Clara rushed into the caf

nded when she o

. Only one man occupied

ned his cold, striking features. He rested his fi

his gaze slowly rose

the moment s

s held a deep chill. Sharp features framed a high, straig

power showed in the oppressive air around him. It w

it stood beside him with

ed the seated man. His deep

erself, walked over, and sat across from h

es gave her

jeans that had faded from washing. An

nd large, bright eyes. Loose strands had slipped free

es after she had cried. It did nothing to lessen

r a negotiation and more like a desperat

ert, my name is Alan Hayes, and I'm Mr. Barnes's a

lara to breathe

e to face Brandon's cold presence direct

the arrangement can know about the marriage. You also can't use your position as his wife for your own benefit. Once you're married, you'll live in Mr. Barnes's apartment. The study, master bedroom, and medical room are off l

Barnes has some ongoing health problems. His daily care will be your responsibility

of her canvas bag as sw

toward Brandon

s presence still weighed on he

ing, Brandon

before Clara c

rd, and she immediat

remaining details are written in the agreement. Take

opened the agreement. She e

little more than restr

sing wasn't

tail matter

ll I be paid

shed speaking, Brando

the kind of quiet pressure that came

, but embarrassment was the le

the clinic waiting for medicine that could save her li

"As for the payment, you'll receive the first installment once you register your marriage. The rest

nd and spread al

llion d

of compensation th

he number slipped out before she could thi

d stopped

with his fingers aro

for once, he seemed almos

mmediately made

d thousand might not have been what they o

ge with Mr. Barnes. I'll have to be available whenever he needs me, act like his wife properly, and take care of h

s fighting back a laugh. His

ble. "You really think three years of your lif

Had she actually

, much less confidently this

it, Clara immediat

for a fake marriage?

, or he had so much money that f

ive million, surely he couldn

ight as well go work o

ousand. I can't go any lower than that. Mr. Barnes, I really need the money right now. If we can register th

a straight face, bu

s voice. "Ms. Lambert, actually