Lina stared at Adrian's outstretched hand, her heart beating wildly in her chest.
This was crazy.
Absolutely crazy.
Only a few hours ago, she had been standing in a grand banquet hall, believing she had a future with Daniel. Now she was lying in a hospital bed, being asked to marry a billionaire she had just met.
But when she closed her eyes, the memory of the night returned vividly.
Daniel announcing his engagement.
Vanessa's satisfied smile.
The whispers of the crowd.
The humiliation burned deep inside her.
Lina slowly opened her eyes again.
"Why me?" she asked quietly.
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"Because you have nothing left tying you to your old life."
"That's not a reason to marry someone."
"It is when both people benefit."
Lina studied his face carefully.
His expression was calm, controlled… but there was something hidden behind his eyes.
Something dangerous.
"What exactly would this marriage be?" she asked.
"A contract marriage."
"And after that?"
"When our goals are achieved, we can go our separate ways."
Lina let out a slow breath.
"So basically… we use each other."
Adrian nodded once.
"Yes."
Silence filled the room again.
Finally, Lina spoke.
"What would people think?"
"They will think you are my wife," Adrian replied simply.
"And Daniel?"
Adrian's lips curved slightly.
"He will regret ever losing you."
Those words struck something deep inside Lina.
Slowly, she extended her hand.
Adrian clasped it firmly.
The deal was sealed.
And neither of them realized yet how complicated things were about to become.