"The Mysterious Offer
The crumpled paper in Elena Carter's hands trembled as she gripped the eviction notice with greater force. FINAL NOTICE: VACATE THE PREMISES WITHIN 7 DAYS.
She felt her stomach turn. Seven days. She would be homeless for the rest of her life after that. In her small apartment, she sank onto the worn-out couch and stared blankly at the peeling wallpaper. Even though it was only a single room with a small kitchenette, a used bed, and a dripping faucet, it was hers. It had at least been. Elena had struggled to preserve it. She worked extra shifts at the bookstore, took on freelance writing gigs, and skipped meals just to stretch her budget. However, despite her best efforts, it was never enough. Her landlord was getting impatient. That morning, praying for a miracle, she took out her laptop and checked her email for the hundredth time. an offer to work an opportunity to write. Something.
Nothing.
Just another rejection from a publishing house and an overdue bill reminder.
She wanted to publish books, but dreams didn't pay the rent. A sharp knock at the door made her jump.
She looked at the clock with a frown. 9:00 AM. She didn't anticipate anyone. She approached the door, her heart racing, and hesitated before opening it. In the dimly lit hallway, a man in a sleek black suit stood there. She felt a chill run down her spine as he stood tall with broad shoulders and a quiet authority. His dark eyes held no warmth as they locked onto hers.
Who's Elena Carter? His voice was controlled and deep. She took a breath. "Yes?"
The man reached inside his jacket and pulled out a black envelope sealed with gold wax. "My employer has a proposal for you in business." Elena looked down. "Who is your boss?" He spoke softly, "I am not at liberty to disclose his identity at this time." "However, he assures me that the offer will be to your advantage." Her heart pounded as she took the envelope. The golden seal was encased in expensive, thick paper, and it bore an unfamiliar crest. She warned, "I think you have the wrong person." The man gave off a fleeting smile as his lips curled. Miss Carter, "We do not make mistakes." She clutched the envelope, suspicion prickling her skin. "What kind of business proposal do you have?" He stated, "Read the contract." "We will arrange a meeting if you accept." She was hesitant. "And if I don't?"
"Then the offer runs out in 24 hours." Elena's fingers tightened around the envelope. This was dangerous, according to every instinct. However, the harsh reality hit her as soon as she glanced at the eviction notice on the table. She couldn't lose anything. "Fine," she replied. "I will read it." The man nodded. "A good choice." He then turned and disappeared down the hall, his footsteps fading, without a word. With her heart beating hard against her ribs, Elena shut the door. What in the world had she just done? ---
She placed the envelope on the table and stared at it for a long moment. It was heavier than she expected, the black paper smooth under her fingertips.
She finally cracked the gold seal and got the contents out. Her eyes grew wider. Agreement for marriage. Her breath was labored. Marriage?
She scanned the document, her pulse racing as she absorbed the details.
Terms of Agreement:
The bride will enter a legally binding marriage with the groom for a period of six months.
One million dollars will be paid to the bride upon signing the contract, with the remainder due upon completion. Before signing, the bride must not inquire about the groom's identity. The arrangement can't be discussed without signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Failure to comply will result in legal consequences.
Elena reread the words, but they no longer made any sense. A million bucks? for a wedding? As she set the papers down, her hands shook. There had to be a joke in this. Who would shell out money for a wife? She felt her stomach turn. What if it wasn't just a prank? What if it were true? She looked around her apartment, noticing the empty fridge, the eviction notice, and the stack of unpaid bills. A million dollars could change everything.
She could finally publish her book, secure her future, and pay off her debts. But at what cost?
Her fingers hovered over her phone before she dialed the only person she could trust.
"El?" Due to sleep, Sophie's voice was sluggish. "Why do you always call so early?" Elena exhaled. "I must inform you of something." Sophie snorted. "Send me word that you won the lottery," I beg. "Not exactly," Elena muttered. "A suit-clad man just showed up at my door and gave me a marriage contract." Silence. Then—
"You're kidding."
"I wish."
Sophie groaned. "Tell me this is some weird writer experiment and not real life."
Elena gave the contract a second glance. "It's real."
"What does it say?"
Marriage of six months. No inquiries were made. A million dollars."
Sophie's voice got stronger. "Elena. No."
Elena sighed. "I have not signed anything." "But you're thinking about it."
She hesitated.
Sophie sighed in frustration. "El, you don't even know who this guy is! He might be a bad person. a maniac. A—"
"Or he could just be some rich guy who needs a wife for business reasons," Elena interrupted.
"You don't really believe that," I said. Elena rubbed her forehead. "I don't know what to believe. But, Soph, I have seven days before I'm out on the street."
Sophie was silent for a long moment. Then, in a soft voice, "There must be another way." Elena let out a humorless laugh. "If there was, don't you think I'd take it?"
Again, a pause. Then—"What are you going to do?"
Elena studied the contract intently. She didn't want to be someone who made money by selling herself. But how was this any different from taking a job out of a sense of helplessness? Her dream of being a writer felt further away than ever. Maybe this was her only shot at a new beginning.
"I have twenty-four hours to decide," she murmured.
Sophie spoke strongly. "Then promise me you'll consider this carefully," Elena took a breath. "I will."
However, she already knew the truth at her core. Tomorrow, she was signing that contract.
---