LOVE ME, BABY

ANA

ce. That meant there was still a small chance of salvation for

tastele

he college expenses piling up, but the hospital bill was also increasing, and my father's health had deteriorated signi

id. Who still needs such a

nding a real wife. Or simply, he could be an ugly man. A million thoughts crossed my mind as I wai

face of adversity, it was the only solution I could see. Without romantic expectations or personal interests, it all boiled do

ner was, they were a person with a lot of money and influence because

ract marriage or become a prostitute. Not that there was much differenc

n. But of two evils, the lesser

my pride and suffocated me. However, the sense of helplessness and the urgency to h

thin curtains contrasting with the opulent surroundings. I sat in one of the

his eyes carefully assessing me as I

er," I replied, attempting to

that you're here out of urgent need, Miss Foster." I raised an eyebrow at hi

o fulfill if you accept the final proposal. However, the marriage we're considering is not a trivial decision. My grandson

ifficulties on both sides. I'm here because I see no other way out of my family's financial

, it will be a solution benefiting both parties. This is not a common cont

looked at me with a serious expression. "If this goes forward, remember, Miss Foster, that everything we do here will have c

assed?" I shook my head

sign,

th modest embroidery on the bust. It was the only thing suitable for the occasion. My supposed fiancé entered th

ck and forth. The loud shouts echoing in my ears made

nce and stared at me for the first time, while

e weight of his gaze

vulnerable in this situation. The tension hung heavy in the air, as if fate had be

murmured, trying to

nd irritation. There were no words to soothe the whirlwi

," he growled, looking away while

age. The words of the officiant were a mere murmur, lost amid the emotional chaos that surrounded us. As he s

I was introduced to

r had given us as a wedding gift, and

w that the formalities are done, we need to make it clear how this will work. I don't wa

ent that neither of us was willing to turn this convenienc

questions, no expectations," I replied,

an listing the conditions of our agreement. "No emotional involvement. No questions a

iage would be anything but conventional. It was a pragmatic agre

ring the rules in my mind as I tried to

this," he handed me a black card, "hope

fingers, and watched him leave. Despite being married on paper, our lives would remain