CHAPTER 2: THE PROPOSAL

I stood there, alone in the hospital room, trying to process the events that had just unfolded. Damian's proposal, his smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement - it all replayed in my mind like a movie on repeat.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the magnitude of what I had agreed to. A fake marriage, to a stranger, for a million dollars. It sounded like a crazy scheme, something out of a soap opera or a romance novel.

As I walked out of the hospital room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What had I just gotten myself into? A fake marriage, to a man I didn't know, for a sum of money that seemed too good to be true.

I made my way back to my small apartment, my mind racing with thoughts and doubts. How was I going to pull this off? What would my friends and family think? And what about Damian - what was his real motive behind this proposal?

As I opened the door to my apartment, I was greeted by the familiar sight of my worn couch and faded curtains. It was a humble space, but it was home. And right now, it felt like a sanctuary.

I collapsed onto the couch, feeling overwhelmed and alone. I wished I had someone to talk to, someone who could offer me advice and guidance. But I knew I had to keep this a secret, at least for now.

As I lay there, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had made a mistake. That I had just sold myself to a stranger, for a price. But I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the end goal - saving my mother's life.

With a newfound determination, I got up from the couch and began to pace around the room. I needed to make a plan, to figure out how to navigate this fake marriage and come out on top. And I needed to do it fast, before Damian's lawyer came knocking on my door with the contract.

I took a deep breath and began to think, my mind racing with ideas and strategies. I was going to make this work, no matter what it took. I was going to save my mother's life, and I was going to come out of this with my dignity intact.

And so, I started to plan my next move, unaware of the challenges and surprises that lay ahead. But one thing was certain - my life was about to change in ways I never could have imagined.

But I knew it was my reality now. And I had to make it work, no matter how daunting it seemed.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to focus on the end goal - saving my mother's life. That's all that mattered.

With a newfound determination, I walked out of the hospital room, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Little did I know, my life was about to change in ways I never could have imagined.

I began to think about the practicalities of the situation. I would need to meet with Damian's lawyer to sign the contract, and then we would need to start making arrangements for the wedding. I felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of it all, but I pushed it aside and focused on the end goal.

As I paced around the room, I started to make a mental checklist of all the things I needed to do. Meet with the lawyer, sign the contract, plan the wedding, move in with Damian...it was a lot to take in.

But as I thought about it more, I realized that this was just the beginning. I would need to learn how to be a good wife, how to pretend to be in love with Damian, how to be a part of his family...it was a daunting task, but I was determined to make it work.

I stopped pacing and sat down on the couch, taking a deep breath. I could do this, I thought to myself. I could pretend to be someone I'm not, for the sake of my mother's life. And who knows, maybe I would even find a way to make it work, to find some happiness in this strange and unexpected turn of events.

With a newfound sense of determination, I stood up and walked over to my phone. I needed to call Damian's lawyer, to set up a meeting to sign the contract. It was time to take the first step in this strange new journey, and see where it would lead me.

I dialed the number, my heart racing with anticipation. The lawyer's voice was smooth and professional, and we quickly arranged a meeting for the next day.

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was done. I had taken the first step towards saving my mother's life.

But as I looked around my small apartment, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a trap. That I was sacrificing too much, too quickly.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. I needed to prepare myself for the meeting, to make sure I was ready for whatever lay ahead.

I spent the rest of the day in a daze, my mind racing with thoughts and doubts. But as the sun began to set, I knew I needed to snap out of it. I needed to be strong, for my mother's sake.

With a newfound sense of determination, I stood up and began to pace around the room. I was going to make this work, no matter what it took. I was going to save my mother's life, and I was going to come out of this with my dignity intact.

As the night wore on, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I was ready for whatever lay ahead. I was ready to face Damian, to sign the contract, and to start this new chapter in my life.

Little did I know, the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and surprises. But I was ready, or so I thought.