Leonardo didn't flinch. "Let me explain. It would be a fake marriage. My mother is in the hospital. She's dying. The doctors say she has maybe two years left. Her one wish before she goes is to see me married. I want to fulfill that… with you."
Serena stared at him like he'd lost his mind. "Well, I'm not interested. Is that all you came to say?"
He leaned forward slightly. "No. You should be. Because you're the one for the job. And this isn't just about my mother. If you agree—if you sign the contract—I'll give you five million dollars. Upfront."
Serena's eyes widened slightly.
"That's insane. No one offers that kind of money.
"I'm not," Leonardo said. His voice remained steady, but his eyes didn't waver.
Serena sat in silence for a beat, then shook her head. "That's a lot of money. Life-changing, sure. But I think I've had enough stress. You already paid for tonight—that's more than enough. I don't want any more of this. Two years? That's too long. I'm out."
She stood to leave. "Keep your money. I'll take the ten grand and go. You said this wasn't about sex, right? Good. Then this is done."
She turned toward the door, but before she could take another step, Leonardo reached out and grabbed her wrist—not roughly, but firmly.
"I told you," he said quietly, "you don't have a choice."
Serena froze.
"I know how much you need the money. Don't think I'm doing this out of pity—I'm not. I need this for my own reasons. And you will, too, once you realize what it can do for you."
He stepped closer. "If you walk out now, I'll request a refund for the money I already paid. And I will get it. That ten grand you're planning to walk away with? Gone."
Serena clenched her jaw.
"I did my research," Leonardo continued. "Your father's dead. You're responsible for three younger siblings. You're drowning in his debt. You've got no support left. And your brothers' school fees are overdue—that's why you're doing this in the first place. That's why you've been working yourself to the bone."
Her chest tightened. Her throat felt dry. Who the hell is this man? How does he know all this? she thought, panic and anger swirling inside her.
Leonardo's voice softened, but the edge remained. "You're smart. You know I'm not lying. And deep down, you know this is your chance."
Serena's voice was cautious. "And this five million… I'll get it immediately? You're not lying, right?"
Leonardo gave a small smile, confident and unbothered. "Calm down. Do I look like someone who plays games?"
He took a step closer. "I'm a man of my word. Do you even know who I am?"
Serena said nothing, studying him with narrowed eyes.
"I run several successful businesses," he continued. "Import and export companies, a few others on the side. People respect me. Maybe that's why you felt bold enough to talk to me the way you did—but I'm not just some rich man throwing cash around. When I say five million, I mean it. I can write you a check right now. Or, if you prefer, I'll wire it straight to your account before you leave this room."
He pulled a slim folder from his briefcase and placed it on the bed. "But once you sign this contract, there's no turning back. No running. You'll stay married to me for two years. When my mother dies, the contract ends. That's the only condition."
Leonardo's eyes narrowed. "And that's not the only thing you'll be doing."
"I run an underworld organization," he said bluntly.
I'm looking for an assistant. Someone who can stay calm under pressure. Keep secrets. Read people. And still look them dead in the eye without flinching."
He studied her face carefully. "You're cold. Even now—I'm offering you millions and you're still looking at me like I'm just another client. That's why you're perfect. The Ice Queen."
Serena didn't respond, but her gaze sharpened.
"I'm paying you to be my wife," he said. "But I also need someone who can stand beside me when things get dangerous. You're it."
There was a heavy silence. Then, without another word, Serena slowly extended her hand.
"Fine," she said, her voice low. "I'll do it."
Leonardo took her hand and shook it firmly.
"Is this a deal then?" he asked.
"Yes. Give me the file."
"You're signing it now," he said. "I need your word in ink."
Serena stared at the folder for a moment, then picked up the pen he offered her.
"Let's get this over with," she muttered, flipping the contract open.
Serena sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes scanning the contract line by line. Every word sank deep into her chest like weights. One clause said she must never reveal that the marriage was fake. Another stated that in his underworld organization, Leonardo was her superior—and she had to follow whatever decisions he made, no questions asked.
She paused.
"I hope I'm not being tricked," she thought. "This can't be how my story ends… I just want a better life. For me. For my siblings. So we can breathe again. This is the only way. I have no choice."
With a quiet breath, she picked up the pen. Her fingers trembled for a second. Then—she signed.
Leonardo's lips lifted into a pleased smile. "Thank you," he said. "I really needed you for this. We need to begin."
Serena blinked. "What do you mean begin? When am I starting? Tomorrow?"
"No." Leonardo buttoned his jacket and stepped forward. "It starts now. From this moment, you're with me. You're mine."
Serena stood up sharply. "Now? Can't it wait until tomorrow? Or at least another day? It's late."
Leonardo didn't answer. Instead, he took her hand firmly. "We don't have time. Come with me."
She stumbled slightly as he pulled her along.
"I bought a wedding dress," he added. "You're going to wear it now. Hold this flower in your hand. It's simple. Quick. Just change in the car."
"Wait—what?" Serena said, stunned, but Leonardo didn't slow down. He was already leading her out of the VIP room, down the stairs.
As they passed the club owner, the man called out, "Hey! What about the rest of the payment? You only made an advance!"
Leonardo stopped in his tracks but didn't let go of Serena. "Do I look like someone who cheats people?" he said coldly. "Let me pay the receptionist."
He walked up to Eva, still holding Serena's wrist.
From his coat, he pulled out a thick stack of cash—$25,000—and placed it on the desk.
Eva's eyes widened. "Serena… what did you just sign into?" she whispered under her breath. Then she gave her a quick, subtle wink. It was a look that said, You landed something big. Don't blow it.