Chapter 3: A Deal With The Devil

I’d been searching for a job for weeks now, but still—nothing. I was running out of time. The hospital bills were piling up, and the people my father and brother owed money to had started calling non-stop. One debt after another, and all I could do was promise things I wasn’t even sure I could deliver.

I was desperate. But even if I landed a job now, could I really earn enough to pay off all our debts and cover the cost of Mama and Kuya’s medical treatments?

I didn’t know what else to do. I was at my breaking point.

★ Thompson Corporation ★

I swore I’d never come back here again. But right now, I had no choice. This might be the only way out.

I walked straight to Denver’s office, my hands trembling but my heart set. I knocked first, then slowly opened the door.

He looked surprised to see me standing there. Understandable. I walked toward him, trying to stay calm.

“Sienna, what are you doing here?” he asked, confused, sitting back into his swivel chair.

“I—I wanted to ask if I could borrow some money,” I said, voice shaking. “My mom and brother were in an accident. I need money for their treatment… and to pay off some debts.”

Come on, Sienna. Swallow your pride—for Mama, for Kuya. Just this once.

“How much?” he asked, now looking serious, eyes fixed on me.

“A-around two million,” I said quietly, lowering my gaze.

He stood and walked toward me, closing the distance between us. I could feel the heat radiating from him—he was only two inches away now.

“That’s all?” he asked calmly, lifting my chin with his finger so I would look at him.

I could only nod.

“I’ll give you that amount. Or more. But under one condition,” he said, voice low.

“W-what condition?” I asked nervously.

“I’ll marry you under a two-year contract,” he said, leaning closer until his lips were by my ear. “I’ll pay for everything—your mother and brother’s medical needs, the hospital, the debts. All of it. But in return, you’ll marry me.”

My heart froze. A contract marriage? Was that really what he wanted?

But if I refused… there would be no money. No treatment. No way out.

“I agree,” I said firmly.

“Good. Tonight, I’ll introduce you as Mrs. Thompson,” he said with a smirk.

Wait—Mrs. Thompson? Right away? No fiancée stage? Nothing?

★ 8:00 PM — Thompson Mansion ★

★ Denver’s POV ★

I was getting dressed for the party happening tonight at the mansion. I knew my father was planning to announce my engagement to Lisha. But I wouldn’t let that happen.

I’d beat them to it.

“Master Denver, your father is looking for you downstairs,” said our butler, Mang Antonyo.

“Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes,” I replied, straightening my tie.

“Yes, sir,” he said before leaving the room.

Before heading down, I called Sienna.

“Where are you?” I asked as soon as she answered.

“On my way. Seriously, this dress you sent me feels like I’m about to attend my own funeral,” she complained, making me smile.

“And do I really have to be there? Can’t you just announce it without me?” she added.

“No. You have to be here. And don’t forget the thing I sent you,” I reminded her.

“Fine. I’m on my way. Bye,” she said quickly and ended the call.

“Oh, Denver, we’ve been waiting for you,” said Mr. Villanovan, Lisha’s father, as I approached their table.

“I’m sorry. I had a quick call to take,” I said, taking the seat next to my younger brother, Maverick.

“Kuya, where is she? They’re about to announce the engagement,” he whispered to me.

“She’s outside. I just got her message,” I whispered back. He nodded.

The table was full of fake smiles and polite small talk. They had no idea what was coming.

The announcement was supposed to be made at 10:00 PM, but I wasn’t going to wait that long.

“Congrats in advance, Kuya,” Oliver teased from across the table.

“I can’t wait for the wedding!” our ever-fake stepmother chimed in. I almost laughed at how ridiculous they were.

★ A Few Minutes Ago ★

“Mav, go get her outside,” I whispered to my brother after seeing Sienna’s message. He nodded and quietly stepped out.

It was time.

I stood up from the table and walked toward the front of the room.

“Denver, where are you going?” my dad asked.

“To the front. I have something to say,” I answered and walked ahead. I could feel everyone’s curious eyes following me.

“He’s probably going to announce the engagement,” I heard Mrs. Villanovan say.

I smirked. They were all so wrong.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” I said confidently. “I just want to make an announcement.”

I scanned the crowd and saw Sienna and Maverick sitting near Xandro and his parents. I walked over to them and offered my hand to Sienna.

She hesitated for a moment, but took it. Together, we walked to the front of the room.

“I’d like to introduce to you all my beautiful wife… Sienna Rodriguez Thompson,” I said proudly, wrapping my arm around her waist.

Gasps. Confused faces. Stunned silence.

“What the hell, Denver!? What kind of nonsense is this!?” Dad shouted, rising from his seat, his face flushed with anger.

“This is no joke,” I said calmly. “Sienna is my wife now—”

“What are you doing!? That woman is a maid in our house!” Mrs. Cortes interrupted, eyes wide with rage. “What kind of disgraceful stunt are you pulling, Sienna?!”

“You’ve gone too far, Denver! You already have a fiancée!” Dad continued, now visibly fuming.

“Stop this now, Denver!” Lisha cut in, her voice sharp. “You must’ve paid her to pretend. Is that it? This is your rebellion?!”

Then, suddenly—

“Kuya, she was my girlfriend! Sienna, we need to talk!” Oliver said, clearly shaken.

Wait—what?

Even I didn’t see that coming.

I looked down at Sienna, who now had a blank expression. This night just turned into something way more chaotic than I’d planned.

But one thing was certain:

There was no going back now.