ANA
ce. That meant there was still a small chance of salvation for
tastele
he college expenses piling up, but the hospital bill was also increasing, and my father's health had deteriorated signi
id. Who still needs such a
nding a real wife. Or simply, he could be an ugly man. A million thoughts crossed my mind as I wai
face of adversity, it was the only solution I could see. Without romantic expectations or personal interests, it all boiled do
ner was, they were a person with a lot of money and influence because
ract marriage or become a prostitute. Not that there was much differenc
n. But of two evils, the lesser
my pride and suffocated me. However, the sense of helplessness and the urgency to h
thin curtains contrasting with the opulent surroundings. I sat in one of the
his eyes carefully assessing me as I
er," I replied, attempting to
that you're here out of urgent need, Miss Foster." I raised an eyebrow at hi
o fulfill if you accept the final proposal. However, the marriage we're considering is not a trivial decision. My grandson
ifficulties on both sides. I'm here because I see no other way out of my family's financial
, it will be a solution benefiting both parties. This is not a common cont
looked at me with a serious expression. "If this goes forward, remember, Miss Foster, that everything we do here will have c
assed?" I shook my head
sign,
th modest embroidery on the bust. It was the only thing suitable for the occasion. My supposed fiancé entered th
ck and forth. The loud shouts echoing in my ears made
nce and stared at me for the first time, while
e weight of his gaze
vulnerable in this situation. The tension hung heavy in the air, as if fate had be
murmured, trying to
nd irritation. There were no words to soothe the whirlwi
," he growled, looking away while
age. The words of the officiant were a mere murmur, lost amid the emotional chaos that surrounded us. As he s
I was introduced to
r had given us as a wedding gift, and
w that the formalities are done, we need to make it clear how this will work. I don't wa
ent that neither of us was willing to turn this convenienc
questions, no expectations," I replied,
an listing the conditions of our agreement. "No emotional involvement. No questions a
iage would be anything but conventional. It was a pragmatic agre
ring the rules in my mind as I tried to
this," he handed me a black card, "hope
fingers, and watched him leave. Despite being married on paper, our lives would remain