Li Wei always knew that life could be unforgiving, but she never imagined that the consequences of one wrong decision would come so quickly. She stood in the dimly lit hospital office, her heart racing as she looked at the papers the manager extended toward her.
"Miss Li, I'm very sorry, but if the debt isn't paid off by the end of the month, we'll have to stop your father's treatment," he said, his face showing a tired expression.
The words seemed to echo inside her, leaving a bitter weight on her chest. Since her father had fallen ill, the medical bills had piled up like an avalanche. The family's small restaurant was no longer generating enough income, and even with her savings, nothing seemed to be enough.
That night, returning home under the rain, she found a small envelope waiting on her doorstep. It was plain, with her name neatly written on it, but no sender.
When she opened it, the brief and direct words left her intrigued:
"If you want a solution to your current problems, come to the address below tomorrow. Signed: Zhang Yichen."
She almost laughed, thinking it was some sort of joke. Everyone in town knew the name Zhang Yichen. He was the CEO of ZH Corporations, one of the largest tech and investment firms in the region. A man who seemed untouchable, someone who would never look at an ordinary person like her. But circumstances were stronger than her pride. After all, what did she have to lose?
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The next day, as she walked through the glass doors of ZH Corporations, she felt like a stranger amidst all the luxury. The walls were made of white marble, and the glow of the chandeliers reflected everywhere, making the environment impeccably cold. She took a deep breath and followed the receptionist, who led her to an elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
When the doors opened, Li Wei found herself face to face with Zhang Yichen. He stood behind an imposing desk, his intense gaze seeming to cut right through her. His features were sharp, and he exuded an aura of authority that was almost suffocating.
"Miss Li," he said, gesturing for her to sit. His voice was low, but with a tone that made it clear he didn't like wasting time.
"I received your letter, but… I don't understand why we're meeting," Li Wei began, trying to hide the nervousness she felt. After all, what could someone so powerful possibly want with her?
Yichen observed her for a few moments before speaking, as if carefully choosing each word.
"I'm aware of your situation," he said calmly but firmly. "I know your family is in financial trouble. And, as it happens, I'm looking for… a solution that could benefit you."
Li Wei frowned, confused. The proposal that followed was something she never expected to hear.
"I want you to marry me," he stated bluntly, as though he were discussing the weather. "It will be a marriage in name only, a contract. You'll have a place to live, your father will receive the treatment he needs, and you'll be free to live your life as long as you fulfill your responsibilities as my… wife."
For a moment, Li Wei was speechless. Marry him? Someone she barely knew? Someone who seemed made of ice and calculation? Her heart pounded as she tried to make sense of his proposal.
"Why?" she finally asked.
"My position and my business require stability. And for that, I need a wife. Not a relationship, but a status," he replied. "In addition, I'll spare you and your family from any financial worry. It's a mutually beneficial offer."
Silence filled the room as Li Wei processed the situation. Her mind raced, weighing the pros and cons, trying to decide between the fear of the unknown and the desperate need to save her family. He was offering her a way out, a chance to start fresh… but at what price?
She looked into his eyes, and Yichen met her gaze, waiting patiently for her answer. In his eyes, she saw something she had never noticed before: a hint of loneliness. Perhaps he was as much a prisoner of his circumstances as she was.
"I… accept," she murmured, feeling the reality of those words sink into her skin.
Yichen nodded, as if he had expected this answer.
"Good," he said, picking up a pen and pushing a contract in her direction. "Then, from today on, Miss Li, you'll be my wife—but remember, only on paper."
Li Wei looked down at the document in front of her, where her name was placed beside his, and felt a mix of relief and apprehension. She had just made a pact with the devil—or perhaps, with someone who, like her, was looking for a way to face his own fate.