Chapter 1: The 72-hours Deal

Chapter 1: The 72-Hour Deal

Amara Okoro had never begged in her life. Until today.

The cold marble floor of Cole Towers chilled her bare feet. Her sandals had broken on the run from Obalende to Victoria Island. Her mother's hospital bill was crumpled in her fist: N10,350,000. Due in 72 hours.

"Mr. Cole does not see people without appointment," the receptionist said.

"He will see me," Amara said, her voice shaking.

The elevator dinged. And he stepped out.

Jayden Cole was more handsome in person than on Forbes Africa cover. Tall, broad-shouldered, in a black suit that cost more than her mother's hospital. But his eyes were cold and bored.

"Who let her in?" he asked.

Amara stepped forward. "My name is Amara Okoro. My mother is dying at LUTH. Your foundation can help."

"I don't run a charity," he said. "I run a business. Security."

"Please! Just 10 million! I will work, I will clean your offices, I will pay back."

Jayden stopped and looked at her. At the torn Ankara dress, the desperate eyes, the stubborn jaw.

His phone rang. "Yes, Grandfather?"

The old man's voice shouted from the speaker, "If you don't bring a wife to my 80th birthday in 72 hours, I give everything to your cousin Emeka! No wife, no inheritance!"

Jayden's jaw clenched. "Grandfather, I told you."

"I don't care about your models! Real wife! Real marriage!"

The line died.

Silence fell in the lobby.

Jayden stared at Amara. A strange idea forming in his eyes.

"What's your name again?"

"Amara Okoro."

"Are you married?"

"No!"

"Do you have a boyfriend? Anyone who will look for you?"

"No."

He stepped closer.

"I need a wife for 90 days. You need 10 million naira. Let's make a deal."

Amara blinked. "What?"

"You marry me. You act as my perfect loving wife for my grandfather's birthday and for 90 days after. You live in my house. You attend my events. In return, I pay for your mother's surgery, clear your debts, and give you 5 million extra when we divorce after 90 days."

The world stopped.

"Marry you?"

"Contract marriage. Rule one: No love. Rule two: No touching unless necessary in public. Rule three: No questions about my private life. Break any rule, you get nothing."

He held out his black card.

"72 hours, Amara. Your mother has 72 hours. I have 72 hours. Same deadline."

Tears blurred her vision. This was madness. But her mother's face in that hospital bed.

"If I say yes, you pay today?"

"This afternoon. My driver will clear the bill before 5pm."

"And after 90 days?"

"We divorce quietly. You walk away with 5 million and your mother alive. I walk away with 50 billion."

50 billion naira. For a fake wife.

She thought of her landlord locking their door. Of her younger brother dropping out of school. Of her mother coughing blood.

She grabbed the card.

"Yes. I will do it."

A flicker of respect crossed Jayden's cold face.

"Then welcome to your new life, Mrs. Cole. My lawyer is waiting upstairs. And Amara?"

"Yes?"

"Don't fall in love with me. Women always do. And it never ends well for them."

"Amara stared at the black card in her hand. It felt heavier than gold. Heavier than shame.

The lawyer's office was on the 22nd floor, all glass and cold air. Jayden did not touch her as they walked. He did not need to. Everyone stared as they passed — the billionaire and the girl in broken sandals.

'Sign here,' the lawyer said, sliding a thick contract towards her. Ten pages. Ninety days. No love.

Her hand shook as she picked up the pen. One signature and her mother would live. One signature and her own life would end.

She thought of her mother smiling before the sickness. She thought of her brother.

She signed.

Amara Okoro.

The ink was still wet when Jayden's phone buzzed. 'Hospital cleared,' his assistant said. 'Payment done.'

Amara's knees almost gave way. She was now Mrs. Cole.

'Let's go, Mrs. Cole,' Jayden said. 'My grandfather is waiting to meet his new daughter-in-law.'"