The Contract
Sophia stared at Ethan, her pulse racing. His words echoed in her mind. Change my life? It sounded too good to be true—and she knew things like that always came with strings attached.
"Change my life how?" she asked cautiously, trying to steady her voice.
Ethan's lips curled into a smirk, as though he enjoyed her hesitation. "You're sharp. I like that. Let's just say I have a… vacancy in my life that you could fill."
Sophia frowned. "That sounds cryptic. Care to elaborate?"
Ethan gestured toward the balcony. "Let's talk where it's quieter."
Against her better judgment, Sophia followed him outside. The city stretched below them, lights shimmering like stars. Ethan leaned against the railing, his sharp profile illuminated by the glow of the skyline.
"I need someone to play a role," he began, his tone measured. "A fiancée, to be exact."
Sophia blinked, unsure if she'd heard him correctly. "You're joking."
"Do I look like someone who jokes?" he replied, his expression unflinching.
She laughed nervously. "You want me—a stranger—to pretend to be your fiancée? Why on earth would you need that?"
"My company is merging with a traditional family-owned firm," Ethan explained. "The patriarch values family and stability above all else. If I show up as a bachelor, it could jeopardize the deal. But a committed man? That's someone he'll trust."
Sophia stared at him, trying to process the audacity of his request. "Why me? You could hire an actress or someone more… qualified."
"Because you're not from my world," Ethan said simply. "You're grounded, genuine. They'll believe you."
"And what do I get out of this?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Ethan's gaze softened slightly, as if he had anticipated the question. "A million dollars. Enough to pay off your debts and start over. Plus, the experience of a lifetime."
Sophia's breath caught. A million dollars? It was a tempting offer, but it felt surreal—and risky. "And what happens if I say no?"
"Then I'll find someone else," Ethan said with a shrug. "But I have a feeling you won't say no."
She narrowed her eyes. "Why's that?"
"Because you walked into this gala uninvited. That tells me you're bold—and maybe just a little desperate."
Sophia hated that he wasn't entirely wrong. But still, pretending to be engaged to one of the most powerful men in the country? It sounded like a recipe for disaster.
"I'll think about it," she said finally, her voice firmer than she felt.
"Do more than think," Ethan said, handing her a sleek business card. "Call me tomorrow. The clock is ticking."
As Ethan disappeared back into the crowd, Sophia stood on the balcony, the wind biting at her skin. Her heart was pounding, her mind racing. A million dollars. A chance to change everything. But what would it cost her in the end?