Rain poured over the city like the sky had finally decided to break.
Amara Okeke stood outside the tallest building in Lagos, clutching the strap of her handbag as though it was the only thing keeping her from collapsing.
Her father's life depended on what happened today.
The hospital bill was impossible. Doctors had already warned her—they could not continue treatment without payment.
And then the strange message came.
Come to Knight Group Headquarters. Ask for Mr. Alexander Knight.
Everyone knew that name.
Alexander Knight.
The youngest billionaire in the country. Powerful. Feared. Untouchable.
And somehow…
He wanted to see her.
Amara took a deep breath and walked inside.
The lobby looked like something from another world. Shiny marble floors, crystal lights hanging from the ceiling, and men in expensive suits walking confidently across the room.
She felt small.
Very small.
"Miss Okeke?"
Amara turned.
A tall woman dressed in a sleek black suit stood beside her.
"Mr. Knight will see you now."
Her heart jumped.
She followed the woman into a private elevator that rose silently through the building. The higher they went, the tighter the knot in her chest became.
Finally, the elevator doors opened.
They stepped into a massive office.
Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the entire city below.
And standing by the window was a man.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
He turned slowly.
His eyes were dark and sharp—like he could see straight through every lie in the world.
Alexander Knight.
"Leave us," he told the secretary calmly.
The door shut behind her.
Now it was just the two of them.
Amara swallowed nervously.
"You… asked to see me?"
Alexander walked toward his desk and placed a thin folder in front of her.
"Inside this folder is a contract."
Amara frowned.
"A contract?"
"Yes."
His voice was calm, almost cold.
"If you sign it, I will pay all your father's hospital bills."
Her breath caught.
Every bill.
Every treatment.
Everything.
It felt too good to be true.
"There must be something you want from me," she said carefully.
Alexander leaned forward slightly.
"There is."
The air suddenly felt heavier.
"You will marry me."
The words hit her like thunder.
"I'm sorry… what?"
"A contract marriage," he repeated.
Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
"Why would someone like you need a fake wife?"
Alexander stared at her for a long moment.
Then he said quietly,
"Because someone is trying to kill me."
Amara froze.
"And whoever it is," he continued slowly, "believes I am about to get married."
He pushed the contract closer to her.
"So the question is, Miss Okeke…"
His dark eyes locked onto hers.
"Are you brave enough to become the target?"
Lightning flashed outside the window.
Amara's hands trembled as she stared at the contract.
This marriage could save her father's life.
But deep inside…
She had a terrible feeling.
Signing that paper might destroy hers.