rse not, but from the coldness of it, the way his words cut without warning, without care. Just like th

ractive," I said, keeping my tone light, almost amused. "Yet here you are, asking me to marry you

t that he did not find me

to sign. And even if they agreed, they'd expect more: emotional investments, eventual power, maybe even a family. That's not what I want. I only want someone who wants money; if

le o

eaking daggers while wearing a silk glove. But what he didn't know, what he clearly underestimated, was that I could play the

as fragile

would be lucky to be insulted so elegantly. Who knew being desperately broke could fi

ing in silence, behind hospital curtains and on empty train rides home. I didn't break easily.

ound desperation more honest than ambition. At le

pa

each other." He gave a slow, dry smile, not warm, not kind but calculated. " You're still getting more out of this than most w

clear that this wasn't about love or desire. That I was simply useful. A placeholder. A woman who was desperate enough to trade her na

Maybe I wa

despe

ence stretching between us like a taut thread ready to snap. So that was it. He wanted a wife who wouldn't expect love, wouldn't demand

something heavier-responsibility, fear, urgency. This wasn't just about me.

nally unavailable billionaire to

mean I'd walk in

ate. And he's right.

clothes, but at the man behind them. Calculated. Controlled. Probably u

ad to

and my sanity. I'd need clear boundaries. I'd need control over a few things at least l

a contract? Fine. But

I replied without vigor and then continued. "If I agree, I want it written in black and white how long this

ither impressed or amused; f

g as it doesn't interfere with the image you're trying to pro

gued now. He was going to say

ract that guarantees I walk away with enough to start over. I won'

even though my hands w

" I said softly, "bu

I could tell he hadn't expected that much fire. Maybe

I wasn't the weak, trembl

wear his ring, I'd d

way that felt both calculating and amused. Like I'd just tu

rest

ow, edged with something like respect, though it was wrapped in sarcas

eting his gaze evenly

ing everything he'd assumed about me since I first opened the door.

elf a player,

could melt hearts, but one corner of his mouth curved up in a

ould get your freedom as long as you do not jeopardize my corporate image; the marriage would not be out in the open; I just need to be able to say I am married anytime the need for it comes, and when there is a need to show who my wife is, that is where you come in. I know they will se

the cuffs of his pristine shirt like this whole conv

marriage lasts." He took a step closer, and though his tone remained casual, there was steel beneath it. "But just as you wo

arsh, b

o slap that smug look off his face, and another part of me, one I hated, felt

ith that," I

, and handed it over to me. I looked at it and gaped.

We'll arrange a meeting. P

oor, glanced over his shoulder, and added, "You're n

n he wa

remained, like the echo of a storm tha

ne. I hadn't even processed the shock of who he truly

ract m

attractive but found me useful, who is a popular hotel

er, I would sign a

ing away parts of mys