Chapter 5 Unexpected proposal

In a modern, well-structured kitchen, Carie Jefferson, Christ's mother, was chopping tomatoes for lunch when her son strode in and casually picked up a few slices, popping them into his mouth.

"Mother, your husband, Thomas Jefferson, announced at the executive meeting that Klara Jefferson will be the next CEO of the company."

Carie's knife halted mid-air. Her expression didn't change, but the air between them thickened. "Yes. She is my heir, and I have every right to choose who should replace me."

Christ clenched his jaw. "No, Mother. She can't be the next CEO of the company I've built with my own hands. I've spent years shaping it into what it is today, and now, all you want to do is put Klara in charge? She's never invested a dime or shown any interest in the company!"

Carie turned to face him, her expression cold and sharp. "And what have you shown, Christ? What do you have to prove that you're responsible? No wife, no children, nothing. All you do is waste money on women and parties."

Christ scoffed, stepping away. "I already have the standard," he muttered.

Carie's eyes narrowed. "Standard? And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

A smirk curled his lips. "I have a fiancée."

Her mouth fell open. "Excuse me? Since when? And why haven't we met her?"

"Mother, do I need to report every detail of my life to you?"

"Yes, because we're your parents!" she snapped. "Bring her for dinner tomorrow. No excuses."

Christ sighed. "Fine. I'll try."

But as he walked away, his mind raced. Who should I bring now? Then, an idea struck him, a slow grin spreading across his face. Oh, I know someone who can do that.

I was reviewing a few reports when Christ entered the office, his presence suffocating the air around me.

"Annie, I need your help."

His voice held an unusual urgency, sending a chill down my spine.

I frowned. "Help with what?"

He hesitated before blurting out, "I need you to pretend to be my fiancée."

I stared at him in disbelief. "What? Never!"

He sighed, lowering his voice. "Do you want to attract attention in my office?"

I folded my arms. "I won't do it."

"Please, Annie. My entire future depends on this. My father is handing the company to my sister because he thinks I'm irresponsible. I told him I have a fiancée. You're the only woman I trust to pull this off."

I hesitated. The words I'll pay you nearly made me walk out, but then-Ariel.

My son.

His health. The expensive treatments. The debt suffocating me.

Christ took out a ring, a golden one, glistening under the office lights. "This will make it official."

My heart pounded as I stared at it. I should have walked away. But instead, I whispered, "Fine. I'll do it."

By sunset, Carlos had transformed me. When I looked into the mirror, I barely recognized myself. A stunning woman in a red gown, my black hair flowing in soft waves.

I touched my reflection, exhaling. "I love this new life," I whispered.

But the moment I stepped into the Jefferson mansion, reality crashed back.

Wealth surrounded me-impeccable décor, golden chandeliers, the scent of luxury in the air.

Carie's eyes widened as she took me in. "You didn't tell me she was this beautiful," she said, turning to Christ. "How on earth did we find someone this perfect?"

Christ was speechless, staring at me as if seeing me for the first time.

But someone else was watching too.

Thomas Jefferson.

His sharp, assessing gaze raked over me, lingering too long. Unlike his wife, there was something else in his expression-intrigue, desire, ownership.

Dinner was served. I was the first to dish my food but the last to start eating-I had never used such fine cutlery before. I fumbled, feeling Carie's sharp gaze on me.

"Young lady," Thomas Jefferson spoke suddenly. "Tell me about yourself."

I stiffened. "I... I own a café called Drink Coffee Milk, not far from here."

His brows rose. "And your parents? Education?"

I swallowed hard. "I'm an orphan, and-"

A sharp silence. Carie and Carlos quickly apologized on my behalf, but the tension was thick.

"When did you get engaged?" Thomas pressed.

Christ squeezed my hand under the table. "Two weeks ago. We haven't set a date yet."

Thomas didn't look convinced. "But she's been working with you, right?"

"Yes," Christ answered smoothly. "I wanted her to understand the company before she becomes my wife."

His father's skeptical gaze lingered, but he said nothing more.

As Christ drove me home, he was unusually happy, holding my hand a little too long, whispering, "You are... something else."

Then, he leaned in, inhaling deeply. "This scent... I've smelled it before. Who exactly are you, Annie?"

But before I could respond, my phone vibrated. A message.

From an unknown number.

"You're exquisite, my dear. I never knew my son had such fine taste. But tell me, do you prefer older men?"

My breath hitched. My fingers trembled as I reread the words.

Thomas Jefferson.

I glanced at Christ, oblivious, driving with a satisfied smirk.

His father wanted me.

And suddenly, this game was no longer just about pretending

It was about survival .