_Author's POV_
Roland had his gaze fixed on the figure of Evelyn in the distance.
He wasn't sure if she was going to take the offer he was about to make but he had to try.
He had overheard just enough of her conversation earlier to know she was in trouble, big financial trouble.
And anyone with financial trouble was always desperate to get it fixed.
And desperate people made for easy negotiations, or so he thought.
"She'll agree," he said to Aiden, his voice full of certainty. To him, there was no way someone would turn down the offer he was about to bring.
All she had to do was be a trophy wife, and he'd pay her odd; at the end of their contracts, she'd get a job.
It was a win-win for them both.
So she had to agree.
Aiden looked at him sideways then turned back to look at the woman. She was still on a call with someone and it seemed like she was ranting.
His eyes raked over her and he wasn't quite certain about what Roland had said.
"You sure about this? She didn't exactly look like the type to be easily swayed,"
Aiden voiced out his concerns with his eyes still on her, he didn't want Roland to do or say anything crazy right now, but they needed to find a bride.
There wasn't even anyone that came to mind when he tried to think of a replacement, so he had to go with Roland's choice.
"Trust me," Roland replied with a smirk. "She needs money. We're offering a solution she can't refuse. Go bring her here," Roland ordered, leaning against the car.
With that, Aiden made his way over to where Evelyn stood, her phone still in her hand; she was waiting for Jonathan, Fiona's boyfriend who worked at the hotel.
He suddenly called Fiona and informed her that he would come over to the bureau, so she had to wait for him. She needed to ask a few questions.
Aiden cleared his throat, making Evelyn turn around sharply. She didn't hear him come up behind her and wondered what he wanted.
Evelyn eyed him with suspicion, her eyes raking over his features.
He looked like the butler or driver of some rich man, she thought.
She stood there staring as she waited for what he would say
When he remained quiet after a while, she couldn't handle it anymore and finally spoke.
"What do you want?" she snapped.
She didn't mean to sound rude, but she had a lot on her mind and someone randomly coming to talk to her wasn't what she planned this morning.
It didn't help that he was just staring at her as though he was evaluating her.
"I'm Aiden. My boss, Roland--" he gestured toward the car making Evelyn turn her attention there "--wants to talk to you. It could be worth your time,"
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
So she was right, he was some kind of driver for a rich man.
But why would the so-called Roland want to see her?
"Why would I meet your boss? I don't even know him," She asked, turning her attention back to the car
She wasn't sure what they wanted but she most definitely didn't trust them.
"He can help you with your... situation," Aiden said carefully, trying not to make it sound as if he was pitying her.
"He has an offer you might want to hear," He added immediately.
"My situation? What do you know about my situation?" Evelyn hissed, glaring at him.
She had just met this man, but it seemed as if he pitied her already. Could it be that they overheard her while she was talking on the phone?
"I don't mean to sound rude, but we're only going to offer something you eould benefit from. I can assure you that you won't regret it," Aiden said, trying to persuade her.
He knew that if he didn't, she would walk out without wasting time, and he couldn't let her do that.
Despite her initial reluctance, curiosity got the better of Evelyn.
She wouldn't be losing anything from listening to his boss so she nodded her head
"Lead the way," she said.
Evelyn followed behind Aiden as he walked to the car. The moment they got closer, something clicked in her mind and her eyes widened.
"Wait a second," she growled, her voice rising in anger. Aiden turned to her in surprise, wondering what had happened.
"That car... it's the one that almost hit me earlier!"
Pushing past Aiden, Evelyn marched forward, her anger rising with each passing second.
Roland who was leaning against the car, barely had time to react before Evelyn was right in front of him, her finger pointed accusingly at his chest.
"You didn't even have the decency to apologize to me. Just because you own a fancy car. Who do you think you are?" Evelyn hissed, poking her fingers at his chest each time she spoke.
Roland's eyes flashed with irritation as he stared down at her. He wasn't used to people, especially women, speaking to him that way. He straightened, towering over her as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer to himself.
"Shut up and get in the car," he said coldly.
Evelyn breathed heavily as she glared up at him, prepared to turn him down.
Until he spoke once more.
"Unless you don't want the money," His eyes flashed as he pulled the car door open, going in.
The mention of money made Evelyn freeze, different thoughts racing in her mind.
She hated how that one word seemed to have power over her.
But her financial troubles were real, and she couldn't afford to ignore an opportunity, even though she despised Roland so much now.
With a heavy sigh, she climbed into the car, her pride taking a hit with every step she took.
Inside, the tension was thick and Roland glanced at her.
"I'm going to be straight with you," he began, making her turn her attention towards him. She wanted to know what he had to say, what she would be doing to earn money.
"I need a wife. Temporarily."
Evelyn blinked, the absurdity of his words making her question if she'd heard him correctly.
"Excuse me?" She blurted out
A wife? What does that have to do with her though?
She wondered as she stared in shock.
"A temporary marriage," Roland repeated, rephrasing his words. He was unfazed by her reaction because he knew just how much he needed this.
"In exchange, I'll clear your debts and even offer you a job afterward."
"So where am I supposed to find a wife for you? I don't have people standing around waiting for a man to offer a temporary marriage contract to them," Evelyn said, staring at him like he was out of his mind.
And maybe he was; to her, all rich people were crazy.
"I want you to get married to me," Roland said.
Evelyn stared at him for a long moment, and then, to Roland's surprise, she burst out laughing.
She could barely contain her anger as she threw her head back, covering her lips with her left hand.
"Are you stupid?" she asked between fits of laughter, tears forming in her eyes. "Who in their right mind would agree to something so ridiculous in this day and age? Can't you find a wife yourself?"
Roland's jaw tightened, but he remained composed.
"You need money and I need a wife to secure a position. It's as simple as that. I already told you that I would be paying you and also offering you a job,"
Evelyn shook her head, still chuckling at the absurdity of it all.
"I don't care how much I need the money, I'm not selling myself off to some arrogant man who thinks he can throw money at me and fix all my problems," She hissed, grabbing the handle of the door as she prepared to walk out
"You're making a mistake," Roland said, his voice low.
He couldn't understand how anyone would turn down money that way, especially when they were in dire need of it just like she.
"No," Evelyn shot back, glaring at him. "You are. Not everyone can be bought,"
Without another word, she stormed out of the car, her shoes clicking sharply against the pavement as she walked.
Roland watched her leave, his hands clenching into fists beside him.
He wasn't used to being rejected, especially not by someone like her.
He had offered her something good and he threw it back at his face.
Aiden slid into the driver's seat and glanced at Roland. He didn't need to ask to know how it ended. "Well, that went well."
"Shut up," Roland muttered, watching as Evelyn disappeared into the distance.
He knew that everyone could be bought, all that mattered was how desperate they were.