A Billionaire Husband is A freak

Elena Carter leaned against the counter of her family's bookstore, Carter's Books staring blankly at the eviction notice in her hand. Her heart felt as heavy as the shelves of dusty old books around her. For decades, this store had been a part of her family. It was her parents' dream, a safe place filled with stories, memories, and love. Now, it was slipping through her fingers.

Her mind buzzed with worry. How could she save it? The banks had turned her down, the customers weren't coming, and the bills kept piling up. She ran her fingers through her chestnut-brown hair, fighting the urge to cry.

The doorbell chimed, its cheerful jingle at odds with the weight in her chest. She looked up, expecting one of her regulars, but froze when a tall man walked in. He was dressed in a sharp, dark suit, the kind that screamed money. Everything about him was polished his sleek black shoes, his perfectly combed hair, and the way he carried himself like he owned the world.

He scanned the store with a look that wasn't quite judgmental, but close. Then his piercing blue eyes landed on her.

"Miss Carter?" he asked, his deep voice smooth and commanding.

Elena straightened. "Yes?"

"I'm Lucas Kane," he said, stepping closer. "I've come to speak with you about an opportunity."

Her brows knitted in confusion. "An opportunity? Are you sure you have the right person?"

"I'm sure." His gaze was steady, unwavering. May we talk somewhere private?

Elena hesitated. Everything about this man felt out of place. What could someone like him possibly want with her?

I don't usually

This is important, he cut in gently but firmly. "And it could save your bookstore."

The mention of the store hit her like a punch to the gut. How did he know about her situation? Still, desperation outweighed caution.

"Alright," she said, gesturing to the small office in the back. "We can talk in here."

She led him to the cramped space, where stacks of old invoices and books threatened to topple over. She took a seat behind her desk, while Lucas remained standing, his tall frame dominating the room.

"What is this about?" she asked, folding her hands to stop them from shaking.

Lucas didn't waste time. "Your bookstore is failing. You're behind on rent, and unless you find a way to pay the debt, you'll lose it in less than a month."

Elena's breath hitched. Hearing the harsh truth spoken so bluntly felt like a slap.

How do you know that?

"I make it my business to know things," he replied smoothly. "And I believe I can help you."

She narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping in. "Why would you want to help me?"

"Because I need something from you," he said, his voice as calm as if he were discussing the weather. "A marriage."

The word hung in the air, so unexpected that Elena burst into nervous laughter. "A marriage? To you? Are you joking?"

"I'm serious," Lucas said, his expression unchanging.

Elena stared at him, waiting for him to crack a smile, to say it was a prank. But he didn't. He was entirely serious.

"This is crazy," she said, shaking her head. "You don't even know me."

"I know enough," he countered. "I know you're desperate to save this place. I know you're not in a relationship, and I know you're trustworthy. That's all I need."

Her heart pounded as she tried to process his words. "Why on earth would someone like you need a marriage of convenience?"

Lucas finally sat down across from her, leaning forward slightly. "There's a business deal I'm negotiating, one that requires me to appear stable and family oriented. Without a wife, I'm at a disadvantage. That's where you come in."

"You think I'd marry a stranger for money?" she asked, disbelief coloring her voice.

"I think you'd do whatever it takes to save your family's legacy," he replied coolly. "And I'm offering you a way to do that. Six months of your time in exchange for financial freedom. Once the deal is done, we'll go our separate ways, and you'll never have to worry about money again."

Elena's mind raced. It sounded like something out of a bad romance novel. But as ridiculous as it seemed, she couldn't ignore the glimmer of hope his words ignited.

"What exactly would I have to do?" she asked cautiously.

"Appear as my devoted wife in public," Lucas said. "Attend events, smile for the cameras, and act the part. In private, our lives remain separate. It's a business arrangement, nothing more."

"And after six months?"

"We'll divorce amicably. You'll walk away with your bookstore saved, and a settlement that will allow you to expand if you choose."

Elena leaned back, her thoughts spinning. On the surface, it sounded simple. But marrying a stranger, even temporarily, was a huge leap. And yet, what choice did she have?

"If I agree, what guarantees do I have that you'll hold up your end of the deal?"

Lucas pulled a sleek envelope from his jacket and placed it on the desk. "This is a legally binding contract. My lawyers have ensured every detail is covered. You'll receive an advance the moment you sign."

Elena stared at the envelope as if it might explode. This wasn't just a crazy idea anymore; it was real.

"I need time to think," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas nodded, standing to leave. "Of course. But don't take too long. Opportunities like this don't wait forever."

As he turned to leave, Elena's gaze drifted back to the eviction notice on her desk. She thought about her parents and how hard they'd worked to build the bookstore. Was this really the only way to save it?

"Wait," she called out, stopping Lucas in his tracks.

He turned, his expression unreadable.

"I'll hear you out," she said, her voice steadier now. "But I need to know what's in it for you, really? Why me?"

Lucas's lips curved into a small smile. "You're not like the women in my world. You're honest, hardworking, and most importantly, you have no interest in my money. That makes you perfect."

His words hung in the air, filling the room with a strange tension. For the first time, Elena felt like she was staring at a man who wasn't as perfect as he seemed.

"Dinner," he said. "Tomorrow night. We'll finalize the details."

Before she could protest, he was gone, leaving her alone with a decision that would change her life forever.