Chapter 5 The Offer

The hallway stretched endlessly ahead, quiet and dimly lit, a sharp contrast to the vibrant opulence of the ballroom. Kaitlyn followed the bouncer, her heels clicking softly on polished marble, echoing in sync with the thudding of her heart. She clutched her purse tighter, every nerve on edge.

At the end of the corridor stood a tall set of mahogany doors. The man knocked once, waited, then pushed them open.

"In here," he said simply, stepping aside.

Kaitlyn walked in, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the softer, amber glow of the room. It was a study-warm and expensive. Shelves lined with books, a fireplace burning low, and the scent of cedar and leather lingering in the air.

And in the center, sitting casually behind a massive desk, was Jay Roberts.

He stood the moment she entered, his tailored black suit sculpted perfectly to his frame. There was a commanding stillness to him, the kind that demanded attention without needing to say a word.

"Kaitlyn," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You look... breathtaking."

Caught off guard, she froze. "Thank you. Mr. Roberts, right?"

"Jay," he corrected with a slight smile, gesturing for her to sit. "Please. Make yourself comfortable."

Kaitlyn hesitated but took the seat across from him, still gripping the edges of the chair. "You sent me an invitation, but you never said why."

Jay leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I've been watching you, Kaitlyn."

Her brows knit. "Watching me?"

"At the bar. Over the last few weeks. You're hardworking, sharp, discreet. You carry burdens most people would collapse under, and yet you smile through them. That's rare."

She swallowed. "Are you saying you-what? Invited me here because you liked my work ethic?"

Jay chuckled. "Partially. But this isn't a job interview." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a black folder. He placed it on the desk and slid it toward her.

Kaitlyn glanced down, eyes scanning the words at the top of the first page.

*"Contractual Marriage Agreement."*

Her eyes shot back up. "Is this some kind of joke?"

Jay's expression remained composed. "No joke. I need a wife-for appearances only. For three months. In return, I'll pay off every debt you and your husband owe. You'll live in comfort. No intimacy required unless mutually desired. You'd be free at the end of the term, with a generous financial settlement."

Kaitlyn's heart slammed against her chest. "You want me to pretend to be your wife?"

"Yes. Temporarily. It's for business and personal reasons-my family's expectations, a few public appearances. I need someone who can play the role without complication. You fit the bill."

She laughed nervously, standing. "I-I can't just agree to something like this. I have a husband."

Jay stood too, his voice calm but firm. "A husband who's in debt with dangerous people. Who took out a loan in your name. You're already being threatened."

That stopped her cold.

"How do you know about that?"

He met her gaze directly. "I know a lot of things, Kaitlyn. Things you shouldn't have to deal with. I'm offering you a way out. For both of you."

Kaitlyn looked down at the contract again, her fingers trembling. The idea was insane. Unreal. She was nobody-just a broke girl trying to survive. And yet here he was, offering her something out of a movie.

"You don't even know me," she whispered.

"I know enough," he said softly. "And I'll give you 48 hours to decide. No pressure. No obligations. But I suggest you read the fine print carefully."

He stepped around the desk and handed her the folder.

Just then, the door creaked open behind her.

She turned sharply.

Another suited man leaned in. "Mr. Roberts, your father's asking for you."

Jay nodded without breaking eye contact with Kaitlyn. "I'll be right there."

When the door closed again, Kaitlyn finally found her voice. "Why me, though? You could have anyone. A model. An actress. Someone who actually fits into this world."

Jay's lips curled into a small smile. "That's exactly why it has to be you. You're real."

He walked to the door and opened it for her. "Think about it. And if you decide yes-call the number in the folder. I'll handle the rest."

Kaitlyn stepped out into the hallway, her mind spinning.