Adrian Blackwood stood calmly in front of her, as if he had just asked the most normal question in the world.You heard me," he said, adjusting the sleeve of his coffee-stained suit.Amara looked around the empty hallway, half expecting someone to jump out and tell her it was a prank.But no one came.
This was real.I think you're joking, sir," she said nervously.Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.Do I look like someone who jokes?"
She quickly shook her head.No, sir.""Good."
He walked past her and stopped near the large window at the end of the hallway. The city stretched below them like a sea of buildings and lights."Come here," he said without turning around.Amara hesitated, then slowly walked toward him.Her heart was beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it.Tell me your name," he said."Amara."Full name."Amara Cole."Adrian nodded slowly as if memorizing it.How long have you worked here?"Eight months."And you're a cleaner?"
Yes, sir."Adrian finally turned to face her again.His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp, studying her like she was some kind of puzzle.You're perfect."Amara blinked.Perfect for what?""For the job.""I already have a job," she said weakly, holding the empty tray tightly.Adrian sighed slightly.You don't understand."He walked toward her again, his footsteps quiet against the polished floor.My family is forcing me to attend a dinner tomorrow night," he explained."Okay…" Amara said slowly.They expect me to bring a girlfriend."Her confusion only grew.So… bring one?"Adrian gave her a look that clearly said she had missed the point."I don't have one."Oh.""And I don't have time to start a relationship just to satisfy them."Amara finally began to understand.So you want me to pretend… just for dinner?"For now.""For now?" she repeated nervously.Adrian ignored the question.
I will pay you."
That word caught her attention immediately.
"Pay me?"
"Yes."
"How much?" she asked before she could stop herself.
Adrian studied her reaction with amusement.
Then he said a number.Amara nearly dropped the tray again.T-that's impossible," she whispered.That's my offer. "But that's more than I make in a year! Adrian shrugged slightly.For me, it's nothing."Her thoughts raced wildly.That amount of money could help her mother's hospital bills.It could pay their rent.It could solve so many problems.But something about the situation still felt wrong.Why me?" she asked carefully.There are thousands of women in this city." Adrian's lips curved into a faint smile."Exactly."Amara frowned.I don't understand."
Most women would say yes for the wrong reasons," he explained.
"They would expect more afterward."His eyes moved over her simple uniform and worn shoes."But you…"He paused.You're different."Amara didn't know whether to feel insulted or complimented.I'm just a cleaner," she said.
"That's exactly why you're perfect."Silence filled the hallway again.
Amara looked down at the floor, thinking hard.
This felt crazy.Pretending to be the girlfriend of the richest man in the company?It sounded like the beginning of a disaster.But the money…
Her mother's weak smile flashed in her mind.
The hospital bills sitting on the kitchen table
The landlord threatening to kick them out Slowly, she looked up.
What exactly would I have to do?" she asked.
Adrian's smile returned.Simple."You attend the dinner with me."You act like my girlfriend."And you don't embarrass me."
That's all?"For now."Amara took a deep breath.This was insane.But maybe…Just maybe…It was the opportunity she needed.
She opened her mouth to answer—
When suddenly a voice interrupted them.
Adrian?"Both of them turned toward the hallway entrance.A tall, elegant woman walked toward them confidently, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.She stopped when she saw Amara.Her eyes narrowed.Well," the woman said slowly, "this is unexpected."
Amara felt a strange chill run down her spine.Because the way the woman looked at her…
Was anything but friendly.