Chapter 2: A Hundred Days

Maya POV

“Marriage?” I asked, just to be sure as the word tasted like lead in my mouth.

“It’s quite simple, Ms. Rivers. Marry him, stay for one hundred days, and $10 million is yours,” the old man said, his voice as calm as if he were discussing the weather.

I stared at this old man in front of me.

Is he insane?

“I can’t just marry someone I don’t even know, sir.”

He didn’t react. “Then you may leave. I guess you’re not that desperate for money.” He turned back to his computer.

I stood there, stunned.

Marriage?

I can’t possibly get married now. My brother needs me.

I froze at that thought.

Not me… but money.

I exhaled sharply.

What do I do? Andre… what should I do?

It’s only one hundred days. The money could save him.

But why would anyone want a marriage that lasts only that long?

What's the catch?

“Aren’t you leaving?” he asked without looking up.

I swallowed. “Is… is there a reason you want me to marry your grandson?

He paused, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. For a split second, the sternness vanished. “I want to see him smile again,” he whispered, almost to himself. Then, the mask was back. “Ms. Rivers, if you can’t do this job, I won’t force you. Please leave. I’m a busy man.”

“But sir—”

“Sarah, to my office. Now.” He said through the intelecom.

“I just want to understand what I’m getting into,” I said quickly.

He ignored me, eyes fixed on his laptop.

“Sir—”

The door burst open and a woman in a sharp grey suit—Sarah—stepped in.

“Please escort her out,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir. Ma’am, this way.”

“Wait—sir, I really want to know what the job is before I agree—”

“Ms. Rivers,” he cut in, “I believe I’ve explained enough. You’re clearly not desperate enough. Please leave.”

“Sir—”

Sarah gently but firmly led me out of the office and through the winding marble halls.

“You should go, ma’am.” She said and went back in.

I sighed heavily, turning around and only then did I realize something.

I had no idea where I was.

The estate stretched endlessly around me.

Where do I even go from here?

My phone vibrated in my bag.

My heart skipped after seeing it was Doctor Harry.

Oh no… Andre, please…

I answered with a shaky hand.

“Maya,” his voice was dry. I knew that tone. It was the tone of a man giving up.

I hesitated. “Doctor—”

“I’m so sorry, but Andre is being transferred to the General Ward. It’s out of my hands now.”

My blood turned to ice.

“Doctor Harry, he’s stage four! He won’t survive there!” My voice cracked. My knees trembled.

“I’m sorry, Maya. If you had made even part payment, I could have fought for him. But you haven't.”

“Doctor, please—”

“I’m sorry.”

The call ended.

My phone slipped from my fingers clattering onto the pavement.

I couldn’t breathe.

My chest rose and fell wildly as the world blurred.

Everything hurt.

Everything was falling apart.

My knees gave way and hit the ground as tears poured down my face. I couldn’t stop them. I couldn’t stop anything.

Memories flooded back—the day Andre first started coughing. At first, I blamed that expired bread we’d shared, but doctor Harry had shook his head. If it were the bread, I would have been sick, too. It was his lungs, failing silently.

The doctor had suggested a $100 inhaler to help him breathe, but $100 might as well have been a million back then. I chose rent over his medicine.

If I had just skipped a few more meals... if I had been a better sister... he wouldn't be dying now.

Everyone avoided orphans like we were a plague.

It should have been me in that hospital bed… not him.

He’s only twelve.

My sobs grew louder, choking me.

“Crying here won’t change anything.”

I gasped, wiping my eyes and looking up. 

A mature, handsome man in a tailored suit was standing over me. He looked expensive, but his eyes were kind.

He stepped closer. “What are you doing here?”

I sniffed. Said nothing.

“You’re not one of Wellington’s staff, are you?”

I shook my head and slowly stood up, brushing dust off my cheap skirt and grabbing my phone.. “I’m sorry, sir.”

“Don’t be. It’s hard to get good news in a place like this. But don’t lose hope, alright?” he said with a small smile.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied weakly and turned to leave.

“Do you know your way out?”

“No.” I admitted.

“No problem, I’ll just—”

“Ms. Rivers!” a voice boomed. One of the old man’s bodyguards was marching toward us. “Mr. Wellington wants to see you. Now.”

I looked at the kind man, then back at the mansion. He smiled at me again. “See? I told you not to lose hope.” 

Relief washed through me. “Thank you, sir.”

When I entered the office again, the old man simply stared at me. His expression unreadable.

“I saw you crying. I never wish to know what's going on, but I'm giving you another chance to change your life.”

I inhaled deeply.

I'm not hesitating this time.

Andre’s life is at stake and worth more than my freedom. I don’t care what the job is.

I don't care who I'm getting married to.

“I’ll take the job,” I said, my voice low and steady.

He smiled.

“Good. The wedding is happening now. You’ll receive ten percent immediately after it's done. Live with him for one hundred days, and you’re free. Do we have a deal?”

Happening now?

I swallowed the invisible lump in my throat.

“Yes, sir.” I nodded slowly.

He picked up the phone immediately.

“The wedding has been finalized… Yes, same venue. Wellington Grimhouse.”

I stared at him, a cold shiver running down my spine. 

I didn't know who the grandson was, or what kind of nightmare I had just signed up for. 

I only knew that tonight, Andre would stay in his private room.

Andre… please hang on.