Chapter 2 A cold offer

Chapter Two: A Cold Offer

Elena had not slept. The moment she'd arrived home, exhaustion tugged at her, but the weight of her mother's doctor bills and the bleak reality of her own financial struggles had kept her awake. She'd remained in bed for hours, staring up at the ceiling of her tiny apartment, counting and recounting the meager money she'd been able to save. It wasn't enough.

It was never enough.

And now, having just stepped onto the sidewalk across from the glittering glass-walled building in the heart of the city, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd finally lost her mind.

Why am I here?

A folded business card rested in the coat pocket-the sole evidence that last night hadn't been a product of her imagination. After her final shift, as she'd been closing up the café, there had been a black sedan parked outside.

The window dropped, revealing the same piercing blue eyes that had intimidated her previously.

"Get in," Alexander Vaughn had commanded, his voice leaving no room for denial.

She ought to have. Every rational cell of her being had screamed to deny.

But then he'd added, "I have a business proposition for you. One that will change your life."

And in that moment, she'd gotten into the car.

Now, staring up at the large building before her, she grasped the business card tightly. Vaughn Enterprises. The company name was synonymous with the city. It represented money, power, and uncompromising ambition-something totally foreign to her life of barely enough paychecks to cover rent.

Anxious, she stepped inside.

The lobby was a universe of smooth marble, subdued colors, and designer attire. It made her acutely self-conscious in her frayed coat and scuffed boots.

"Miss Carter?" A stylish woman came up to her, hardly looking at her outfit. "Mr. Vaughn is waiting for you. This way."

Elena's stomach churned as she was led through a set of double doors into a massive office. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave her a glimpse of the city skyline, but her eyes went immediately to the man standing beside the desk, his back to her.

"You're late."

Elena flared. "I wasn't given a time."

Alexander turned to her, his piercing eyes raking over her like a hunter assessing his prey. "I thought you'd be early."

She bristled. What kind of man expects other folks to read his mind?

He gestured toward the chair on the other side of his desk. "Sit."

She hovered before taking a seat on the edge of the chair.

"You said you had a proposition," she reminded him, trying to remain calm with the way her palms dampened against her lap.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, watching her in that unreadable way that made her stomach twist. "I need a wife."

Elena blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"

"A wife. A marriage. A contract." His voice was devoid of emotion, as if discussing a business merger.

Elena let out a startled laugh, expecting him to crack a smile and admit it was a joke. He didn't.

"You're serious?"

"Very."

She nodded her head. "This-is insane. Why would you want a contract marriage?"

His hands tapped out a staccato beat on the desk, his expression not altering. "I have my reasons. My daughter, for instance. She needs stability. A caregiver."

Elena's heart melted at the mention of Lily but hardened as she forced herself to be practical.

"There are nannies for that," she said.

Alexander's jaw set. "I don't trust other people with my daughter. And I'm not going to have a succession of temporary caretakers in her life."

Elena hesitated. That explains why he was so protective of Lily...

But nonetheless. Marriage.

"And the other reason?" she asked tentatively.

"Business." His tone was brusque. "Investors have respect for stability. A man with a family earns trust. My reputation counts."

Of course. It always came down to power and control with men such as him.

Elena shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her heart racing. "Why me?"

"You intrigue Lily."

She blinked, surprised.

He continued, "She barely speaks to anyone, much less warms up to them. And last night? She liked your company. That doesn't happen very often."

Elena's throat closed. She had noticed the way Lily had clung to her, but she hadn't realized how much it meant.

But that didn't mean she could do this.

"I don't think I'm the one for this," she said hesitantly.

Alexander leaned his head to the side. "You're having a hard time."

Her breath caught.

"You have a couple of jobs. Your mother's hospital charges are adding up. You can't afford to turn down an answer that might change everything."

Elena's fists tightened. She hated that he was right. Hated that he could see through her.

Still, she lifted her chin. "And what's in it for me?"

His lips curled into the faintest smirk. "Five hundred thousand dollars."

Her lungs nearly stopped working. "What?"

"You'll receive half upfront. The other half after one year of marriage."

A year. That was all he needed.

And for that, she'd be financially free?

Her mother would be able to get the treatment she needed. She would no longer worry about eviction notices and sleepless nights of worrying if she would have enough for groceries.

It was too good to be true.

But there had to be a catch.

"And what do you expect from me...as your wife?" she asked quietly.

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Public appearances. Dinner parties. Playing the part of a devoted wife. Nothing more."

Her heart pounded. "So, no-?"

"No," he cut in smoothly. "Business only. No expectations aside from what's required for appearances."

Elena swallowed.

It made sense. Made logic. A simple agreement.

But there was nothing simple about marrying a man like Alexander Vaughn.

Her brain screamed at her to refuse. To get out.

But she thought of her mother. Of Lily's trusting, sweet eyes.

And she heard herself whisper, "Okay."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "That's not acceptable."

She straightened to her full height. "Fine. I agree."

His slow, pleased smile kissed his lips. "Good. You're moving in tomorrow."

Her stomach flipped over. "That soon?"

"You agreed to this. No dragging your feet," he said curtly.

Elena took a deep breath, her hands shaking on the bottom of the desk. She'd just sold out to a man she didn't even know.

But as she looked into Alexander's eyes, something struck her.

She might be entering his world.

But she refused to be swallowed by it.