The Shocking Offer

Amelia Carter couldn't shake the conversation she'd just had with Lucas Blackwood. As she walked home from the café, her mind raced with questions and doubts. Could she really go through with this arrangement? Marry a stranger just to save her father and the gallery? It felt surreal, like she had stepped into someone else's life.

Her modest apartment was quiet when she arrived, the kind of quiet that amplified her thoughts. She hung her coat by the door and sat on the couch, staring at the small stack of overdue bills on the coffee table. Each envelope was a reminder of the dire situation she was in. She had fought so hard to keep things together after her mother passed away, but now it felt like the walls were closing in on her.

Amelia thought about her father, who was her only family. He had always been her rock, the one who encouraged her to chase her dreams. Seeing him weak and vulnerable in the hospital had been the hardest thing she'd ever faced. If agreeing to Lucas's offer could ease his pain and give him the care he needed, how could she say no?

The next day, Amelia received a call from Lucas's assistant, Olivia. Her voice was calm and professional, but there was an edge to it, as if she was used to delivering orders without room for negotiation.

"Miss Carter," Olivia said, "Mr. Blackwood has requested your presence at his office this afternoon to discuss the details of the agreement."

Amelia hesitated but eventually agreed. She knew she couldn't avoid this any longer. This was her chance to find out exactly what she was getting herself into.

Lucas Blackwood's office was as intimidating as the man himself. The towering glass building overlooked the city, and the interior screamed wealth and power. Amelia felt out of place in her simple dress and scuffed shoes as she stepped into the sleek lobby.

The receptionist, a young woman with a polished smile, directed her to the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, Amelia was greeted by Olivia, who was just as composed in person as she had been on the phone.

"Miss Carter," Olivia said, leading her down a long hallway. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you."

When they entered Lucas's office, Amelia's breath caught. The room was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Lucas stood by his desk, reviewing a stack of documents. He looked up when she entered, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Carter," he said, gesturing for her to take a seat. "Thank you for coming."

Amelia sat down, clutching her bag tightly. "I didn't think I had much of a choice."

Lucas's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're starting to understand how this works."

Before she could respond, he slid a thick envelope across the desk toward her. "Inside, you'll find the terms of our agreement. Take your time to read through it."

Amelia opened the envelope with trembling hands. The contract was detailed, outlining every aspect of their arrangement. It specified that the marriage would last for one year and that neither party could develop any emotional or romantic expectations. Lucas would cover all her father's medical expenses, pay off the gallery's debt, and provide her with a generous sum at the end of the year. In return, Amelia would attend public events, appear as his wife in front of the media, and maintain the image of a stable, loving partner.

As she skimmed through the document, one clause caught her attention.

"No personal relationships outside of this arrangement," she read aloud, looking up at Lucas. "What does this mean?"

"It means exactly what it says," Lucas replied. "While we're married, neither of us will pursue relationships outside of this arrangement. It's to avoid any scandals or distractions."

Amelia frowned. "And what about after the year is over? What happens then?"

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on hers. "Once the year is over, we'll part ways. You'll have the freedom to live your life however you choose."

She set the contract down, her heart pounding. "This feels…cold. Clinical. Like a business transaction."

"That's because it is," Lucas said matter-of-factly. "Emotions complicate things, Miss Carter. This arrangement benefits both of us without the messiness of personal attachment."

Amelia's stomach churned. She had always believed in love and romance, in finding someone who cared about her for who she was. But this? This was the complete opposite of everything she'd ever wanted.

"I don't know if I can do this," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas's expression softened, just for a moment. "I understand your hesitation," he said. "But think about what's at stake. Your father needs you. This isn't just about you, Miss Carter it's about saving the people you care about."

His words hit her like a punch to the gut. He was right, and they both knew it. This wasn't about her pride or her dreams. It was about her father, the man who had always put her first. How could she let him down now?

Amelia looked back at the contract, her hands trembling. The thought of signing away a year of her life was terrifying, but the alternative was even worse. She couldn't let her father suffer because of her fear.

"What happens if I agree?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Lucas's lips curved into a faint smile. "If you agree, we'll begin preparations immediately. You'll move into my home, and we'll hold a private ceremony within the week. Everything will be handled discreetly."

She nodded slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "And if I don't?"

Lucas's expression hardened. "Then I'll proceed with collecting your family's debts. The gallery will be sold, and your father's care will be jeopardized. The choice is yours, Miss Carter."

Amelia closed her eyes, her mind racing. She hated being backed into a corner, but Lucas was right she didn't have any other options. If she wanted to save her father and the gallery, this was the only way.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and met Lucas's gaze. "I'll do it," she said, her voice firm. "I'll sign the contract."

A satisfied smile spread across Lucas's face. "Good. You've made the right choice, Miss Carter."

He stood and extended his hand, a gesture that felt more like sealing a deal than starting a partnership. Amelia hesitated before shaking his hand, her heart pounding in her chest.

As their hands touched, she felt a chill run down her spine. This was it. There was no turning back now. She had just agreed to marry Lucas Blackwood, the cold, calculating billionaire who held her family's future in his hands.

As Amelia left her office, the weight of her decision settled over her. She had no idea what the next year would bring, but one thing was certain her life would never be the same.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking the heavy silence. She glanced at the screen. It was a message from an unknown number.

"You've made the wrong choice, Amelia. You'll regret it."

Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at the words. Who could it be? Was someone watching her? She quickly locked the phone and slipped it back into her pocket, her hands trembling.

Just then, she felt a cold breeze brush her skin. Looking up, she saw a figure standing at the end of the hallway, partially obscured by shadows. Their eyes met for a brief moment before the figure disappeared around the corner, leaving Amelia with a chilling sense of dread.

The game had just begun.