Chapter 4 The Deal

"Marry me."

She heard what Conner said, but it didn't immediately register in her mind. She stopped walking, but she didn't turn around right away.

Maybe she misheard. Maybe she misunderstood.

But when she slowly turned to face Conner, she saw the serious expression on his face-no trace of a joke, no hint of hesitation.

"W-What did you say?" she asked in a whisper, her voice trembling.

"Marry me. So I can help you."

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice slightly shaking. "Why would you want to marry and help a woman you barely even know?"

Conner smirked, though there was a glint of seriousness in his eyes. "Because I need a wife. And I can see that you want revenge for everything they did to you. We can use each other."

She frowned. "What? Why do you need a wife?"

Conner continued explaining. "The election is near. And a man with a respectable wife appears more credible in the eyes of the public."

Then it suddenly clicked. She remembered why the name Conner Sudalga sounded familiar. He was a congressman. She had heard his name countless times in the news and on social media, but she never imagined that the man standing before her was one and the same.

"So... you want to use me?" Bitterness colored her voice. "Just to polish your public image?"

Conner shook his head. "I'm not the only one who benefits, Aliyah. We both want something from this arrangement. You want to show them you're not the loser. I need a woman I can present to the public as the perfect wife. It's a win-win situation."

She clenched her fists. She knew this was wrong. She knew she shouldn't be listening to Conner. But her mind was filled with images of Benedict and Aleli-the betrayal, the humiliation, the lies Benedict had just told. This was right. She did want revenge.

"So, what will it be, Aliyah?" she heard Conner's deep, firm voice again. "Will you accept my offer?"

"How do I know you're not just playing with me?" Aliyah asked coldly, trying to hide the emotion in her voice.

She wanted to accept Conner's offer. She was tempted to say yes, knowing it was the fastest way to show Benedict and Aleli she wasn't defeated. That she wasn't the one left broken by their betrayal. But despite her anger and regret, she knew she shouldn't act purely on emotion.

She wanted to be sure she wasn't stepping into another game where she'd end up losing again.

Conner studied her for a moment before leaning back in his seat, raising an eyebrow as if measuring her resolve. "I'm not going to ask you to sign a prenuptial agreement. If we ever part ways, half of my wealth will be yours. Is that enough for you?"

She froze. She hadn't expected that kind of answer from Conner. A powerful man like him, willing to risk half of his fortune for a marriage built on an agreement?

She looked at Conner, analyzing his expression. There was no trace of jest on his face, no sign that he was joking. He remained calm, seemingly unshaken by the bold offer he had just made.

"You're willing to risk that much for this... deal?" she asked, still uncertain.

Conner chuckled slightly, but his gaze remained intense. "I don't make deals that put me at a disadvantage, Aliyah. If I'm offering this, it's because I know exactly what I'm getting in return."

She gasped softly. "And what exactly are you getting from me, Conner?"

The corner of his lips lifted in a faint smirk. "A woman who has nothing left to lose is the most dangerous kind, Aliyah. You want revenge. I want power. Together, we can be unstoppable."

A chill crawled over her skin, not from fear-but from the possibility of the game she might be entering.

"And if I say yes?"

Conner leaned forward, closing the space between them just enough for her to feel his breath on her skin. "Then I'll make sure that by the time we're done, they'll regret ever betraying you."

She clenched her fists again, the fire inside her reigniting.

Could this be the answer to all the pain Benedict and Aleli had caused her?

"Fine. I agree. But I have conditions."

Aliyah said it directly, locking eyes with Conner. There was no hesitation, no fear. If this was a game, she'd make sure she wouldn't be the one who lost in the end.

Conner grinned, clearly impressed by her resolve. "Good. But let me hear your conditions."

"Our marriage will last for two years only," she said immediately. "And I will sign a prenuptial agreement. I won't take a single cent from your wealth."

Conner observed her for a moment, as if testing if she was serious. "You're turning down wealth?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "Most women would kill for this opportunity."

She gave a bitter smile. "I'm not like most women, Conner. I don't need your money. I have my own reasons for agreeing."

Their eyes met-an intense clash of determination and sharp minds.

After a few seconds, Conner nodded. "Fine. Two years, no money. But in those two years, you will play the perfect wife. No mistakes, no half-hearted efforts. We have to convince everyone, Aliyah."

"As long as we both get what we want," she replied without hesitation.

"So, can we seal the deal?" Conner asked, a slight grin on his lips.

Aliyah frowned. "Are we signing a contract?" she asked innocently, expecting a formal written agreement.

But Conner's grin deepened, a strange glint in his eyes. "Yes, but first, let's seal it with a kiss."

Aliyah's eyes widened. "What-"

She didn't finish her sentence because Conner moved even closer. Before she could dodge, he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her against his firm body. She gasped at the speed of it all.

"W-Wait-"

But he didn't listen. His hand gently yet firmly held her chin, forcing her to look up-and before she could protest, his lips met hers.

She closed her eyes, not because she was swept away, but out of sheer shock. Conner's lips were warm-not aggressive, but not hesitant either. It was a kiss of dominance-a reminder of who held the reins in their agreement.

She froze for a moment but quickly snapped back. She pushed hard against his chest, gasping for air as she stared at him. He, on the other hand, looked completely unfazed-no remorse, no shame.

"Now, the deal is sealed," he whispered, as if waiting for her reaction.

She swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing heart. She shouldn't let this affect her. She couldn't afford to be shaken.

"You could've just asked for a handshake," she said coldly, trying to maintain her icy composure.

Conner chuckled. "Too formal. And besides, we need to start practicing."

She clenched her fists tighter. She knew this was a dangerous game. But if this was how their arrangement began, she had no idea how she'd make it out without getting her heart involved.