CHAPTER 3

Isabelle's POV.

I returned to work with puffy eyes. I walked past my manager without noticing him, lost in my thoughts. Where am I supposed to get that much money for Mom’s treatment? What can I possibly sell? I covered my face with both hands and let out a trembling breath.

“Hey… are you okay?” Maya, my co-worker, asked.

“No, I’m not.” My words came out immediately, desperate. “Can I please borrow some money? I need it urgently for my mom’s surgery.”

Maya smirked slightly as she moved closer. “Okay, I’ve got an idea, you know,” she whispered. “There’s a man who can give you any amount you want… for just one night.”

My eyes widened, and my mouth parted, but the words refused to leave. I have never had sex, and the thought of my first time being a one-night stand was horrifying.

 “Maya… I’m a virgin,” I whispered.

“I didn’t know. But this is about your mother. Think about it,” Maya said before walking away.

She’s right. If that is the only way I get the money, then I’m ready.

“I can live without my virginity. I can’t live without my mother.” I forced a small smile. I’ll forget it like it never happened.

My phone vibrated. “Oh my God, I literally haven’t spoken to Miranda all day,” I thought, quickly answering.

“ISABELLE! I’ve been trying to reach you! I bumped into Mrs. Coleman, and she told me everything. I rushed to the hospital, but you weren’t there!” Miranda’s panicked voice filled the speaker.

“I’m at work. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I went to my father’s house to ask for help, but he… he threw me out.” My voice cracked as tears streamed down my cheeks. “I don’t know what to do. I need the money by tomorrow morning.”

“I’m coming to you right now. I have an idea, but you won’t like it,” Miranda said before hanging up.

I sighed shakily. I don’t care what I like or don’t like at this point. I’ll do anything to save my mom.

I returned to serving tea until my manager called my name. I followed him into his office.

Mr. Luke’s eyes scanned my body before he spoke. “You left work without permission and spilled tea on a customer.”

“No, sir. I w-was in a hur—”

“Save it, Isabelle.” He cut me off coldly. “You’re fired. Get out.”

I dropped to my knees, tears spilling uncontrollably. “Sir, please. I need this job. My mother—”

“LEAVE before I drag you out myself!” he shouted.

I flinched and hurried out of his office, sobbing. I really wanted to ask him for another chance because I don’t have any income at this moment. So I took a few steps towards his office and overheard him on a call.

“It’s done. When will I receive my payment?”

 “Okay.” He ended the call.

What?! Someone wanted me fired from my job. For what reason?! Why would someone want me to be jobless?! I’m very sure it’s the rich lady I mistakenly let drops of tea touch her dress. Is this how far she took this?!

I started walking out of the café, hopeless. I’m completely hopeless at this point. I don’t know what to do. I need to raise money for my mother’s treatment, and the only money I’ve got is the money my neighbor offered me. I didn’t realize tears were streaming down my eyes as I was walking on the street.

“I don’t want to lose you, Mom.” I muttered to myself.

“ISABELLE! ISABELLE!” Miranda’s voice sounded behind me.

I turned, collapsing into Miranda’s arms and breaking down completely.

She held me gently and guided me into a nearby restaurant. She sat me down, holding my hands carefully. She knew I was too fragile for questions right now, so she went straight to the solution.

“Isabelle, stop crying. I told you I have an idea to help your mom.” She pulled a file from her bag and set it on the table.

I wiped my face with shaky hands. “What’s that?” I asked, staring with curiosity.

“Look,” Miranda said, pushing the file toward me. “Someone came to my workplace and asked me to give this to you. Adrian Blake wants to marry you… a contract marriage. And he’s offering a lot of money.”

I opened the file and froze at the numbers staring back at me. I don’t have a job. My father won’t help. Mom needs surgery immediately. I swallowed hard. I need my mom.

“You can take your tim—”

Before Miranda finished, I grabbed the pen and signed the contract.

Miranda’s eyes widened. “Isabelle… Are you sure? Do you even know who Adrian Blake is?”

I don’t care who Adrian Blake is; I don’t wanna know why he wants to marry me. I just want my mommy to be okay. I would die without her.  

“It doesn’t matter… as long as I get to sort my mom's bills. I can pretend to be his wife forever if I have to.”

Miranda sighed softly. “Okay. You need to move in with him this evening.”

I gave her a questioning look but quickly pushed it aside. My mind was already set to do anything.

“I need to go home and shower.”

“I’ll inform his secretary. A driver will come for you,” Miranda said, hugging me tightly. “I’ll visit you soon, but I have to get back to work. I only took a quick break to come here.”

“I’ll text you. And… thank you for being here.”

“Don’t thank me. I’ll always do anything for you,” Miranda said, grabbing her bag. “I’ll call you.”

******************

After showering, I packed a small suitcase and brushed my wavy golden-blonde hair until it shone. I put on a pink body-hugging gown that revealed my petite curves.

I don’t know what I’m doing, but Mom comes first. That’s all that matters.

I stepped outside and froze.

A white Lamborghini waited in front of my building.

My jaw dropped. “Oh My God… Is that… for me? Who on earth am I marrying?

I approached the car cautiously, doubting whether it was for me. The driver stepped out and opened the passenger door.

“Good evening, ma’am,” he said respectfully.

I blinked and got in, still stunned by the luxurious interior. I was so lost in awe that I didn’t notice someone sitting at the front.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

I jumped, my hand clutched to my chest. “H-Hi. I d-didn’t s-see you.”

He smiled and extended his hand. “I’m Daniel, Adrian’s best friend.”

I shook his hand nervously, staring at his brown eyes and sharp nose.

He looks a little bit familiar, but I shook that thought off immediately.

“I I’m Isabelle.” Ugh, why am I such a weirdo?

Daniel pulled his hand back. “You’re meeting Adrian’s mother today. Act like you’ve known Adrian for a long time. Be clingy, affectionate, and convincing enough that she believes you’re in a real relationship.” He said in a serious tone.

I frowned slightly. “Can I at least know his likes and dislikes? I’ve never met him before. I won’t know what to say.”

Daniel sighed. “Why won’t you know what to say? Figure it out, you’re the one getting paid.”

My head dropped instantly. That was actually mean, and it hurts me when someone speaks to me like that.

 “Okay…” I muttered to myself.

I have never really thought about marriage or relationship, so I’m kinda of confused on what to say. What if I say something he doesn’t like?!

We arrived at the estate, and my mouth fell open. The mansion is ten times bigger than my father’s estate.

Am I in heaven?

A man opened the door for me, his presence commanding the moment as though the entire world paused around us.

I stared up at him, speechless.

Is this a Greek demigod? This has to be a dream.

“Are you drunk?” He asked sharply. “Get out before my mom notices you acting weird.”

I flinched.

OMG! This is the man I’m marrying.

 “—I’m s-sorry,” I stuttered.

Get it together, Isabelle!

I took his hand and stepped out with a smile.

 MY GOD. I think I want him to hold me forever.

An average height lady with dark brown hair stood at the doorway, smiling so wide. I guess she was really happy to see me.

“Mom, this is…” He paused, eyes blank.

He doesn’t even know the name of the woman he’s about to marry.

“Isabelle,” I said quickly. “My name is Isabelle, ma’am.”

Adrian’s mother narrowed her eyes at her son.

I heard him sigh, then felt his arms on my waist, pulling me closer, and crushed his lips against mine.

I froze.

Oh. My. God. He kissed me.