Chapter 2 An Offer She Cannot Refuse

The following morning, Velia awoke to a vague discomfort in the arm where the loan shark had seized her. The events of the night before replayed in her head like a nightmare as she sat upright on the shabby couch in her little apartment. And then-Lucas Hernandez.

The menace, the fear. Even now, she could not explain why his name made her shudder. Why was he in that place? A man of his size had no business getting involved in conflicts that had nothing to do with him in dim alleys. But what stuck out more than his presence was his voice. Deep, commanding, but strangely reassuring.

Velia got up and walked to the kitchen, shaking her head. When she opened the refrigerator, the shelves were empty. She didn't even add milk to her coffee. She let out a sigh. She had been trying to make ends meet for days by eating very little, so it wasn't shocking.

A loud knock at the door startled her.

Her heart was racing. Are the loan sharks already involved? Not even noon had arrived. She swallowed her dread and moved gently to the door, looking through the peephole.

Outside was a sharply dressed man in a black suit. He didn't belong to the loan sharks; instead, he appeared too costly and well-groomed.

"Miss Howell?" The man's voice was crisp and professional.

She hesitated before responding. "Who's asking?"

"I'm here on behalf of Mr. Lucas Hernandez. He wishes to meet with you.

"Velia's breath caught. Lucas?"

I-I don't understand," she stammered. "Why would he want to see me?"

The man remained still. "Mr. Hernandez doesn't use messengers to discuss business. I've been asked to take you to his office by him.

Everything in Veila shouted no. This was too abrupt, too weird. However, what options did she have? She was desperate, unemployed, and drowning in debt. She had to at least listen to Lucas Hernandez if he had anything to contribute.

"Fine," she said. "Give me a few minutes."

---

Velia was seated in the rear of a sleek black automobile thirty minutes later, watching the city pass by the window. She assumed the driver was Lucas's assistant because he hadn't said much or explained the purpose of the meeting.

She felt small-inconsequential-by the time they reached Hernandez Holdings' imposing headquarters. Standing tall above the city like a quiet king presiding over his subjects, the structure was a steel and glass fortress.

As she rode the lift to the top floor, she forced herself to calm down. With a gentle chime, the doors opened to show an opulent office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the metropolitan skyline. Lucas Hernandez was standing close to the window.

When she intervened, he turned, his grey eyes unreadable and cool.

"You came." His voice was smooth and controlled.

Velia clenched her fists, steeling herself. "Your man didn't really give me a choice."

A ghost of a smirk touched his lips. "I suppose not."

She exhaled sharply. "Why am I here, Mr. Hernandez?"

Lucas gestured to a chair across from his massive desk. "Sit."

Despite her hesitation, she obeyed. After she was comfortable, Lucas sat behind the desk and studied her intently, as a guy who never wasted time would.

"I have an offer for you.

"Velia's hands gripped the arms of the chair. "An offer?"

Lucas leaned forward slightly. "You need money. I need a fiancée."

The words hit her like a slap. "Excuse me?"

He remarked in an emotionless tone, "I have a business deal that requires me to appear... settled." "The investors I work with are old-fashioned. They view unmarried guys as unstable and unpredictable; thus, they don't trust them.

"Velia blinked. This cannot be real.

"I need a woman by my side for the next six months. You will attend events with me, play the role of my loving fiancée, and in return, I will ensure your financial stability."

Velia stared at him. "You're serious?"

Lucas's expression didn't change. "Deadly."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "So, what? You want to buy a bride?"

"It's a contract," he corrected smoothly. "One that benefits both of us."

In an attempt to understand this, she shook her head. "Why me? Anyone may be your partner, including actresses, models, and ladies who would be thrilled to be with you."

His grey eyes darkened slightly. "Because you're desperate."

Her stomach churned. He was not mistaken. The loan sharks were breathing down her neck, and she had no savings or a job. Even in a fictitious marriage, the thought of selling oneself still made her stomach turn.

"I'll pay off your debts," Lucas continued. "I'll ensure you have a place to live and food to eat. And when the contract is over, you'll walk away with enough money to start over."

Velia hesitated. It sounded too good to be true. "What do you expect from me in return? Beyond the public appearances?"

Lucas's expression remained unreadable. "You'll be my fiancée in every way that matters publicly. Behind closed doors, we will remain professional. I'm not interested in complications."

His meaning was clear: he wasn't expecting her to sleep with him. That was a small relief, but it still felt surreal.

"What if I say no?" she asked.

Lucas tilted his head. "Then you go back to your apartment, back to your debts, and back to a life where men like the ones from last night will eventually take what they're owed."

Her breath hitched. He wasn't threatening her, not directly. But he was reminding her of her reality.

Her mind whirling, she closed her eyes for a moment. Six months. All he needed was that. And she would be protected in exchange.

When she opened her eyes, Lucas was still watching her, waiting.

"Fine," she whispered. "I'll do it."

A slow, approving smile spread across his lips. "Good."

He reached into his desk and pulled out a contract, sliding it toward her.

"Read it. Sign it. And as of today, you are Velia Howell-my fiancée.

"Velia's hand trembled a little as she picked up the pen. This was insane, but even as she signed her name, she couldn't shake the feeling that this moment-this decision-was the start of something much more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.