Chapter One

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring at 6:00 AM sharp. The cold morning air seeped through the tiny cracks of the window, sending a chill down my spine as I pulled myself out of bed. I hated mornings like this, but life didn't give me the luxury to complain. Jason, my younger brother, depended on me for everything.

Since our parents' accident three years ago, I had no choice but to grow up fast.

After a quick shower, I dressed in my usual work outfit... a plain white blouse and black pants. Basic, but presentable enough for my job at Go Enterprise. As I tied my hair into a neat ponytail, the aroma of pancakes wafted from the kitchen.

"Good morning, Sis," Jason greeted as he shuffled into the room, his sleepy eyes barely open. "Morning, Jay. Breakfast is ready," I replied, placing a plate of golden pancakes on the table.

Jason sat down, attacking his food like he hadn't eaten in days. Watching him reminded me why I worked so hard, scrubbing floors and cleaning offices just to make ends meet. Jason had dreams of becoming a professional footballer, and I would do anything to make that happen.

As I grabbed my bag, Jason looked up with a smirk. "You're gonna be late again if you don't hurry." I rolled my eyes. "I won't be late, smarty-pants. Just eat your food and behave yourself at school."

With that, I left our tiny apartment and headed for the bus stop. The streets were busy as always, with people rushing to work and vendors calling out their morning deals. I slipped my headphones on, drowning out the chaos with soft music.

The Go Enterprise building towered over the city like a giant glass fortress. Every time I stepped inside, I felt out of place among the polished floors and suits. Still, I reminded myself why I was here—to secure a better future for Jason.

I swiped my ID at the entrance and joined the other cleaners in the janitor's room. Alicia, my best friend and coworker, greeted me with her usual wide grin.

"Morning, Sarah! Ready to conquer another day in paradise?" she teased. I laughed. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this over with."

We grabbed our supplies and headed to the top floor, where Rex Go's office was located. Rex Go... the man everyone in the company either feared, admired, or both. He was the kind of boss who rarely spoke to anyone beneath his rank, which was basically everyone.

"Did you hear the latest gossip?" Alicia whispered as we cleaned. "What now?"

"They say Grandpa Go told Rex he won't make him CEO unless he gets married. Can you imagine that? The great Rex Go, tied down by marriage."

I chuckled. "That sounds like something out of a soap opera. Who would even marry someone like him?" Alicia shrugged. "You'd be surprised. Some women would jump at the chance just for the money."

We laughed quietly, but deep down, I couldn't imagine what it must be like to live in his world. Wealth, power, and yet, loneliness.

Later that afternoon, as I was scrubbing the floors outside his office, the door suddenly opened. I jumped, nearly dropping my mop, as Rex himself stepped out.

"Miss...uh..." He paused, clearly struggling to remember my name. "Jacobs," I offered, my heart racing.

"Yes, Miss Jacobs. Can I have a word with you in my office?" I blinked, completely caught off guard. "Me?"

"Do I need to repeat myself?" His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

I quickly followed him inside, my palms sweating. His office was as intimidating as the man himself—sleek, modern, and cold. Rex sat behind his massive desk, motioning for me to sit across from him.

"I'll get straight to the point," he began, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. "I need a wife, and I want you to be her."

My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. It's a business arrangement. Three months, no strings attached. You'll be well compensated, and your brother's future will be secured. In return, I get what I want... a CEO position."

I stared at him, completely stunned. Was this some kind of joke? I couldn't believe the arrogant, cold-hearted Rex Go was asking me... me... to marry him.

"You can't be serious," I finally managed to say.

"Oh, I'm very serious," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "Think about it. You'll have more money than you've ever dreamed of, and your brother will have opportunities you could never afford on your salary. All I need is your signature on the contract."

I shook my head, still trying to process what he was saying. "Why me? You could have anyone you want."

"Exactly. I could have anyone, which makes it harder to trust people. But you? You're not after my money or status. You're...different."

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I felt a strange mix of flattery and confusion. This was insane. Completely insane.

"I'll give you time to think about it," he said, standing up and walking to the window. "But don't take too long. My offer has an expiration date."

I left his office in a daze, my mind racing with a million thoughts. Alicia noticed immediately and pulled me aside.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," she said.

"It's...nothing," I lied, knowing she wouldn't believe me if I told her the truth.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and by the time I got home, my head was pounding. Jason greeted me with his usual cheerful smile, but I barely managed to respond.

As I lay in bed that night, Rex's words replayed in my mind. Was this really happening? Could I actually marry someone like him? The money would change everything for Jason and me, but at what cost?

I closed my eyes, trying to silence the chaos in my head. But deep down, I knew this was a decision that would change my life forever.

The next morning, I woke up determined to give Rex an answer. I walked into his office, my heart pounding, and found him waiting, as if he already knew what I was going to say.

"I'll do it," I said, my voice steady despite the nerves twisting in my stomach.

Rex smirked, his expression unreadable. "Good choice, Miss Jacobs. Welcome to the contract." And just like that, my life was no longer mine.

Cliffhanger: What did Sarah just agree to? Would this contract lead to a dream or a nightmare?