I never imagined my life would come down to this a single desperate decision that would change everything.
My hands trembled as I stood outside the towering glass building, its sheer size making me feel even smaller than I already was. Anderson Enterprises. The name alone carried power, wealth, and fear.
I swallowed hard.
This was madness. What kind of woman offers herself up for marriage to a man she's never met? A man known for his ruthlessness?
A woman who has no other choice.
I clenched my fists, forcing my feet to move forward, past the polished floors and suited men who barely spared me a glance. The receptionist, a woman with a sharp bob and an even sharper stare, looked me up and down, unimpressed.
"I need to see Kieran Anderson," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
She arched a brow. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No. But he'll want to hear what I have to say."
Her lips curled into a smirk. "That's what they all think."
I exhaled sharply. "Tell him it's about a marriage proposal."
That got her attention.
She frowned, hesitating for a moment before picking up the phone. She spoke in hushed tones before nodding and gesturing toward the private elevator.
"He'll see you now."
My heart pounded as I stepped inside, the doors sealing me in. The mirrored walls reflected my pale face, my wide, uncertain eyes.
This is it. No turning back.
The elevator stopped on the top floor, and as the doors slid open, I stepped into a space so sleek and cold, it felt like stepping into another world.
A massive glass window stretched across the far wall, showcasing the city skyline. A black leather chair sat behind a grand desk, but the man occupying it was even more intimidating than the setting itself.
Kieran Anderson.
He sat with an air of calculated dominance, his sharp blue eyes lifting from the papers in front of him to pin me in place. The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down my spine.
"Who are you?" His voice was deep, commanding, void of any warmth.
I forced myself to meet his gaze. "Lauren Greene."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes before he leaned back, folding his arms. "And why are you here, Miss Greene?"
I inhaled deeply. This is it.
"I want to marry you."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then he laughed a low, humorless sound. "That's bold. I don't recall asking for a wife."
His reaction was expected, but I didn't have the luxury of backing down.
"You were supposed to get married today," I said evenly. "Melissa McCarthy left you at the altar."
His expression darkened. I had touched a nerve.
I pressed on. "You need a wife. I need money. It's a simple arrangement."
He studied me, his fingers tapping slowly against the desk. "And why, exactly, do you need money so badly that you'd throw yourself at a stranger?"
My throat tightened, but I refused to look away. "My mother needs emergency surgery. I can't afford it."
Something flickered in his gaze, but it was gone before I could name it.
"And what makes you think I'd be interested in such a ridiculous proposal?"
I swallowed hard. "Because you hate looking weak. Your fiancée humiliated you in front of everyone. A new wife, one who's willing to stand by your side without conditions, would fix that."
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "You think you know me?"
"No. But I know men like you."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're either desperate or incredibly foolish."
"Both," I admitted. "But that doesn't change the fact that we can help each other."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "If I were to agree, what's in it for me?"
I already knew the answer, but saying it out loud made my stomach churn.
"I'll give you an heir."
The amusement vanished from his face. The air thickened, heavy with unspoken tension.
"You understand what you're offering, don't you?" His voice was lower now, dangerous.
"Yes."
I felt stripped bare under his gaze, my heart hammering against my ribs. But I refused to show fear.
After what felt like an eternity, he stood, slowly walking around the desk until he was standing right in front of me.
He was taller than I expected, his presence overwhelming.
"You're serious," he murmured, more to himself than to me.
"Completely."
He lifted a hand, brushing his knuckles against my cheek. The touch was featherlight, yet it sent a jolt through my body.
"You're not the kind of woman I'd usually go for," he admitted.
"I don't care."
His lips quirked. "And you're not afraid of me?"
"I am," I whispered. "But not enough to walk away."
Something flickered in his gaze again—something dark, intrigued.
Then, before I could react, he grabbed my chin, forcing me to hold his stare.
"If you marry me, Lauren, you belong to me. You will give me what I want, when I want it."
My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to nod. "I understand."
His grip tightened for a fraction of a second before he released me.
"Fine," he said smoothly. "We're getting married. But know this I don't do love. This will never be more than a transaction."
I swallowed hard. "I don't expect it to be."
His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile.
"Good."
He turned away, picking up his phone. "I'll have my lawyer draft the contract. Be ready to sign it by tomorrow."
And just like that, it was done.
I had sold my future to a man I barely knew.
For the first time since stepping into that building, doubt crept in.
What had I just agreed to?