Prologue

Din Cooper leaned back in his chair, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. “So, wifey, tell me what I can do for you?”

Jessie slammed her palm against the table. “Wifey? Mr. Cooper, I am not your wifey.”

“Yet you signed the paper alongside me.”

Jessie scoffed. “You took advantage of the fact that I was drunk that night.”

“I did as you said and put the ring on your finger. You requested that I take you to the wedding, and I did so. I’m not sure how that is my fault,” Din said calmly.

“It is all your fault. I just want a divorce and to return to my terrible existence.”

A knock sounded at the door. A lady walked in with two throwaway coffee cups and placed them in front of them before quietly leaving.

Din slid one toward Jessie. “You can have a taste of it.”

Jessie pushed the coffee aside. “I’m not here to sample coffee. Mr. Cooper, please get to the point.”

Din took a slow sip, completely unruffled. “Hmm, that is some fantastic coffee.” He set the cup down and looked at her. “I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to divorce you.”

“But, hey, why not? You mentioned that you have a girlfriend whom you love. Why won’t you divorce me? We don’t love each other.”

“It’s a long story, but I promise to tell you the whole thing when the time comes.” He sipped his coffee once more. “Right now, I need your help.”

“Why? What help can a girl like me provide? I’m poor.” Jessie’s gaze locked on him.

“Exactly.” Din drummed his fingers on the table. “That is why you must remain in this marriage until I am ready to release you.”

Jessie scoffed, a little laugh escaping her.

He continued, “I know you have no money or a very big house to live, and I’m willing to compensate you for your efforts.”

“For the money, you want me to pretend to be married to you? What else would you possibly want from me? Sex?”

“No.” He paused. “I swear I won’t touch you until you give your permission.”

“Oh my God!” Jessie screamed angrily.

“Please take a deep breath and relax. I can also assist you with your professional endeavors. I know you’ve been having trouble landing a big job since you passed up the opportunity to go to Paris. I’m also aware that you haven’t been able to find work since you missed your chance and flew to Vegas during your breakup, so let’s lend a hand to each other. Huh?”

“Did you run a background check on me?” Jessie asked, her brows knitted together.

“Just a teeny-tiny check-up.” His honesty only fueled her anger. She despised how forthright he was. No — she wasn’t going to fall for another marital trap.

“No,” Jessie stated emphatically.

Din smirked boldly. “Are you sure? All you have to do is pretend to be a happy pair in front of my grandfather and I will give you twice as much.”

“No,” she said. She stood up and grabbed her bag. “I’m looking for a divorce. Mr. Cooper, there are billions of girls out there who would be honored to do all of this with you and would also be willing to remain, but I’m out.” She headed for the door and turned back to look at him. “I’m going to court if you don’t consent to the divorce. I’m serious, Mr. Cooper.”

Jessie slammed the door behind her.

Her hands shook as she stepped into the elevator. That was the most courageous thing she’d ever done. As the doors closed and the car descended, a rush of relief and delight flooded her chest. She had finally stood up for herself. Din Cooper and his twisted offer could go to hell.

In the now-silent office, Din sat motionless, staring at the closed door. His jaw tightened, fingers drumming once more on the table before he snatched his phone.

He dialed Will’s number, his voice low and measured when the line picked up.

“Will… it’s about Jessie Walker. She just walked out thinking she could threaten me with court. Before Friday, I need you to make sure her show gets canceled and she is out of that club. Whatever it takes. She needs to have no choice but to come back to me begging for my help.”

Din ended the call, leaned back, and exhaled slowly, his expression calm once again.

She thinks this is over? She has no idea who she is dealing with.