Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Cold Stranger

Abby Thompson’s phone rang sharply, cutting through the quiet of the small apartment. She glanced at the screen and her stomach dropped. It was the hospital. With trembling fingers, she answered.

“Hello? This is Abby Thompson.”

“Miss Thompson, this is Dr. Patel’s office. We have your recent test results back. The doctor would like to see you today if possible. It’s quite urgent.”

Abby’s heart clenched. “Today? Okay… I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

She hung up, her chest tight with dread. The familiar ache in her joints had been worse lately, but she had hoped the tests would show some improvement. Apparently not.

She quickly changed into a simple sweater and jeans, kissed her little sister Mia on the forehead, and told her mother she’d be back soon. The bus ride to the hospital felt endless. Every bump sent pain shooting through her body, reminding her how fragile she had become.

At the hospital, she sat in the waiting room, nerves frayed. When Dr. Patel finally called her in, the older woman’s face was serious.

“Abby, the results confirm what we feared. Your autoimmune disorder is progressing faster than expected. The inflammation is spreading, and your organs are starting to show strain. We need to schedule the surgery as soon as possible — ideally within the next few weeks, not months. Delaying could lead to irreversible damage.”

Abby felt the room spin. “Weeks? But the cost… I don’t have that kind of money right now.”

Dr. Patel sighed sympathetically. “I know it’s overwhelming. The procedure plus follow-up treatment is around eighty-seven thousand dollars. There are some assistance programs, but with your current situation, approval could take time we don’t have. Is there any way your family can help?”

Abby shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. Her mother was already exhausted from long shifts at the laundromat. Her fourteen-year-old sister Mia was doing her best to stay strong, but she was just a child. Their father’s death three years ago had left them drowning in debt. Three jobs — café during the day, call center at night, weekend cleaning — still weren’t enough. Medications, rent, school fees… everything kept piling up.

She left the hospital with the new bill clutched in her hand and a heavy weight on her shoulders. The doctor’s warning echoed in her mind: time was running out. If she didn’t get the surgery soon, she might not be around to see Mia graduate or support her mother in her old age.

By the time she got home, exhaustion and pain had drained her completely. She collapsed at the wobbly kitchen table, staring at the latest hospital bill. $87,450 due immediately. The red ink felt like a death sentence.

“Abby, you can’t keep doing this alone,” her mother said softly from the doorway, voice heavy with exhaustion. “We’re running out of options.”

A sharp knock on the apartment door made her jump. She wiped her face and opened it. Emma stood there, holding two cups of coffee, her expression determined as always. Her best friend since college refused to let Abby drown in despair.

“Hey, you look like hell,” Emma said, stepping inside. She handed Abby one of the coffees. “We need to talk.”

Abby managed a weak smile. “Not today, Em. I’m really not in the mood. The doctor just told me the surgery can’t wait much longer.”

Emma’s face softened with concern, but she sat at the table anyway, eyes landing on the hospital bill. “That’s exactly why I’m here. I might have a solution. A crazy one… but it could actually save you.”

Abby raised an eyebrow. “Unless it’s a miracle lottery win, I don’t think anything can fix this.”

Emma leaned forward, voice dropping. “There’s this new government program called the One-Year Marriage Incentive Scheme. Couples who sign a legal one-year marriage contract and live together get a huge one-time payment — enough to cover major medical bills and clear heavy debts. After twelve months, you can walk away free.”

Abby froze. “Marry a stranger for money?”

“Not exactly random,” Emma said quickly. “I know the guy. His name is Luke Harrington. He’s a friend of my cousin. I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s in serious trouble too — his tech company got destroyed by his business partner. He’s drowning in millions in debt and about to lose everything. He needs the money just as badly as you do.”

Abby’s heart raced. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious. Luke is cold, arrogant, and keeps to himself. Perfect for a no-emotions contract. No love, no intimacy, no complications. You both just need to live in the same house, act married when the government checks come, and collect the payment. The money is released in stages — part upfront for medical needs.”

Abby stood and paced the small living room, mind spinning. The doctor’s words about needing surgery in weeks echoed loudly. “You actually know this guy? What if he’s dangerous?”

Emma shook her head. “He’s not dangerous. He’s just icy. Right now he’s desperate enough to consider this. My cousin thinks you two would be a perfect fit because both of you have clear, urgent reasons with no messy feelings involved.”

Abby thought of her mother’s tired eyes and Mia’s brave smile. The pain that woke her every morning. The bills that never stopped coming. One year. Share a house with a cold stranger. Pretend to be married. It sounded like a nightmare… but it could be her only chance to get the surgery in time and keep her family safe.

“I… I need to think about it,” she whispered.

Emma squeezed her hand. “Don’t think too long. The program has limited slots and Luke is a high-priority applicant. If you’re interested, I can get my cousin to connect you two quickly. Maybe even arrange a meeting this week.”

Abby looked down at the hospital bill again. The numbers hadn’t changed. She took a deep breath, the doctor’s warning still ringing in her ears. “Tell your cousin… I’m interested.”

Two days later, Abby stepped out of a taxi in front of a sleek downtown café, nerves twisting in her stomach. The place looked far too expensive — tall glass windows, minimalist furniture, soft golden lighting.

She smoothed her simple black blouse and walked inside, ignoring the ache in her joints that had worsened since the hospital visit.

At a corner table near the window sat Luke Harrington. He was taller and more imposing than she had imagined. Broad shoulders in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, dark hair neatly styled, sharp jawline, and cold gray eyes focused on his phone. A half-empty espresso cup sat in front of him.

Abby approached slowly. “Mr. Harrington?”

Luke looked up. His gaze swept over her once — clinical and assessing — before he gave a short nod. “Abby Thompson, I assume.”

“Yes,” she said, sliding into the seat opposite him. “Thank you for meeting me.”

He didn’t smile. “Let’s skip the pleasantries. We both know why we’re here. I don’t like wasting time.”

Abby blinked at his bluntness but tried to match his tone. “My friend Emma told me about the program and your situation. You’re facing millions in debt after your business partner betrayed you.”

“Correct,” Luke replied, voice flat and cold. “The incentive payment is large enough to stabilize everything. For you, it’s medical expenses.”

Abby nodded, throat tight. “Yes. The doctor just told me the surgery can’t wait. My autoimmune disorder is progressing fast. Without treatment soon, things could get much worse for me and my family.”

Something almost like understanding flickered in his eyes for a split second, then vanished.

He slid a thin folder across the table. “My lawyer prepared a summary of the terms. Read it.”

Abby opened it with unsteady hands. The document was clear: One-year legal marriage contract. Live together in the provided three-bedroom apartment. Maintain the appearance of a married couple during inspections. No physical intimacy required, but minimal public affection may be needed. Strict no-romance clause — emotional or physical involvement can void the contract. Payment: 40% upfront, 30% at six months, 30% at completion. Free to separate after twelve months.

Abby read it twice, heart pounding. Living with this icy man for a full year?

She looked up. “You’re really okay with marrying a complete stranger?”

Luke’s lips pressed into a thin line. “This is not a fairy tale, Miss Thompson. I don’t do relationships or emotions. I need the money to rebuild. You need it to survive. It’s a transaction. Nothing more.”

His words chilled her, but she held his gaze. “I understand. My priority is my family. As long as we both keep this strictly business, it should work.”

Luke nodded. “Good. We’ll need a joint counseling session next week and to sign in front of witnesses. While living together, separate bedrooms. No unnecessary conversations when alone. Only act married when inspectors are present. Clear?”

“Crystal clear… Luke,” she replied, deliberately using his first name.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Fine.”

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Outside, the city buzzed with life.

Abby finally asked, “How soon can this start?”

“If everything clears, we could be living together within two weeks. The first payment comes shortly after the simple private wedding ceremony.”

The word “wedding” felt surreal.

Luke stood, buttoning his suit jacket with precise movements. He placed a crisp business card on the table. “My assistant will email the full contract tonight. Review it. Contact me directly if you have questions. No games, Abby. This is business.”

Without a goodbye or handshake, he turned and strode out of the café, tall figure disappearing into the crowd.

Abby sat there for several long minutes, staring at the business card. Luke Harrington. Cold. Arrogant. Ruthless. Her future husband for one year.

She slipped the card into her bag, the weight of the decision heavy on her chest. One year of living with this stranger under the same roof. One year of careful pretense — all to save her life and protect her family.

As she finally stood to leave, a small stubborn spark flickered inside her. What if the ice around Luke wasn’t completely unbreakable?