Mia Carter, a struggling waitress Desperate to save her ailing mother keep her younger brother in school, was presented an opportunity to become Alexander Hayes fiancée for six months, for a return of $20000. Since opportunity comes but one's, Mia signed the contract without thinking much about the bad effect it will create. And Alexander Hayes at the other hand, needed this to secure a merger with a conservative firm. They value family, stability, and commitment- qualities I apparently lack. Having a fiancée will help seal the deal. And there is something about Alexander, he believes relationship is a distraction to his business. So he doesn't have any lady he is dating. So after Emma signed the contract, she found out her first big problem, Sophia, Alexander assistant.
Chapter 1 HE ASKED, I LAUGHED (THEN CRIED)
MIA'S POV
They say life has a funny way of surprising you, but there's nothing funny about watching your world crumble before your eyes. As I stared at the eviction notice taped to our door, I couldn't breathe. The words blurred together, mocking me: "Failure to pay."
"Mom, what are we going to do?" my little brother, Noah, asked, tugging on my sleeve.
I forced a smile, though my chest ached. "Don't worry, buddy. I've got it all under control."
That was a lie. I had no control.
Life wasn't supposed to be like this. I had dreams once-college, a career, maybe even my own cozy apartment. But those dreams died the day Dad walked out, leaving Mom, Noah, and me with nothing but unpaid bills and a broken heart. Since then, I'd been the glue holding us together.
But even glue has its breaking point.
"Mom's meds," I whispered under my breath. They were expensive, and with the rent overdue, I didn't know how I'd afford them.
Noah frowned. "Are you okay, Mia?"
I patted his messy brown hair. "I'm fine. Just go finish your homework, okay?"
He nodded and disappeared into the other room. I sank onto the couch, gripping the eviction notice tightly. Tears stung my eyes, but I couldn't cry. Not now.
My phone buzzed, jolting me out of my thoughts. It was from Carla, my coworker at the diner.
Carla: Hey, can you cover the evening shift?
Even though I'd already worked a double, I replied: On my way.
---
The diner was packed when I arrived, and the air smelled of stale coffee and burnt bacon. I tied on my apron, plastered a smile on my face, and dove into the chaos.
"Table five needs their check!" Carla shouted over the noise.
"I'm on it," I called back, weaving through the crowd.
"Excuse me, miss."
The voice was deep, smooth, and commanding. I turned to see a man sitting at one of the corner booths. He wasn't like our usual customers-his tailored suit screamed wealth, and his watch probably cost more than my entire apartment.
"Yes?" I asked, clutching my notepad.
"I've been waiting for my coffee."
There was no irritation in his tone, just a quiet authority that sent a shiver down my spine. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to speak.
"Right away, sir," I stammered, rushing to the kitchen.
"Who's that?" Carla asked, nudging me with her elbow.
"No idea," I muttered.
"Well, he's gorgeous. And rich. You should totally flirt with him."
I rolled my eyes. "Not my style."
Balancing a tray with his coffee, I returned to his table. "Here you go. Anything else?"
"Actually, yes." He set the cup down without drinking it. "What's your name?"
I blinked. "Mia. Why?"
His lips curled into a faint smile. "Mia, I have a proposition for you."
My heart raced. "A proposition?"
"Sit," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him.
I hesitated. "I'm working."
"I'll compensate you for your time."
I glanced around. Carla gave me a thumbs-up, mouthing, Go! Against my better judgment, I slid into the booth.
"My name is Alexander Hayes," he began. "I own Hayes Enterprises."
The name rang a bell. Everyone knew who Alexander Hayes was-he was on the cover of every business magazine, the kind of billionaire people whispered about.
"Okay," I said cautiously. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I need a fiancée."
I choked. "Excuse me?"
"It's simple. My company is negotiating a merger with a conservative firm. They value family, stability, and commitment- qualities I apparently lack. Having a fiancée will help seal the deal."
I stared at him like he'd grown two heads. "And you want me?"
"Yes. You're... different."
"Different?"
"You're not from my world. You're real."
I laughed, but it came out bitter. "And you think I'll just agree?"
He leaned forward, his eyes serious. "I'll pay you $200,000."
My breath hitched. $200,000. That could clear all our debts, pay for Mom's treatments, and give Noah a chance at a better future.
But there had to be a catch. "Why me? You could hire a model or an actress."
"Because I need someone who won't complicate things. This is strictly business. No emotional attachments."
I frowned. "And what happens after the merger?"
"We part ways. You'll keep the money, and I'll move on."
It sounded too good to be true. "What's the downside?"
"Six months of your life," he said simply.
Six months. That's all he was asking for.
Before I could respond, a stunning blonde approached the table. She wore a designer dress and heels that clicked loudly on the tiled floor. Her sharp gaze zeroed in on me.
"Alexander," she said, her voice icy.
"Sophia," he replied, his tone indifferent.
She turned to me, her lips curving into a polite but fake smile. "And you are?"
"This is Mia," Alexander said smoothly. "She's my fiancée."
My jaw dropped. "I-I didn't agree-"
Sophia's smile faltered. "Interesting. You didn't mention her before."
"It's new," he said, his gaze never leaving mine.
Sophia's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. With a curt nod, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking like a countdown.
"What was that about?" I demanded.
"She's my assistant," he said, his tone dismissive. "She'll get over it."
I shook my head. "This is insane."
"It's an opportunity," he countered. "One that could change your life."
He wasn't wrong.
As I walked home that night, his offer replayed in my mind. $200,000. Six months. A fake relationship with a billionaire.
It sounded like a dream and a nightmare all rolled into one.
When I unlocked the door to our tiny apartment, I found Mom sitting on the couch, her face pale.
"Mia, the pharmacy called," she said softly. "They won't fill my prescription until we pay the balance."
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced a smile. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll figure it out."
And in that moment, I knew what I had to do.
Chapter 1 HE ASKED, I LAUGHED (THEN CRIED)
13/02/2025
Chapter 2 THE FINE PRINT AND THE FINE LADY
13/02/2025
Chapter 3 RELATIONSHIP STATUS: COMPLICATED
13/02/2025
Chapter 4 FAKE IT TILL I BREAK IT
13/02/2025
Chapter 5 WHEN ALEX PAID, BUT MIKE CRIED
13/02/2025
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