d was racing, trying to make sense of the situation. Why would a man who ma

the small table between them. "I need a wife," he said, his voi

he things she had expected him t

e. I have no interest in it. A marriage, even a temporary one, would solve that problem."

hed. She coul

et wasn't me," he stated, not as a question,

'd investigated her. He'd orche

t I need a partner for a business arrangement. Someone with a clear, defina

desperation, all her family's ugly maneuvering, and had seen it as an op

d. It wasn't a credit card. It was a debit card, plain and unadorned. He

lars in that account," he s

d she felt it in her throat. Fifty thousand dollars. It was the soluti

y-eight hundred a month," she st

he question could fully form. "All of it. And I borrowe

marry me. The contract will be for one year. After that, if we both agree, we get a quiet divorce. While we are married, w

t for her. She could get the money, and instead of being sold to some unknown rich man who might be like her brother-in-law, she would be in a clear, d

g for a hint of deception, but fou

ng for herself. One piece of her dignity. "I'll pay you back," she s

espect?-passed through his eyes. H

her throat, "this is just a contract.

is mouth twitch, the ghost of a smile. "Of course," he

. All the terms were on the t

d her fingers closed around the cool pla

ight from the window. "If you're ready," he said, his tone

at his determined face, she knew there was no point in arguing. She stood up, her legs feeling unste