CHAPTER 1: The Price For Her Mother’s Life

The fluorescent lights in St. Mercy Hospital buzzed overhead, and Elena Thomas swore she could hear every single one of them drilling into her skull.

She sat in the waiting area with a manila envelope trembling in her hands, and inside that envelope was a bill that might as well have been a death sentence.

$2,340,000. Due by 11:59PM tonight.

Her mother, Lillian Thomas, was on the fourth floor in room 412, hooked up to machines that were the only thing keeping stage 4 ovarian cancer from taking her completely. The doctors had said one more round of chemo might buy them another six months. Six months Elena couldn’t afford.

Her phone vibrated. It was another declined payment notification from the bank. Her account balance read $342.17.

The nurse, a kind woman named Mrs. Adele, stopped in front of her with that practiced look of sympathy that meant bad news.

“Miss Thomas, I’m so sorry. Without the payment, we’ll have to discharge Mrs. Thomas by midnight. We just don’t have the beds.”

Elena nodded because she didn’t trust herself to speak. If she opened her mouth, she would scream and scream till she blacked out.

Her phone rang then. It was an unknown number. She almost ignored it. But on second thought, she answered.

“Hello?”

“Miss Elena Thomas?” The voice was smooth, professional, male. “This is David. I’m calling on behalf of Mr. George Herbert, CEO of Litdom Group Holdings.

The name was not unfamiliar to her.

George Herbert.

Three years ago, Litdom Group had launched a hostile takeover of her father’s logistics company. They undercut prices, bought out their clients, and within six months Thomas & Sons was nothing but a memory. Her father had a heart attack at 52. The stress killed him.

“What does Mr. Herbert want with me?” Elena asked, her voice flat.

“Mr. Herbert would like to meet with you this evening. At Black Tower. He has a business proposal that may be of great interest to you. Particularly regarding your mother’s medical situation.”

Elena’s blood went cold. “How do you know about my mother?”

“Mr. Herbert will explain everything in person. A car will be at your location in 20 minutes. Please don’t be late, Miss Thomas.”

The call ended.

Twenty-five minutes later, Elena was stepping out of a black Maybach in front of Black Tower, the tallest building in the city, a monument to the kind of wealth that could buy hospitals and ruin families in the blink of an eye..

The assistant led her to the 87th floor. The entire wall was made of glass, and beyond it the city stretched out like it belonged to him. And maybe it did.

George Herbert didn’t stand when she entered.

Their eyes met the second she stepped in. He had Grey eyes and currently they were pinned on her Elena forgot herself for half a second. "They say the devil is hideous but this devil, she couldn’t look away from, he was a million times more appealing in person". Elena thought in her head and immediately she hated herself as the first thing she noticed was how good he looks.

George was seated still in one of the luxurious sofas in his office. He wore a black perfectly tailored suit that fitted him so well, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms.

His grey eyes were on her like he was calculating something he was considering buying. She had heard he was unmarried at thirty two he was considered one of the most successful business man in the country.

“Miss Thomas,” he said. His voice was low and sent shivers down her spine. “Thank you for coming.”

“You said this was about my mother, Elena replied sharply still standing.

George finally stood and walked to the bar cart, pouring himself whiskey he didn’t offer her any. Rude.

I do my research before I make investments, Elena. he swirled the whiskey; And right now, you are an investment. He sets the glass down. the sound made a loud noise in the quiet office.

You may be seated Elena, he continued…

You want to know how I know about your mother? He said as he added more whiskey to the glass. Six months ago, Litdom Group acquired St. Mercy Hospital and three other private hospitals in the state. Your mother’s case flagged high risk accounts with no insurance during a financial review of high-cost patients. So from what I know you’re a daughter drowning in debt.

Elena felt sick. So you’ve been watching me.

I’ve been watching a lot of people, George said simply. But you caught my attention because you have a problem I can solve. And I have a problem I want you to help me solve.

He walked to his desk and slid a thick contract across the polished surface.

I need a wife.

Elena stared at him. Excuse me?

For six months, George continued, as if he was discussing the weather. I need a wife for six months to finalize a 10.2 billion dollar merger with the Laurent Group. Their chairman is old-fashioned. He believes a married CEO is a stable CEO. My board agrees. The wedding needs to happen in two weeks, and the marriage needs to look real.

Elena laughed, but it was bitter and humorless. “And you thought of me”

“W—Why?” She stuttered a bit

Because you will be desperate enough to say yes, George said without blinking. And because you are presentable enough that no one will question it. No scandals. No exes. No complications.

He flipped the contract open to page seven and tapped it with one long finger.

In return, Litdom Group will pay your mother’s entire hospital bill tonight. Full treatment. Best doctors. Private suite. And a 50,000 dollar monthly stipend for you.

Elena’s eyes dropped to the page.

And we will do everything that a married couple does as stated in the contract

Elena leaned forward to read it

Clause 7: Marital Obligations. The Wife agrees to cohabitate and fulfill the duties expected of a spouse, including but not limited to public affection and intimacy, with a minimum frequency of three times a week.

Her face burned. "You can’t be serious". Her throat burned as she forced the words out.

I’m always serious, George said. He stepped closer, and his cologne, something dark and expensive, filled the space between them. I’m offering you a way to save your mother’s life, Elena. All you have to do is sign your name and spend six months in my house as my wife.

Everything in her screamed to walk out. This man destroyed her father. Built his empire on the ruins of her family. And now he stood in front of her like a savior offering her a deal with the devil himself.

And if I refuse?

George didn’t hesitate. Then your mother gets discharged tonight.

The words landed like a death sentence. Elena’s breath hitched.

For a moment, the room blurred. The glass walls, the city lights, the man in front of her; none of it felt real.

All she could see was her mother. Weak, Pale, and smiling through pain she couldn’t hide anymore.

Elena looked up at him, and for the first there was no fear in them as she said.....

Don't mistake this for trust if i sign this contract.

She reached out for it.