chapter 2

Tonia left her mom's ward feeling devastated and frustrated. Just then, she received a text on her phone. She quickly sat up straight, wiped away her tears, and checked the message. It was from Roland.

The message read: "Hi Tonia, hope you're doing okay. I wanted to follow up on our earlier discussion. Liam is willing to meet with you today to discuss the proposal. Are you available to meet at 2 PM at the coffee shop downtown? Please let me know if this time works for you."

Tonia's heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She had been thinking about the proposal nonstop since her meeting with Roland, and now it seemed like things were moving forward. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and typed out a response.

"Yes, I'm available to meet at 2 PM. See you then," she replied, trying to sound calm and confident.

As she sent the message, Tonia couldn't help but wonder what the meeting would be like. What would Liam be like in person? Would she be able to convince him to help her? The questions swirled in her mind as she tried to prepare herself for the meeting.

She returned to her mother's ward, and the sight of her lying unconscious broke her heart. Tonia's eyes welled up with tears as she approached her mother's bedside. She gently took her mother's cold hands in hers, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Mom, your baby girl will do anything to make you come back to me again. I promise, just give me time. Please, Mom, don't leave me. I need you."

As she spoke, Tonia's tears fell onto her mother's hands, and she felt a surge of determination. She would do everything in her power to save her mother, no matter what it took.

Tonia sat at a small, elegant table in the corner of Café Privé, a very exclusive coffee shop tucked away in a quiet alley. The aroma of specialty coffee and the soft hum of refined conversation filled the air, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury. The café's clientele was a who's who of high society, and Tonia felt a sense of trepidation as she waited for Roland and his boss.

As she sipped her coffee, Tonia's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sleek décor and the polished patrons. She wondered what kind of person would be worthy of a meeting at this elite establishment.

Just then, her name was called, and she turned to see Roland approaching, accompanied by a tall, imposing figure with an air of confidence that commanded attention. His presence seemed to draw the eye of every patron in the room, and Tonia felt a shiver run down her spine as he extended his hand.

"Good day , Miss peters . I'm Mr Liam Anderson, Roland's boss. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

The exclusivity of the coffee shop and the aura of power surrounding Liam only added to Tonia's curiosity and trepidation. What did he want from her? Why had he chosen this ultra-exclusive venue for their meeting?

Tonia was momentarily taken aback, but she mustered up the courage to respond and extended her hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, Mr Anderson ," she said, trying to sound confident.

"You can take a seat, Miss Peters," Liam said after the handshake. "Thank you," she replied, trying to sound calm.

Tonia mustered up the courage to compose herself and ask, "May I inquire, Mr. Liam, why you chose me for this meeting?" But he seemed nonchalant, almost as if he'd been forced to be there, and didn't meet her gaze.

After a while, Liam's gaze locked onto Tonia, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her feel like he was about to deliver a death sentence. She shifted uncomfortably, a shiver running down her spine, but steeled herself to meet his gaze. He straightened up, cleared his throat, and spoke in a firm tone.

"My assistant has already spoken with you, correct?"

"Yes, but not in detail," Tonia replied, her voice steady, with a hint of confidence. She had made up her mind that she was already in this deep, and she would do whatever it took to save her mom's life.

Liam's expression remained unreadable, but his voice took on a slightly softer tone. "Very well, let's get down to business, Miss Peters. Your mother's case is... complicated. But I believe we can help her, if you're willing to cooperate with us."

"I'm ready to cooperate, that's why I'm here in the first place," Tonia replied confidently. "I'll do anything to save my mom." She added, "So, what is the deal like?"

Liam's eyebrows shot up, surprised by Tonia's sudden bravery. He hadn't expected her to agree so readily, especially after her initial hesitation. For a moment, he wondered if she was hiding something, but her determined gaze and resolute tone suggested otherwise. He leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "Very well, Miss Peters. I accept your willingness to cooperate. But remember, this is a business arrangement, not a fairy tale. Be prepared to play your part convincingly."

Making sure that she was listening to him,

Liam cleared his throat and continued, "My grandfather wants me to get married before my 28th birthday next month, and I need a bride to avoid disappointing him. You don't have to worry about your mother's medical situation again; I and my team will take care of it. All you need to do is be my convenient bride until my grandfather is convinced, and then we'll divorce. During this time, I'll pay you a monthly allowance and cover your mother's medical bills. So, tell me if you're okay with the arrangement, and we can proceed with the preparations."

Tonia's expression remained neutral, her voice firm. "I understand perfectly. I'm not naive, Mr Anderson. I know what this is - a mutually beneficial arrangement. I'll play my part as expected, and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain." She paused, her eyes never leaving his. "I want regular updates on my mother's treatment and progress. And I want to see her as often as possible." Her tone was assertive, yet controlled, revealing a steely determination beneath her calm exterior.

"Alright then," Liam said, looking at her with an unreadable expression. "Let's be two mature people, so we don't have problems in the future." Although Tonia was a bit scared, she was determined to save her mom. She met his gaze, her eyes flashing with a mix of fear and resolve.

With the contract signed, Liam and Tonia swiftly began making arrangements for their wedding, which was to take place just one week later. Meanwhile, they wasted no time in transferring Tonia's mother to a top-tier hospital, renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and expert medical team, where she would undergo the life-saving transplant. As the big day approached, Tonia's focus remained fixed on her mother's well-being, even as she prepared to embark on her new life with Liam.