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Chapter 3

As James exited Alexander's study, the weight of his words pressed heavily on his chest. Alexander’s voice echoed in his mind, sharp and unforgiving.

“Your time begins now, James. If I were you, I’d be out of here already. I’d hate to see you lose your job because you hesitated.”

James barely registered the door closing behind him with a heavy, resounding click. The task ahead seemed impossible—a 48-hour deadline to find a woman who could meet the exacting standards of Alexander Kane. The clock was already ticking, the seconds slipping away like sand through his fingers, and failure was unthinkable.

His heart raced as he stepped into the bustling office. It was like stepping into a different world—one where everything moved too fast, too relentlessly. He barely heard the chatter of colleagues or the ringing of phones. His mind was consumed by the pressure to deliver. How could he possibly find someone worthy enough for a marriage of convenience with a billionaire like Alexander? His mind was clouded with the realization that no one would willingly agree to such an arrangement unless there was something more. But what? What did she have to offer that would make her stand out?

The next 24 hours became a blur of interviews, each woman more desperate than the last, all eager to marry a man like Alexander Kane. Yet, none of them measured up to the cold, calculating expectations he knew his boss required. Frustration gnawed at James, his confidence eroding with each rejection. Time was slipping through his fingers, and with it, his hope of meeting Alexander’s demands.

Meanwhile, Alexander sat alone in his study, the silence thick with tension. His eyes remained fixed on the clock, the sound of its ticking louder than ever. He wasn’t just considering the business implications of the arrangement; this could change the entire course of his life, for better or worse. The idea of entering into a cold, emotionless marriage felt like walking on a razor’s edge. But his grandfather’s will loomed over him like a shadow, pushing him toward a decision he wasn't sure he was ready to make.

When James finally returned to the study, the exhaustion on his face was unmistakable. He looked drained like he had aged years in a single day. His eyes were bloodshot, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Yet, there was something else in his expression—a flicker of hope.

Alexander didn’t look up immediately. He continued to stare at the pile of documents on his desk, the heavy silence stretching between them. “You realize you only have 24 hours left,” he said, his voice a mere whisper, but sharp enough to cut through the tension. “Standing here isn’t going to help you.”

James swallowed hard, his throat dry. He could feel the beads of sweat on his forehead, despite the cool air in the room. “I’ve found someone, sir. She’s... different from the others.”

“Different?” Alexander’s voice was laced with doubt, his gaze finally lifting from the papers. “How?”

James hesitated for a moment before handing over the profile, his hand trembling slightly. “Her name is Lily Evans. She doesn’t come from money, but there’s something about her—an honesty, a strength. She might be what you’re looking for.”

Alexander took the profile, his sharp eyes scanning the document with ruthless precision. He was silent for a long moment, the room still except for the sound of rustling paper. Finally, he looked up, his gaze piercing. “Bring her in.”


Lily Evans stepped into the study, her heart hammering in her chest. She had imagined this moment countless times, but now that it was here, everything felt overwhelming. The opulence of the mansion, the weight of Alexander’s presence—it was all too much. But she had come this far, and there was no turning back now.

She forced herself to remain composed, to mask the whirlwind of emotions inside her. This was her chance—a shot at changing her life forever. She wasn’t here for the money alone, not really. She had quietly admired Alexander for years, following his career with a fascination that bordered on obsession. But now, none of that could show on her face. She had to be calm and professional. Nothing more.

Alexander’s gaze flicked up as she entered, and for a moment, she swore she saw something like curiosity flash across his eyes. “Ms. Evans,” he said, his voice cold and commanding. “Please, have a seat.”

Lily nodded politely and settled into the chair opposite him, her hands folded neatly in her lap, though her palms were slick with sweat. “Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Kane.”

He studied her in silence, his eyes never leaving her face, as if searching for some hidden truth she wasn’t willing to reveal. “You understand the nature of this arrangement?” he asked, his voice low and calculating.

Lily met his gaze without flinching. “I do, Mr. Kane. I understand this is a marriage of convenience, not a traditional one. I’m prepared to fulfill my role without any misconceptions.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. “Why would you want to enter into such an agreement? What do you hope to gain from this?”

Lily took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of thoughts racing in her mind. “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet. This arrangement offers me financial stability, and I believe I can fulfill the responsibilities required. More than that, I’m not looking for love or emotional attachment. I’m here because I want a better life.”

Her words were measured, but inside, her heart was pounding. She had been silently captivated by him for so long, yet now she had to bury those feelings deep down. This was about survival, not romance.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly as if sensing there was more to her story, but he didn’t press further. “This will be a legally binding agreement, Ms. Evans. No romance. Just a mutual commitment to fulfill the terms.”

“Yes, Mr. Kane,” she responded firmly. “I understand completely. I’m prepared for that.”

Alexander studied her for another long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. “Very well. If you’re ready to proceed, we can move forward. I’ll have the legal documents drawn up, and we’ll begin the process of registering the marriage.”

Lily’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Thank you, Mr. Kane. I’m ready to proceed.”

With that, Alexander signaled the end of the conversation. James stepped forward to take over, relief written on his face as he handled the arrangements.

But as Lily left the study, her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. She had secured what she wanted, but now... now the reality of what she had agreed to was starting to settle in. She had entered into this for security, for a chance at a new life—but she couldn’t help but wonder: Why did Alexander choose her?

And deeper still: Would she regret this?

As Lily closed the door behind her, she was left with an unsettling thought. The future she had fought for had just begun, but it wasn’t the future she had expected. And with every step she took away from that door, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something far more dangerous was waiting for her.

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