gs, past doors that looked older than the building itself, until

s back to her, facing the f

the but

ed the door softly behind him. In

poke. His voice was low,

ten years. No record of parents. Multiple j

stif

e continued. "Unpredict

and Ivy's b

dark hair, perfectly cut. Olive skin, a sharp j

o Mart

llionaire no one ever saw in person. The untouchable, dangerous man with alleged Mafia tie

you come?

t blinking. "Curiosity.

onest. That's rare," h

with the confidence of someone us

he said, stopping inches from her.

of the fire on her face. H

now me," she

greed. "Bu

ed away

ed to you once you step out of he

that, the inte

-----

, heart pounding. Her reward for participating in this crazy joke wa

time in years, the future didn't look empty. It looked danger

admire the towering wrought-iron design or be terrified of what waited beyond it. The

from foot to foot. This was unlike anything she'd ever s

o report back at the Martinelli Estate. A sharply dressed man stepped out from

ithout looking up

Ivy We

ssed a button on the panel beside him. Th

d Ivy gruffly. "The house is on the left. Do n

walked through the gates, her

generations of secrets. The mansion came into view; a blend of Italian villa and modern fortre

ending a red carpet event: high heels, red lips, sleek hair. Ivy swallowed, suddenly very aware of her

tor in?" one of t

augh. They didn't know her story. She had survived t

ep. A man in his late thirties stepped out, flanked by two other assistants. He lo

elcome to the Martinelli Estate. My name is Victo

girl asked, adjus

not here to network. You're not here to model. As you were informed last nig

rmurs ran thro

the country and a winery that produces the finest wines and champagne known to mankind," Victor con

ut wonder why a wealthy, handsome man like Lorenzo Martine

rl whispered behind Ivy. "Th

arrangement. Mr. Martinelli is being required by family tradition to marry within the next t

idn't expect to end up on an episode of The Bachelor

head, Ivy knew the answer. She'd come back here

l get a chance to speak with the man himself - briefly - and i

n legal?" so

is exercise. If chosen, you'll sign a prenup and marriage contract. Payment is generous. D

t of line and left. Another rolled her eyes and walked

en here for adventure. She was here because she nee

hin and muttered

-----

sive chandeliers, floors so polished she could see her reflection,

the grand salon, and the women were ca

hers returned; some looking smug, othe

assistant with icy blonde hair

of carved wooden doors into a smaller room: an office with a glass desk

was another woman, a curvy blonde, wi

said. "She's Mr. Martine

. "Nice to

just assessed her

yourself, Ivy

I'm twenty-five. I grew up in Michigan. Left ho

ave home?" Chlo

wasn't safe,"

ged a glance

g to get out of a life that's been stuck in survival mode. I'm not afraid of ric

ebrows. "That... was

of lying? You'll dig it all up

led into a smile

e will come with expectations - public appearances, discretion, and loyal

e thought of the job she lost last week because the diner went out of business. Sh

the eye and said, "

you, Chloe. You'll b

-----

Ivy. She was sitting in the corner, sipping a glass of champagne someon

d, "Mr. Martinelli ha

lence fill

y and said, "Co

ll open. "Wa

selected," Vi

ed. One of them scof

uite. Tomorrow, you'll be briefed by the legal team.

e was marrying a billionaire. A man with ru

another question, Chl

," she sa

----

tire apartment. The bed was king-sized, and the she

th a handwritten note: "Welcome to the family - te

ring at the ceiling. What the h

to process before th

see you now," Chloe s

her heart po

tesy. He prefers to meet h

ng, Ivy

aits: men in tuxedos, women in gowns, faces with sharp features and cold eyes.

ere normal, and cops didn't show up unless some

t of double doors and

ed, then st

her, buttoning his suit jacket. He was taller than she remembered, with bro

vy, right?

ggest mistake of his life," she replied,

. "I find your ho

trying not to let her

nkly. "You've lived a tough life. You didn't ask stupid

said. "Bec

s smile

e just out here proposing marriage to str

ptly. "This isn't about love, Ivy. It's

e because...?" Sh

aren't. You? You looked me in the eye and spoke

"That's not a complime

" Lorenzo a

d said, "My world isn't safe. It's sharp corners and

g me all this like I don't alre

in and said, "Rumors

beneath the polish. She should've turned a

again. "Why not some

too much," Lorenzo answered candidl

it for me?" Ivy

n you've ever touched in your life, a reputable status in

and nervous. "Are y

city you've been surviving in. A clean slate. A chance to rebrand yours

enticed and terrified. Lorenzo's o

and smiled slightly. "I

t Lorenzo was offering her. Wealth, a marriage of convenience, a new soci

I say yes?" She a

move in. You follow the rules. You smile when the camera

no?" Ivy ask

e with a fancy coffee and a

ness. This wasn't a rom-com; this w

led. "Alright. I'

have twenty-four ho

aused at the door. "One m

ked hi

ing dumb. I want terms, prote

. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anyth

around and hurried out of the o