Chapter 4: The Stranger’s Proposal

Rain soaked the street. It turned the pavement into a mirror of the streetlights. Elena’s gaze stayed fixed on the man sitting in the car. She was unsure if she had actually heard him.

"Marry… you?" she whispered. It was barely audible.

He didn't smile. He didn't blink. He just watched her. It was like her reaction had been anticipated.

"Yes " he said. Calm. Final.

Elena let out a disbelieving laugh.

"You must be joking."

A minutes ago she had caught her fiancé in bed with her sister. Her heart still felt like shards of glass.. Now this stranger was asking her to marry him.

Tonight had officially lost its mind.

She turned away. She brushed the rain from her face. "I'm not in the mood for jokes " she muttered.

"I'm not joking " he said. The quiet authority in his voice made her pause.

She turned back. "Then you're insane. You don't even know me."

He leaned forward slightly. The faint dashboard light caught the line of his jaw. The cold precision in his eyes. He looked like a man who was used to being obeyed.

"Your name is Elena Carter " he said.

Her heart skipped.

"You're twenty-four. You graduated from Northbridge Design Academy two years ago. You work at Aurelia Fashion House as a designer."

Elena’s stomach tightened. "How do you—"

"You were engaged to Daniel Hart for three years " he continued calmly. ". Five minutes ago you discovered him with your sister."

The rain grew louder in her ears.

Silence fell between them. This wasn't a guess. He knew everything.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

He opened the car door. Stepped out. Rain dripped from his coat.. He seemed unbothered. Close his presence was overwhelming.

"Adrian Blackwood " he said.

The name hit her like a punch. Everyone in the city knew that name. Adrian Blackwood. Youngest billionaire in the country. Ruthless CEO who had built an empire before thirty.

"You're joking " she breathed.

"I never joke." He studied her expression. The rain rolled down his coat.

"I'll repeat my offer, Miss Carter. Marry me."

Elena shook her head. Disbelief flooded her. "Why would someone like you want someone like me?"

"That's not important " he said.

"It's very important to me " she snapped.

He seemed to consider her words for a moment. Then he reached into his coat. Pulled out a thin envelope. Inside was a document.

"A contract " he said.

Elena hesitated. Then she opened it. Her breath caught.

Marriage Agreement. One year. Public appearances, as his wife. In return her debts would be cleared. Her career funded. Her life changed.

She looked up at him stunned. "You're serious."

“Yes." The rain got really heavy soaking her hair and clothes. Her mind was racing. Her fiancé had cheated on her. Her sister had cheated on her too. Her life felt like it had fallen apart in one night.. Now this strong stranger was offering her a totally different life.

He seemed dangerous. Crazy. Impossible.. Adrian Blackwood just looked at her calm as usual.

“There is one rule " he said quietly.

Elena frowned. "What is the rule?”

“You must never ask why I picked you." His eyes got a darker.

A weird silence fell. She looked down at the contract. Her heart was beating fast. This could be the decision of her life.

For the first time since she left the hotel room she felt something else. She felt powerful.

Slowly she looked up. Met his eyes. ". If I say no?”

Adrian didn’t hesitate. "Then tomorrow morning your sister announces her engagement to Daniel.”

Elena froze. "How do you—”

He moved closer his voice got softer. ". The whole city will talk about how you lost both your fiancé and your pride, in one night.”

She got angry. He was right. That was exactly what would happen. Her sister Sophia would make sure of it.

Adrian watched her carefully. Then he held out his hand the pen balanced between his fingers.

“Well Miss Carter “ he said “do you want to get married?”