e and movement. A flurry of concerns about his mother's medical expenses

outed, 'Ele

the growing crowd. In the center of the road was a shiny silv

mechanic while attempting to

e vehicle. Eleanor Drake, who ranks third in wealth among all individuals in t

n darted forward

He lunged forward, grabbing one by the collar

mptly caught. During the confusion, Alex came upon Eleanor D

strong and authoritative. "It appears

I am a mechanic, madam. "I co

d one eyebrow

spotted the problem – a loose connection in the power cou

studying him intently. "Wh

arter,

seems I owe you a debt of gratitude

into the back of the hovercraft. As they glided thro

began, "tell me

not much to tell, ma'am. I work at

pressed. "I can see it in your eyes. Ambition.

want to go to university. To make something of myself. To

small smile. "Admirable goa

ill. The medical bills... there's jus

lightly at the dilapidated buildings. "I see," she murmured.

raced. "What

ly. "I have a proposition for

dropped.

sslike. "I need a husband for... political reasons. You

"But... why me? You

ance, you could go far. In return for this arrangement, I would fund your education, pay for your mother's

It sounded too good to be

angement, nothing more. You'd be expected to play the part of the devoted husband in public

how l

ee, we can divorce amicably. You'll walk away with a

change everything, to save his mother,

now what to say

to decide right now. Think it over. But don't ta

x's apartment building. As he stepped out

she said. "And Alex? Whatever you choose,

ked sidewalk, the business card burning a hole in his

y and opportunity? What would his mother

t of his mother lying in that hospital bed, and remembered the

at changing everything. Could he

card and stared at the elegant script. Eleanor Dr