The Billionaire Secret Bride

Rain blurred the city into a smear of red lights and shadows as Ava Sinclair raced across the cracked sidewalk, her shoes soaked through, her breath hitching in short, desperate gasps. The last bus had pulled away ten minutes ago, and now she was running-again.

The message from the hospital still rang in her ears.

If payment isn't made by Friday, we can't continue treatment.

Her sister, Lily, fifteen years old and slowly dying, lay hooked to machines in a clinic that charged hope by the hour. Ava had done everything-waitressing double shifts, selling old jewelry, begging her landlord for just a few more days. Nothing was enough.

She stumbled to a stop under the flickering neon of a closed pharmacy and leaned against the wall, swallowing her panic. Her fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone, checking her bank account.

Balance: $14.62.

Her vision swam. She slid down the wall and pressed her forehead to her knees.

"Miss Sinclair?"

Ava flinched and looked up. A sleek black car idled at the curb. A woman stepped out, wearing a navy trench coat and red heels that didn't touch a drop of rain.

"How do you know my name?" Ava asked, her voice raw.

"I work for someone who's interested in helping you." The woman extended a hand and offered a cream-colored business card. On it, a single name:

Lucas Draven.

Her chest tightened. She'd heard the name before. Billionaire tech tycoon. Ruthless investor. The kind of man who owned people more than companies.

"He's aware of your... situation," the woman said smoothly. "If you're willing to meet tonight, he can make you an offer."

Ava hesitated, staring at the card.

"What kind of offer?"

"One that could save your sister's life."

The woman stepped back into the car, leaving the card in Ava's trembling hand. It felt heavier than paper should.

---

One hour later, Ava stood in the lobby of Draven Tower, eighty stories of glass, steel, and quiet menace. Everything glowed with artificial light-polished floors, reflective surfaces, and employees that looked like models in tailored black.

No smiles. No warmth. Just business.

A security guard scanned her ID without a word and led her to a private elevator. It ascended in silence, faster than any she'd ridden before. Her reflection stared back at her from every mirrored wall: wet hair, oversized hoodie, cracked phone in one pocket.

What the hell am I doing?

The doors slid open on the top floor with a soft chime.

Ava stepped into a penthouse that didn't look like it belonged on Earth. Glass walls opened to a full view of Manhattan's skyline, the rain painting streaks down the windows. The room smelled faintly of cedar and money.

He was standing there, back turned, gazing out over the city like it belonged to him.

Lucas Draven.

Tall. Impeccably dressed. His black suit looked like it had been cut directly onto his body. He didn't turn to greet her right away. Just stood there, as if considering whether to let her exist in his world for one more second.

Then, he finally spoke.

"You're braver than most. I expected you to say no."

His voice was deep and cold-like winter wrapped in silk.

"I didn't come here to be insulted," Ava replied, forcing her chin up.

He turned. Pale grey eyes locked onto hers, unreadable. "Not insulted. Tested."

He stepped closer. "I've reviewed your situation, Ava. Your sister's medical records. Your financials. Your job history. You're out of options."

"You had no right-"

"I had every right. You walked into my tower."

She flinched. He gestured to the sleek leather chair opposite him and took a seat himself.

"I'm going to make this simple. I need a wife. You need money."

Ava stared at him, stunned. "Excuse me?"

"A legal marriage. For one year. In exchange, I'll cover all medical expenses for your sister, move you both into a secure apartment, and deposit $1 million in your name upon completion."

She blinked, trying to process. "Why me?"

"You resemble someone I lost." His voice tightened. "That's all you need to know."

The silence crackled between them.

"No intimacy is required. No obligation beyond public appearances, events, and basic obedience." He leaned forward. "You'll be safe. And your sister will live."

Ava's heart pounded so hard she felt it in her throat.

"This is insane," she whispered.

"No. This is business." He slid a file across the table. "Review the contract. Sign it, and your life changes tonight."

She looked down at the papers. Her hands shook. Her name was already typed in the signature block.

Lucas watched her with something close to amusement-or was it hunger?

"I won't sell myself," she said.

"You'd rather sell your sister's life?"

His words cut deep. She looked away, hating him. Hating herself. Hating the truth.

Ava took the pen.

"I want everything in writing. Every cent. Every condition."

"You'll get it," Lucas said smoothly. "I don't go back on my deals."

She signed.

The moment the pen lifted from the page, the air changed.

Lucas stood and walked around the table, stopping inches from her. His voice dropped to a near whisper.

"You'll move in tomorrow. Someone will escort you from the hospital."

She turned to leave, her knees weak, but he stopped her with one final sentence:

"You remind me of her. But you're not her."

Ava froze.

His gaze darkened.

"And that's what makes this interesting."