Chapter 1: The Deal
The rain fell heavily against the glass windows, each drop echoing the chaos in Amara's heart.
"Please, sir… just give me more time."
Her voice trembled as she stood in the middle of the luxurious office, her fingers clenched tightly around her bag. Everything about this place screamed wealth—something she had never known.
Behind the large mahogany desk sat Damian Cole.
Cold. Calm. Untouchable.
"I don't give extensions," he said flatly, not even looking up from the documents in front of him.
Amara swallowed hard. "My father is in the hospital. I—I'll find a way to pay—"
"Enough."
His voice sliced through hers like a blade.
Finally, he looked up.
Those dark eyes held no sympathy.
"Your family owes me millions. You have nothing to offer."
Her chest tightened.
Nothing?
She had sacrificed everything already. Worked multiple jobs. Sold her belongings. Yet it was never enough.
"Then what do you want?" she whispered.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Damian leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was a puzzle waiting to be solved.
"There is one way."
Amara's heart skipped.
"M-marry me."
The words hit her like thunder.
"What?"
"You heard me."
Her breath became uneven. "This is a joke."
"I don't joke."
He stood up slowly, walking toward her. Each step made her more aware of the power he held—not just in wealth, but in presence.
"I need a wife. You need money. It's a simple arrangement."
Amara shook her head. "Marriage isn't a business deal!"
"For me, it is."
Her mind raced. This couldn't be real.
"Why me?" she asked.
Damian's lips curved slightly, but there was no warmth in it.
"Because you're desperate."
The truth hurt more than she expected.
"And because," he added quietly, "you won't fall in love with me."
Amara froze.
Was that supposed to make it better?
"Take it," he said, sliding a contract toward her, "or walk away—and watch your father die without treatment."
Tears blurred her vision.
This wasn't a choice.
It was a trap.
With shaking hands, Amara picked up the pen.
And signed her life away.