Chapter 2 The Proposal

Lily Morgan stood at the entrance of Blake Towers, her fingers trembling as they clutched the strap of her worn-out purse. The building was nothing short of a modern palace-polished glass walls, golden lights that sparkled like stars, and a doorman who looked more like military personnel than hotel staff.

She had taken three buses and walked two blocks just to get there.

"Name?" the receptionist asked, her tone as cold as the marble counter.

Lily hesitated. "I... I received a message to come to Suite 1405."

The woman's gaze swept over Lily's faded jeans and worn sneakers. Her lips twitched, but she said nothing and picked up the phone. Moments later, she nodded.

"You may go up."

Lily's legs moved on their own as she stepped into the elevator. Each ding of the rising floors made her heart beat faster. What if this was a scam? What if "D" was just another predator trying to take advantage of her desperation?

The elevator doors slid open on the 14th floor. A hallway lined with luxurious carpeting stretched out ahead. She found Suite 1405 and knocked once.

The door opened immediately.

Damien Blake stood before her, still in his crisp black suit, but without the tie. His cold eyes were the same as she remembered-void of emotion, almost bored with the world.

"You came," he said, as if he already knew she would.

Lily swallowed hard. "You sent the message?"

"Yes." He stepped aside. "Come in."

The suite was massive-floor-to-ceiling windows offering a dazzling view of the city skyline. A glass chandelier hung above, casting diamond-shaped reflections on the tiled floor. Lily felt like she had stepped into another world.

She remained standing.

"Have a seat," Damien said, motioning to the leather sofa.

Lily hesitated, then sat at the very edge.

"I'll get straight to the point," he began, hands tucked in his pockets. "I need a wife."

She blinked. "A... what?"

"A wife," he repeated, as though discussing the weather. "Preferably by tomorrow."

She stared at him, stunned.

"Why would someone like you need to get married?" she asked, unable to mask her confusion.

Damien walked to the bar and poured himself a glass of water. "There's a scandal brewing. The board is pressuring me to settle down. The company's stocks took a hit after the fake heiress claimed we were engaged."

Lily's eyes widened. So the headlines were real.

"I've never met her before in my life. But her family has influence. This marriage would give me an upper hand-to prove I'm not involved and stabilize the company."

She stood, nervous. "Why me?"

He turned to face her. "You're simple. You don't come from a powerful family. You have no hidden agendas, and you clearly need money."

His words cut through her like ice.

"I'm sorry," she said, grabbing her purse. "I think there's been a mistake."

He took a step forward. "You need $48,000 for your brother's surgery, don't you?"

Her breath caught.

"How do you know about Noah?"

"I looked into you. After our encounter at the hospital, I had someone run a check. You've been to three different charities, none could help. You're desperate."

Lily clenched her fists. "That doesn't give you the right to use me."

"I'm not using you. I'm offering you a deal."

He walked over to the coffee table and dropped a file. "This is a six-month contract. You become Mrs. Blake in public. We live together, attend a few social events, act like a couple. After six months, we file for divorce. I'll transfer $50,000 to your account tonight and cover all your brother's medical expenses."

Lily stared at the file like it was a bomb.

"I don't even know you," she whispered.

"You don't need to," he said simply. "This isn't about love or fairy tales. It's about business. A transaction."

"And what happens if I say no?"

He shrugged. "You walk out, and I find someone else by morning."

She sat back down. Her mind screamed at her to run, but her heart kept bringing Noah's face to the front. His weak smile, his pain... and her helplessness.

"Can I ask you one thing?" she said softly.

Damien raised a brow.

"If I do this, will you keep your distance? No expectations? No... intimacy?"

His jaw tightened slightly. "Of course. I'm not interested in romance, Lily. I need a wife in name only."

She bit her lip, staring at the contract. The pages felt heavier than steel.

But for Noah... for his life...

She picked up the pen and signed.

Damien took the file, flipping through the pages. "Our wedding is at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Civil ceremony. No press."

She stood, her voice barely above a whisper. "What should I call you now?"

He looked up. "You can call me Damien."

Lily turned toward the door, but paused. "What if I break the contract?"

His voice was calm. "Then you return every cent I spent-and face the legal consequences."

The door clicked shut behind her.

Outside the suite, her heart felt like it had dropped into her stomach. She had just agreed to marry a stranger-a cold billionaire who didn't believe in love.

She did it for her brother.

But something told her...

This arrangement was about to get more complicated than either of them expected.