Chapter 3 DEAL THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

The city of Erindale stretched beyond the glass windows of the office, its bright skyline illuminating the night. Inside, the air was thick with tension as Ayshe stared at Kareem, his proposal hanging between them like a delicate thread ready to snap.

A contract marriage.

The words sounded insane, and yet, in her desperate situation, they were the only thing keeping her from being trapped in a fate she never chose.

She folded her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on Kareem. "You're serious about this?"

Kareem leaned against the desk, arms crossed, exuding confidence. "Completely."

Ayshe scoffed, shaking her head. "You expect me to marry a man I barely know?"

He shrugged. "You were about to be forced into a marriage with Sabri. At least with me, you get a choice."

Her jaw clenched. "A choice? You call this a choice?"

Kareem's smirk softened. "More than what they're giving you, isn't it?"

She hated that he was right.

Her mother and brothers had already made their decision for her. Sabri's family was expecting her as his fiancee. There was no way out-except this.

She took a slow breath, trying to think clearly. "And what do you get from this?"

Kareem's expression darkened slightly. "My father's company."

Ayshe blinked. "So this is about money?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. "No. It's about control. My father thinks he can manipulate me into a marriage for his own legacy. I refuse to let that happen."

She tilted her head, intrigued. "And marrying me helps how?"

A playful glint flashed in his eyes. "Simple. I get married, he gives me the company, and once the contract ends, we go our separate ways."

Ayshe let out a bitter chuckle. "Sounds convenient."

Kareem straightened, watching her intently. "For both of us."

She bit her lip. The deal was tempting, but it came with risks.

"What about after?" she asked. "When will the contract end?"

"You'll be legally free from your family," Kareem said. "They can't force you into anything after this. And I..." He exhaled. "I'll have secured my position in the company."

Ayshe shifted on her feet, weighing the options. She wasn't naive. Something like this would require absolute secrecy. If anyone found out, her life-and his-would turn into chaos.

"What if someone suspects?" she asked.

Kareem smirked. "Then we make them believe it's real."

Ayshe's stomach twisted. "You mean...?"

He nodded. "Public appearances, family visits, the whole act."

Her pulse quickened. "You think we can pull it off?"

Kareem's confidence didn't waver. "I know we can."

She hesitated, staring at him. This man, with his effortless charm and playboy reputation, was offering her a way out. A risky one, but an escape nonetheless.

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind. You will marry Sabri. You have no choice.

But now, she did.

Ayshe inhaled deeply. "Fine."

Kareem raised a brow. "Fine?"

She straightened. "I'll do it."

A slow smile tugged at his lips. "Smart decision."

Ayshe wasn't sure if it was. But it was the only one she had.

Kareem extended a hand. "A deal, then?"

She hesitated before gripping his hand firmly. The warmth of his skin sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Their fate was sealed.

But neither of them realized that pretending to be in love might be more dangerous than they ever imagined.