Chapter 2 Episode 2

For a moment, Liv thought she hadn't heard him correctly. A marriage contract? She stared at him, waiting for the punchline, but his expression remained serious, his gaze unwavering. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing," Liv said slowly, "but I'm not interested in being anyone's trophy wife." "It's not a game," Alex said, his tone firm. "This is a legitimate offer. I need a wife to secure a crucial business deal. It's purely transactional. No emotional involvement, no strings attached. In exchange, I'll pay you enough to cover all your debts, plus a generous monthly allowance.

You'll have financial security for life." Liv's heart pounded in her chest as she processed his words. The proposition was absurd, yet strangely tempting. The idea of never having to worry about money again, of being able to take care of her sister without constantly scraping by-it was everything she had dreamed of. But the price of that dream was something she couldn't easily ignore. "You want me to marry you," she repeated, still trying to wrap her mind around it. "Why me? You could have anyone you want." Alex leaned back, studying her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "I don't need just anyone. I need someone who can play the part without complications. You don't come from my world, and that's exactly what makes you ideal. There are no messy entanglements, no shared social circles. This is a business arrangement, nothing more." The clinical detachment in his voice should have repelled her, but instead, it intrigued her. Alex Grayson was offering her a way out-a way to finally break free from the life she had been forced into. But at what cost? "What's the catch?" Liv asked, crossing her arms as she met his gaze. "No catch," Alex replied smoothly. "We'll sign a contract outlining the terms. The marriage will last for one year, after which we'll part ways. During that time, you'll fulfill the role of my wife, attending social events, maintaining appearances. In return, you'll receive financial compensation that will set you up for life." Liv's mind raced as she considered his offer. It was an outrageous proposal, and yet, it made a twisted sort of sense. Alex needed a wife for a year, and she needed money. The arrangement was mutually beneficial-on the surface, at least. But there was something unsettling about the way he spoke, as if he were discussing a business merger rather than a marriage. It reminded her of the cold, calculating men she had encountered before, the ones who saw people as assets to be used and discarded. And yet, there was something about Alex that was different. He wasn't offering her a life of luxury or romance; he was offering her a deal. A deal she could walk away from once it was over. Still, the thought of being tied to someone like him, even for a short time, sent a shiver down her spine. "What if I say no?" she asked, needing to hear his answer. Alex's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes-disappointment, perhaps? "Then we both go our separate ways. You continue living your life as it is, and I find someone else to fill the role. But I'm confident that my offer is the best option you'll find." Liv hesitated, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She had always prided herself on being independent, on not relying on anyone else to survive. But the reality was, she was tired. Tired of struggling, tired of fighting for every scrap. This deal, as cold and calculated as it was, could change everything for her and her sister. But it would also mean giving up her freedom, at least for a time. And she couldn't ignore the fact that Alex Grayson was a man used to getting what he wanted. There was no guarantee that this arrangement would be as straightforward as he claimed. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. "I need time to think about it." Alex nodded, as if he had expected that answer. "Take all the time you need. But remember, this offer won't be on the table forever. My business deal is time-sensitive, and I'll need an answer soon." Liv met his gaze, searching for any hint of deception or ulterior motive, but his expression remained unreadable. He was a man who played his cards close to his chest, and she knew she would have to tread carefully. "I'll think about it," she said again, her voice firmer this time. Alex inclined his head, a small gesture of acknowledgment. "I'll have my lawyer draw up the preliminary contract. When you're ready, we can discuss the details." With that, he stood, smoothing down his suit jacket as if their conversation had been nothing more than a business meeting. In a way, it had been. But as he turned to leave, Liv couldn't shake the feeling that she had just been drawn into something much bigger than she realized. "Goodnight, Olivia," Alex said, his voice smooth as silk. "I'll be in touch." And with that, he was gone, leaving Liv standing in the dimly lit VIP room, her mind spinning with possibilities and doubts. For a long moment, she remained where she was, trying to process everything that had just happened. The proposition was insane, completely out of the realm of anything she had ever imagined. And yet, there was a certain logic to it-a logic that was hard to argue with when her back was against the wall. But accepting Alex's offer would mean giving up her autonomy, at least for a while. It would mean stepping into a world she had no experience with, a world where she would have to navigate the treacherous waters of high society, all while pretending to be the devoted wife of a man she barely knew. Liv's instincts screamed at her to walk away, to run as far as she could from this crazy idea. But there was another part of her, a part that was tired of struggling, that was tempted by the promise of security and stability. And then there was Emma. Liv had sacrificed so much for her sister, had worked herself to the bone to make sure she had a future. The thought of being able to pay off their debts, to give Emma the life she deserved-it was almost too much to resist. Liv closed her eyes, trying to block out the noise in her head. She needed to think, to weigh her options, to figure out what was truly best for her and her sister. But deep down, she already knew what her decision would be. With a sigh, Liv turned and left the VIP room, the echoes of Alex's proposition still ringing in her ears. She would think about it, she would weigh her options. But the truth was, the decision had already been made the moment she had walked into that room. She just wasn't ready to admit it yet. As Liv made her way back to the dressing room, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of dread and anticipation. Her life was about to change, one way or another. And the only question was whether she was ready for what came next. The night air hit her like a splash of cold water as she stepped out of the club, the neon lights of the city casting long shadows on the pavement. Liv pulled her jacket tighter around her, her mind still buzzing with everything that had happened. She knew she should go straight home, but the idea of facing her empty apartment, with all its reminders of the life she was trying to escape, was too much to bear. Instead, she found herself wandering the streets, her feet carrying her through the city without any particular destination in mind. The city was alive with activity, even at this late hour. Couples strolled hand in hand, their laughter echoing off the buildings. Taxis honked their horns as they navigated the congested streets. And above it all, the skyscrapers loomed like silent sentinels, watching over the endless dance of humanity below. Liv walked for what felt like hours, her thoughts chasing themselves in circles. She knew she was stalling, avoiding the decision that lay before her. But no matter how far she walked, the choice would still be waiting for her at the end of the night. Finally, as the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Liv found herself standing in front of her apartment building. She hesitated for a moment, then sighed and made her way inside. The apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the refrigerator the only sound breaking the silence. Liv kicked off her shoes and padded into the small living room, where Emma's textbooks were still spread out on the coffee table. A pang of guilt stabbed at her as she remembered how many nights Emma had stayed up late, studying, while Liv had been working at the club. Liv sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. She had always prided herself on being strong, on not letting the world break her. But tonight, she felt anything but strong. She felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, with no clear path to shore. But as she sat there, the weight of Alex's offer pressing down on her, she realized something. She was tired of being lost. Tired of struggling, of fighting for every inch of progress. Maybe, just maybe, this crazy proposition was her way out. Liv lifted her head, staring at the wall across from her as if it held the answers she was searching for. She didn't know what the future held, didn't know if she could trust Alex or if this deal would be as straightforward as he claimed. But she did know one thing-she couldn't keep living like this. Something had to change, and maybe this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. With a deep breath, Liv made her decision. She would meet with Alex, discuss the terms of the contract, and see where this path led her. It was a risk, but it was a risk she was willing to take. For herself. For Emma. For the chance at a better life. The next morning, Liv awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. The sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.