Chapter 2: The Man in the Black Car
Ella stood frozen in front of the hospital entrance as the rain misted around her.
The black Rolls-Royce was too sleek… too expensive… too out of place for someone like her.
The suited man stepped forward again, bowing slightly.
"Miss Ella Harper, Mr. Alexander Frost awaits you."
Ella blinked.
"Awaits me? I… I think you have the wrong person."
"No, Miss."
The man opened the car door.
"He said you would try to refuse."
Her heart jumped.
Inside, the interior glowed softly with warm lights, and sitting there—perfectly composed—was the man she saved last night.
Alexander Frost.
No blood.
No weakness.
Just calm, intimidating power wrapped in an expensive black suit.
He looked at her with eyes as sharp as ice.
"Get in, Miss Harper," he said, voice deep and controlled.
"We have something important to discuss."
Ella stood there for a moment. This wasn't real. It couldn't be.
Yesterday she had exactly $7.26 in her account.
Today, a billionaire wanted to discuss something with her.
Swallowing, she climbed into the car.
Alexander watched her with an unreadable expression.
"You saved my life yesterday," he began. "The people chasing me meant to cause trouble if the media found out, so I had you escorted out quietly."
Ella nodded slowly. "I was just doing my job, Mr. Frost."
"I know."
He leaned back, fingers tapping the armrest.
"And that is why I'm offering you something… unconventional."
Her breath hitched.
This was happening.
This was real.
"What… exactly are you offering?" she asked carefully.
Alexander studied her for a long second before speaking.
"I need a wife, Miss Harper."
Ella's eyes widened.
"A temporary wife," he clarified, voice flat and business-like.
"One year. A legal marriage. No romance. No expectations. Just a contract."
Ella stared.
Her heartbeat went wild.
"A-A contract marriage?" she whispered.
"Yes."
He didn't even blink.
"And in return… you will be compensated generously."
"How generously?" she asked before she could stop herself.
Alexander looked directly into her eyes.
"Ten million dollars."
Ella's breath caught.
Ten.
Million.
"That money will solve your financial problems," he continued.
"Your mother's medical bills. Your debts. Your living situation."
He spoke as if he already knew everything about her.
"How do you know about my—?"
"I make it a habit to research people involved in my life," Alexander said coldly.
"And right now, I need a wife who has no ties to the business world, no scandals, and no desire for fame."
Ella felt like the air had left her lungs.
"But… why me?"
Alexander's jaw tightened for the first time.
"My grandfather's will is being executed next month," he said.
"To take full control of Frost Corporation, I must be married."
Ella whispered, "So this is just business for you."
"Exactly."
"And what happens after the year is over?"
"We divorce."
He shrugged slightly, as if it meant nothing.
"You walk away with the money. I walk away with the company."
Ella felt dizzy.
A marriage without love.
A marriage for money.
A marriage with a man she barely knew.
"Think carefully," Alexander said.
"No feelings. No complications. Just a contract."
His voice softened a little.
"And you will be protected. From your debts… and from anyone who has hurt you."
Ella swallowed hard.
This deal could save her life.
But it could also destroy her heart.
"Do you accept?" Alexander asked quietly.
The car went silent.
Outside, the rain finally stopped.
Inside, Ella felt herself standing at
the edge of a decision that would change everything.
She inhaled shakily.
And opened her mouth to speak.
"I—"
To be continued…