Chapter 3 The Proposal

Amigo Restaurant. That was where he asked me to meet him.

Even the name sounded expensive. I stared at the text on my phone for the hundredth time, pacing in my room, trying not to let my nerves take over. I wondered what the stranger had to say to me. Dominic Ethan. A name that sounded powerful. Dangerous. Mysterious.

I turned to the mirror, taking one final look at myself. My hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, the best I could do with my trembling hands. I had changed into a red satin dress-simple, but bold. It hugged me in the right places and brought a bit of color to my pale face. I didn't want to look like a broken girl in front of the man who had offered help when I had nothing but tears and a shattered heart.

"Zara," I whispered to my reflection, "you've got this."

When I arrived at the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by a smiling host.

"Good evening. Reservation under Dominic," I said, trying to sound composed.

She smiled as though she already knew who I was here for. "Right this way."

She led me through the softly lit restaurant, past elegant couples sipping wine and laughing quietly. The scent of roasted garlic and aged wine lingered in the air. When we arrived at a secluded section, the atmosphere shifted. It was more private, luxurious-likely the VIP section. Floor-to-ceiling windows opened to a sweeping view of the city skyline, twinkling with lights like scattered diamonds.

And then I saw him.

Dominic Ethan was already seated at the far end, back straight, eyes locked on the door as though he had been expecting me down to the second. Now that I wasn't crying and dazed, I could finally see him.

He was... stunning.

No, stunning didn't cover it. He looked like he belonged on the cover of GQ-maybe even Vogue. Chiseled jawline. Piercing green eyes that seemed to study everything at once. Dark hair sleeked back perfectly, so soft-looking I had to fight the odd urge to run my fingers through it. His lips-plump, smooth-looked like they were made for slow, sinful kisses.

He wore a deep blue tailored suit with a crisp white shirt, his tie hanging loose around his collar. Even through the fabric, I could see the strength beneath-broad chest, strong arms. Tattoos peeked from his wrist and the side of his neck. Mysterious ink I suddenly wanted to trace. How far did they go?

Why was this man, this breathtaking man, waiting for me?

As I approached, he stood up, tall and confident, and pulled out a chair for me like a proper gentleman. The host disappeared silently.

"Thank you," I murmured, settling into the seat. I felt like my voice belonged to someone else.

He didn't waste time. "Let's get straight to the point," he said, his voice low and smooth, like velvet over steel. "I have a proposal for you. But before that-allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Dominic. Dominic Ethan, as you know."

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

"I'm the man who gave you a handkerchief while you cried like your soul was falling apart."

My cheeks burned. I felt exposed all over again.

"I didn't mean that as an insult," he added gently. "There was just something about you. Something... I don't know how to explain it. You intrigued me. So I did what I do best-research."

I blinked. "Research?"

"I hired a private investigator to find out more about you."

I tensed immediately, my body stiffening. "You what?"

"Wait-don't leave," he said quickly, raising a hand. "I know how that sounds. But I needed to understand what could make a woman cry like that in public, and why it stayed on my mind for days. I had to know. And now I do."

I didn't know if I should feel flattered or violated. But I stayed.

"I know about the heartbreak. Your ex. Your sister." His tone was calm, like he wasn't talking about the betrayal that shattered me.

Then he pulled out a folder.

"I'm looking for a wife," he said simply.

What?

My mouth dropped open, and I just stared at him. "Excuse me?"

"Yes, you heard me right." He leaned back slightly, hands clasped. "Don't give me that look. I know it's not ideal, but hear me out."

I stared at the folder. This couldn't be real. This was a prank, right? Any moment now, a camera crew would jump out yelling *Gotcha!*

"I'm Dominic Ethan," he continued, as if reminding me of the obvious. "A billionaire. One of the most eligible bachelors in the country. I'm not bragging-it's just the truth. I could have anyone. But I chose you."

"Why me?" I whispered, my throat dry.

"I need a woman to be my wife for a year," he said. "That's all. Just one year. In return, you get status, power, protection-and revenge. Your ex and your sister will regret ever thinking they could break you."

I swallowed hard. It sounded too good to be true.

"I don't understand. You could have anyone. Why a nobody like me?"

"You're not a nobody," he said softly. "You're perfect. And I like that you're not from my world."

I shook my head. "This is crazy. I'm just the girl whose ex didn't want to be seen with her. And you-you're..."

"A man who gets what he wants," he finished for me. "And what I want is a woman I can trust to help me fulfill a condition."

He opened the file and pushed it toward me.

"My grandfather's will. I must marry before I turn thirty to inherit his estate. And the marriage must last at least six months. After that, we can divorce. One year, that's all I need. You help me, and I help you."

I felt dizzy. Marriage? Pretend or not-it was still marriage.

"What's in it for me exactly?" I asked.

"Everything you've ever been denied," he said. "Respect. Power. A way to make your family and your ex eat their words. And I'll ensure you're compensated for your time. You won't regret it."

This wasn't real. It couldn't be.

But something in me-something bruised and tired-was listening. For once, someone wasn't asking me to shrink. Someone was offering to build me up.

"If you agree," he continued, "we'll finalize the terms. Appear in public, have a real wedding, attend events together. Play the role of my loving wife. And when the year is up, you'll walk away richer-in every way."

He leaned forward. "So what do you say, Zara? The ball is in your court."

And there it was.

The moment that could change everything.

My life was in ruins. My heart was a battlefield. And yet, this stranger... this powerful man, was handing me a lifeline disguised as a proposal.

But could I trust him?

Did I even have anything left to lose?

**To be continued...**