Alec Westbrook stood outside the towering glass building that housed the empire his father had built. Westbrook Construction. One of the city's most renowned companies, a legacy that Alec was expected to inherit someday.

His father, Richard Westbrook, was a man of steel, both in the boardroom and in his personal life. His success had come at a price—his relationships, especially with Alec, had always been cold and transactional. Alec had long ago stopped expecting warmth from the man who had shaped him into the heir to an empire. Instead, he had learned to expect demands, deadlines, and constant pressure.

Today was no different.

"I want you to find a woman who is not after your money or your name," his father had told him last night. "Someone who will prove to me that you're capable of leading this company. Your marriage is not just for you, Alec. It's for the future of this company. And if you can't do that, then maybe you're not fit to take over."

The weight of those words hung heavy on Alec's shoulders as he stared at the reflection of the sky in the building's windows. He was the only son, the only heir. And yet, he felt like a prisoner in a gilded cage. He wasn't interested in a marriage of convenience, or one where his partner was a mere accessory to his success. What he wanted, more than anything, was to find someone who would love him for who he was, not what he had.

As he turned to walk down the street, Alec's phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from his cousin, Tyler.

"You sure about this plan? I still don't get why you're playing this game."

Alec sighed and texted back, "I need to know if someone will love me for me, not for my name. I'll take the risk. Just trust me."

He shoved the phone back into his pocket, determination building in his chest. The plan was set in motion. Alec would play the part of a low-income, stranded man and see who would help him—without any knowledge of his true identity. It was the only way to know if he could find someone who saw beyond his wealth.

It didn't take long for Alec to put his plan into action.

By late afternoon, he found himself standing outside a small boutique on the quieter end of the city's shopping district. The boutique's sign read "Hayes Handmade Goods," and the warm golden glow of the lights inside beckoned him in. He had watched the store for a while now, observing how the owner, a woman in her late twenties, worked tirelessly on her business. Her name was Maddy Hayes, and from what Alec had gathered, she was someone who seemed genuine, hardworking, and determined.

The moment Alec stepped inside the store, the bell above the door chimed. Maddy looked up from the counter, where she was arranging some ceramic vases.

"Can I help you?" she asked, offering him a polite smile.

Alec, dressed in a faded jacket and worn jeans, shuffled his feet nervously. "Uh, yeah... I, uh, I need some help. I was... robbed on my way here. Lost everything. My wallet, my phone... everything." He paused, studying her face for any sign of sympathy—or skepticism.

Maddy studied him for a moment, her brow furrowing. "That's awful," she said softly. "I'm sorry. Do you... do you need a place to stay? I can help you find somewhere nearby, or I can give you some money to get back home if you want."

Alec hesitated, feeling a twinge of guilt. He could tell she was genuinely kind-hearted. This was exactly the type of person he needed to test his theory. But there was a problem—he couldn't just take money from her. Not yet. Not without knowing more about her.

"I don't have anywhere to go," he admitted, his voice sounding strained. "I... I don't want to be a bother, but I was hoping maybe I could stay with you for a couple of days? Just until I can get back on my feet. I really don't have anyone else."

Maddy's expression softened. She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable but also unsure of what else to do. "My uncle owns this place," she said, her voice hesitant. "He's away on vacation right now, so I guess it's alright. But... I really don't want him to come back and find me with someone staying here."

Alec nodded, a flash of relief washing over him. "I'll be gone before he gets back. I promise."

"Alright," Maddy said, her shoulders relaxing. "But only for a couple of days, okay?"

Alec felt a strange sense of warmth settle in his chest. She wasn't just helping him out of obligation—there was a kindness in her actions that struck him. As he followed her to a small, modest apartment upstairs, he began to wonder if he had already found someone who truly cared.

Over the next few days, Alec played his role. He kept up the façade of a man down on his luck, grateful for the help Maddy had offered. But as time passed, he found himself growing more attached to her, even as he carefully kept his true identity hidden.

Maddy, for her part, seemed increasingly drawn to him. He was helpful around the house, and when she'd ask him about his past, he'd offer just enough details to make him seem believable—always careful not to reveal too much.

One afternoon, Maddy asked him, "So, what were you doing before all this happened?"

Alec hesitated. It was a simple question, but one that could expose him if he wasn't careful. "I was... working on a farm. I had a small operation back home. But, uh, things went south. I lost everything."

Maddy nodded, though Alec could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She wasn't entirely convinced, but for some reason, she didn't press further.

But Alec's carefully constructed world was starting to crack.

One evening, Maddy invited him to dinner with her friends. He had barely sat down when one of them asked, "So, what's your deal? You must have some sort of story behind how you ended up here."

Alec froze. He had to think fast. "I guess I just... I don't have much to say. Life's been hard." He chuckled nervously, trying to deflect attention.

But Maddy's eyes were focused on him now, an unreadable expression on her face. She wasn't buying it anymore.

As the night wore on, Alec could feel the walls closing in. Something wasn't right. He could sense her growing suspicions, and for the first time since meeting her, he began to wonder if he'd gone too far.

After dinner, as Maddy walked him back to the apartment, she stopped at the door.

"I need to ask you something, Alec," she said, her voice quieter now. "What's your real story? Who are you really?"

Alec's heart raced. The guilt hit him like a tidal wave, and in that moment, he realized that his plan might have just backfired.

But before he could answer, Maddy's phone rang, and she looked at the screen. Her face paled.

"It's my uncle," she said, the tension clear in her voice. "He's coming back early."

Alec's stomach churned. This wasn't just about the truth anymore. This was about everything unraveling in a single moment.