I sat nervously in the luxurious office, fidgeting with my hands. Julian Blackwood, the man I'd spilled coffee on just a few days ago, sat behind his massive desk, his eyes fixed intently on me.
"So, Miss Thompson," he began, his voice low and smooth. "I must say, I'm impressed. You're either very brave or very desperate to respond to my proposal."
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I met his gaze. "I'm just desperate, Mr. Blackwood. My mother is... ill, and I need to find a way to pay for her treatment."
Julian's expression softened slightly, but his eyes still gleamed with a calculating intensity. "I see. And you're willing to do whatever it takes to save her?"
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yes, anything."
Julian leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "Very well, Miss Thompson. Here's my proposal: marry me, and I'll provide the funds for your mother's treatment. In return, you'll be my wife in every sense of the word... for a year, at least."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Marry him? This ruthless, womanizing billionaire? But as I looked into his eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. A glimmer of curiosity, perhaps, or even a hint of vulnerability.
"What makes you think I'm the right person for this... arrangement?" I asked, stalling for time.
Julian's smile was like a crack in the ice. "Oh, I think you'll do perfectly, Miss Thompson. You're... refreshing. And I must admit, I'm intrigued by your spirit. You're not like the women I usually encounter."
I raised an eyebrow, despite myself. "And what women are those, Mr. Blackwood?"
Julian's eyes glinted with amusement. "The kind who are more interested in my bank account than in me. But I think you're different, Miss Thompson. I think you might just be the challenge I need."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze. What was I getting myself into?
As I hesitated, Julian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I'll give you time to think about it, Miss Thompson. But let me be clear: this is a business arrangement, not a romantic proposal. I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain."
I swallowed hard, trying to process the enormity of what he was proposing. Could I really do this? Could I marry a stranger, a man with a reputation for being ruthless and heartless?
But as I looked around the opulent office, I knew I had no choice. My mother's life depended on it.
"I'll do it," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
Julian's eyes narrowed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Excellent," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'll have my lawyer draw up the papers. We can finalize the arrangements tomorrow."
As I stood up to leave, Julian's voice stopped me. "One more thing, Miss Thompson."
I turned back to him, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes?"
Julian's eyes glinted with amusement. "Don't think for a moment that this arrangement will be easy. I'll expect you to play the role of my wife to perfection. And if you fail..."
He left the threat hanging in the air, but I knew exactly what he meant. I was trapped, and I knew it.