ultimatum

Sophia didn't sleep that night. How could she, with a proposal like *that* hanging over her head? She tossed and turned in bed, her mind refusing to settle. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Alexander's face, the cruel twist of his lips as he made his offer, the smug confidence that she'd say yes. She hated that he had so much power over her, hated that she was even considering his terms.

The darkness outside her window began to fade into dawn, and still, Sophia hadn't come to a decision. The numbers on her phone, the relentless calls from debt collectors, the employees she would be forced to fire—it all crashed down on her at once. She stared at the ceiling,not knowing what to do.

She could lose it all. The business, the building her father had poured his heart and soul into, the people who depended on her to keep things afloat.

*Or,* a voice in her head whispered, *you could sign your life away for two years.*

Sophia sighed and pushed herself out of bed, heading to the bathroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep, and her skin looked pale, almost ghostly. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the exhaustion and stress.

But it didn't work.

She walked into the kitchen, making herself a cup of coffee. Her hands shook as she gripped the mug, staring blankly out the window. The morning sun had barely begun to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over the city. It was the kind of morning she used to love—quiet, peaceful.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, snapping her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw the message from her lawyer, Mr. Jensen.

**We need to discuss your financial situation. Let me know when you're free.**

Her stomach twisted. There was nothing to discuss. The financial situation was a disaster. She had two choices—sink or sell her soul to Alexander Maddox.

Just then, another message came through, this time from her cousin, Lily.

**Brunch later? You look like you could use a mimosa or five.**

Sophia smiled despite herself. Lily had been her rock through all of this, but she hadn't told her about Alexander's offer. How could she? Lily would lose her mind.

With a heavy sigh, she texted back.

**Brunch sounds perfect. I'll fill you in.**

Maybe talking to someone would help clear her mind.

---

The café was bustling by the time Sophia arrived. Lily was already seated at a small table near the window, a bright smile on her face as she waved her over.

"You look like death warmed over," Lily said as soon as Sophia sat down. "What happened? Did your accountant run off with the last of the company funds?"

Sophia let out a short laugh, though it sounded hollow even to her own ears. "No, nothing that exciting."

Lily studied her, frowning. "You're seriously stressing. Talk to me."

For a moment, Sophia debated whether she should tell her. But keeping it inside was driving her insane, and if anyone could help her think straight, it was Lily.

"Alexander Maddox offered to bail out the business."

Lily's eyebrows shot up, her expression shifting from concern to confusion. "Wait, *the* Alexander Maddox? The one who's in every newspaper? Is it true he makes even other billionaires look like amateurs? Why would he do that?"

Sophia leaned back in her chair, biting her lip. "Because he wants something in return."

Lily narrowed her eyes. "He better not be trying to buy you out of your own company."

Sophia shook her head. "No. Worse." She took a deep breath. "He wants me to marry him."

There was a beat of silence, followed by a choking sound as Lily almost spit out her mimosa. "Are you serious? He actually said that?"

Sophia nodded. "He wants a marriage for appearances. One or two years. In exchange, he'll save the business and make sure I never have to worry about money again."

Lily's eyes widened. "Holy shit, Sophia. That's… that's insane. Are you actually considering it?"

"I don't know!" Sophia ran a hand through her hair. "What choice do I have? The business is collapsing, and I've tried *everything* to save it. If I don't do this, I'm going to lose it all."

Lily leaned forward, her voice dropping. "But, Soph… *marrying* Alexander Maddox? That guy is a total control freak. Do you really want to tie yourself to someone like that? A lunatic? What's in it for him?"

Sophia shook her head, staring into her coffee. "He says it's all about appearances. He needs a wife to fit the image he's built. I don't know. He didn't go into detail."

Lily frowned. "Yeah, but there's always more to it. Guys like that don't do anything unless there's something in it for them."

Sophia sighed. "I know, but I'm running out of options. My father's company is dying, Lily. It's killing me to watch it fall apart."

Lily reached across the table, squeezing her hand. "I get it, I do. But you don't owe anyone your life, not even for your dad's company. You deserve better than being some billionaire's arm candy for two years."

"But if I don't…" Sophia's voice cracked. "I'm going to lose everything."

Lily opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, a voice interrupted them.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Sophia froze, her heart leaping into her throat. She knew that voice. Slowly, she turned her head to see Alexander Maddox standing by their table, his sharp blue eyes locked on hers.

He was dressed impeccably, as always, in a tailored suit that screamed power and wealth. The air around him seemed to shift, drawing attention from everyone in the café. Even Lily, usually so quick to snap at anyone who annoyed her, was momentarily speechless.

Sophia stood, trying to steady her racing heart. "What are you doing here?"

Alexander's lips twitched into a smile. "I wanted to check in. See if you'd come to a decision yet."

Lily, finally finding her voice, stood too, crossing her arms. "And who the hell are you?"

Sophia cleared her throat. "Lily, this is Alexander Maddox."

Lily's eyes narrowed as she looked him up and down pretending to not have an idea of who he was, of course she saw him a couple of times in the papers. "Oh. *This* is the guy? The one making insane offers? Nice to meet you. You're lucky I don't throw this mimosa in your face."

Alexander arched an eyebrow but didn't seem the least bit bothered. "It's a pleasure, I'm sure."

Sophia sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Alexander, this isn't the time or place."

"I disagree," he said smoothly. "You've had time to think. You're either in or you're out."

Lily scoffed. "Seriously? You're giving her an ultimatum like this, in public?"

Alexander ignored her, his gaze never leaving Sophia's. "Well?"

Sophia felt the pressure mounting, her chest tightening with every second of his gaze. She wanted to scream, to tell him to go to hell, but the business's failure crossed her mind. She was drowning, and he was the only lifeline in sight.

"I… I need a little more time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander's jaw tightened, but he gave a short nod. "You've got until midnight. After that, the offer expires."

He turned on his heel and walked out of the café.

Lily was the first to break it. "Midnight? What the actual fuck?"

Sophia slumped back into her chair, rubbing her temples. "I don't know what to do."

Lily looked at her with wide eyes. "Soph, this is crazy. You can't marry him."

Sophia's heart was pounding in her ears. "What choice do I have, Lily? What the hell else am I supposed to do?"

Lily leaned back, crossing her arms. "There's gotta be another way. And we're going to find it before midnight. Trust me on this one!"