Amara sat on the edge of the hospital bench, her hands trembling.
Her mother's shallow breaths were the only sound in the room.
Suddenly, a familiar shadow fell across her. She looked up, heart skipping a beat.
It was Ethan Blake.
The cold billionaire she had accidentally bumped into yesterday.
"I hear you're in a… difficult situation," he said, his tone still as unreadable as ever.
Amara swallowed hard. "I… I'm just trying to pay for my mother's treatment."
He stepped closer, studying her with piercing gray eyes. "I can help."
Her mind screamed: Why would he care?
"Help?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes." He paused. "On one condition."
Amara frowned. "Condition?"
He handed her a sleek black folder. "Sign this, and all your mother's bills will be covered."
Her hands shook as she opened it. Inside was a marriage contract—twelve months, no romance required, no personal attachments, purely legal.
Amara's eyes widened. "A… marriage contract?"
He nodded. "You live in my mansion, abide by the rules, and I'll handle everything else. You don't have to worry about money again."
Her mind raced. Married to him? For a year?
"What if I refuse?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
He shrugged. "Then your mother's treatment is at your own expense. Think carefully."
Amara looked at her mother lying fragile on the bed, then back at Ethan.
The choice was unbearable, but she knew there was only one way to save her mother.
Finally, she signed.
And just like that, her life took a turn she never could have imagined.