sleep t

linked. The zeros looked like a cruel joke. Unreachable. Unreal. But t

elt like I co

powerful, so unknown it should've terrified me. And it did. But not more than

found myself exactly where I swore I woul

ture looming above me like a fortress. The city lights

in a house or something but I didn't know the lo

sk questions. He simply led me into a private elevator

opened, my heart was

my cheap flats would leave scuff marks on the marble. A woman

midnight? Who works

ay, Miss

It looked nothing like I'd imagined. Sleek, but strangely em

hen I

der Bla

The pictures in magazines didn't do him justice. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features

, I forgot ho

ce smooth but clipped. He looked at me

d to reply. "It's st

tween a smirk and a sneer. "You

most d

. That's all

r the door, unsure wheth

t across from him. "Sit

hing my purse ti

d I introduce

that," he cut

at this arrangement

guy explained.

ract. You will be my wife for six months. Publicly. You'll attend events with me, live in my residence, a

y, trying to ab

rage. The agreed sum will be deposited upon signing. An a

"Additio

llion dollars. If you fulfill all t

. A million? Was

illion dollars

hy I'm worth that much

ed. "Because I d

it was unnerving. Like my entire existence

o hear it from his mouth. "Why not hire

Not a date. A legal spo

not an

r," he said coolly. "You e

e edge of the seat. "W

ithout flinching. "And I find someo

H

m. "What do you

len

Just slightly. Bu

?" I asked softly. "

r, folding his arms. "That'

rt of the rea

one of you

told me he wouldn't entertain more questions.

ut through my tho

own room, wardrobe, and anything you need. But let me be very clear. This is not a real marriage

ed hard. "

he contract toward me, alo

red over the line. The ink was still fr

onroe–B

nd tre

't just a

s surr

contract. A life

hoice did I

sig

der didn't say anything.

home. Pack your thing

agreed to sell six months of my life to a man w

leave, his voice

isappoint

m. But the message

him now.... at

my gut, I knew thi

ed me most wasn

gering thought

ackwood even know a l