Billionaire's Proposal

er hands. Her mind was a jumble of emotions and doubts. She c

sound of the front door opening. "Hey, Soph!" Em

her bag onto the floor. "What's going on?

of uncertainty and concern. "Just dealing with

p on Sophia's tone. "What kind of stuff?" she

eal. She glanced at the contract still c

d, nudging Sophia's shoulder with

Julian and the contract. Emily listened intently, her

Soph, this is huge! Five million dollars could change our lives! We

at what cost, Em? I'm not sure I'm comfortable w

ot a real marriage. You'll get the money, and Julian will get what he wants. It's

ns still evident. "I'm not sure,

ph! You can do this! We'll face it together. We'll m

lumping as she gazed at the contract. The w

e possibilities. We could travel, start our own business, or invest

stant point beyond Emily's shoulder. Her expressi

Sophia's face toward her. "You can

's gaze met Emily's. Would she take the leap

* ******* ***

NEXT

got out of bed and began her morning routi

e of resolve wash over her. She was going to si

light layer of makeup, her hands moving with preci

er, Sophia headed out the door, he

of her life and make a decisio

vident in every step. She was ready to meet Julia

g the room for Julian. She spotted him sitting

of a smile playing on his lips. "Good mor

in her voice. "I'm here to sign the contr

d the contract across the desk. "Exce

ed up at Julian with a determined gaze.

ose slightly, intri

nt is strictly business. I will play the role of your wife i

ered. "Agreed. I respect

o Julian, a sense of finality settle

, his phone buzzed. He answered, his

ened, his voice low and menacing. "De

d a beat as he turned to her. "It seems our first public appearance together has b

reeping in. Was she ready for this? The consequence