CHAPTER 4: DESPERATION

CARA’S POV

Cara pulled her jacket tighter around herself as she hurried down the street. The evening wind bit through the thin fabric, but she didn’t care. Her feet hurt from standing on it all day and her hands were raw from washing dishes at the diner. After that shift, she had rushed straight to her second job as a bag girl at a convenience store and tomorrow morning she would clean offices before the sun came up.

She worked three jobs and still, the money wasn’t enough.

Her twin brother Caleb’s hospital bills kept piling up. His brain tumor wasn’t waiting for her to catch up on payments. Some days she felt like the world was closing in on her, pressing down until there was nothing left of herself but she had no choice. Caleb was her only family.

They had grown up together in a small Orphanage home after losing their parents when they were young. She remembered the way Caleb used to sneak snacks from the kitchen and share them with her, smiling even when he got in trouble. “It’s just us against the world, Cara,” he would always say. And he was right.

Now, as he lay in a hospital bed, pale and too thin, she felt like she was the one stealing moments of time, trying to keep him alive and from the clutches of death.

When she entered his room, Caleb turned his head slowly, a weak smile on his lips.

“You look tired,” he whispered.

“I’m fine,” Cara said quickly, pulling the blanket up around him. “Don’t worry about me. How are you feeling?”

“The same,” he muttered. His hand moved slightly as if he wanted to reach for her hand, but he was too weak.

Cara sat beside him, blinking back tears. She couldn’t let him see how scared and worried she was, that the next time she came to visit him, he wouldn't be there anymore.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Dr. Mark, Caleb’s doctor, stepped inside with his usual calm face. He had kind eyes that made Cara feel a little safer and hopeful though nothing could erase the anxiety inside her.

“Cara, could we talk for a minute?” he asked.

She nodded and followed him into the hall.

“I’ve been reviewing Caleb’s case,” Dr. Mark began. “The surgery is urgent, but I know the costs for surgery are more than you can afford presently.”

Cara bit her lip until she tasted blood. “I’m trying. I really am. I’ll get the money somehow.”

Mark hesitated. His voice lowered. “There… might be another way to get the money.”

Cara frowned. “Another way?”

“It’s not something I usually suggest,” Mark admitted. “But I know someone who is looking for… let’s say, an arrangement. A marriage arrangement.”

Cara blinked, certain she had misheard. “Marriage?”

“Yes but a fake marriage,” Mark said quickly. “It would be more like a contract. Just for a year. You’d be compensated with more than enough to cover Caleb’s treatment and more.”

Cara shook her head at the absurdity of it all. “You can’t be serious. Who would even ask for something like that?”

Mark sighed. “A friend of mine. He’s wealthy, but he needs to settle down, at least on paper. He’s searching for someone who doesn’t want his money long-term. Someone who would agree to leave after the year is done. When I thought about your situation…” He trailed off, giving her a careful look.

Cara’s heart pounded. “You’re saying I should… marry a stranger? Pretend to be his wife?”

Mark didn’t answer right away. “I know it sounds crazy. But this could save Caleb’s life. I wouldn’t bring it up if I didn’t believe it was a real chance for you to save Caleb's life.”

Cara leaned against the wall with her legs suddenly weak. She thought about the bills pilled up on her kitchen table, the eviction notices, the endless nights of worry and working nonstop. She thought about Caleb’s tired smile, his thin arms, his voice whispering, It’s just us against the world.

Tears welled in her eyes. “And what about me? What happens when the year is over? Do I just walk away like nothing happened?”

Mark’s expression softened. “That would be part of the deal. You’d go back to your life. Free and clear. With all the money you need.”

Cara pressed her hands to her face. She felt trapped and cornered. She hated the idea. But she hated the thought of losing Caleb more.

Mark’s voice lowered, almost to a whisper. “Think about it tonight and tell me your answer tomorrow. But Cara… I need you to know something.”

She looked up, her chest tight. “What?”

“This isn’t just anyone,” Mark said carefully. “It’s Damien Blackwood.”

The name hit Cara like a tidal wave. She had heard of him, everyone had. Billionaire Playboy. His name belonged on both Financial Magazines and Gossip tabloids, his scandals filling gossip blogs. He dated only top class models and was friends with the wealthiest elites in the society. 

A man like that didn’t belong in her world. She once heard a rumor he has slept with all the Top 10 High class Models in the world. Another Tabloid magazine once disclosed that he once slept with 12 women within a week.

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

She couldn't help but wonder why he couldn't get any woman he wanted for this ridiculous facade which she asked Mark

"He needs someone who would be contented with marriage for just a year with no strings attached after the contract comes to an end" he explained 

Mark’s eyes searched hers. “Cara… are you willing to hear more?”

Her heart raced, caught between fear and desperate hope. She didn’t know if this was salvation or a trap, but one thing was certain, her life was about to change.