ng oddly unsettled, but it wasn't just the awkward conversation that lingered in my mind. It was the sudden, unexpected turn my life seemed to

inst exhaustion, with barely enough tips to make a dent in the pile of bills that loomed over me. I'd spent the better part of my days serving lukewarm coffee and greasy diner f

meant to be an insightful piece on high society, had been edited down to a superficial puff piece that barely scratched the surface of the evening's re

memory lingered like a shadow. I spent many nights tossing and turning, reliving the confrontation and the feelings of inadequacy that had followed. The one-nigh

sity in another city, but the cost of relocating and studying was daunting. I mulled over the pros and cons of moving-whether the debt and stress would be worth the chance of a ne

from an unknown sender, with the subject line: "A Proposal from Elijah Bennett." My he

-

Amelia

ths might align for mutual benefit. I would like to discuss a potential oppor

ard

ah B

-

e improbable than the last. Was he offering me a job? Or perhaps he wanted to make amends for the awkward encounter at the

be the turning point I desperately needed. I put on the best outfit I could manage-a simple but elegant dress that I

r more overwhelming in daylight. As I approached, I was greeted by a uniformed chauffeur who escorted me through the opulent

th and privilege. The grandeur was almost intimidating, but I steeled myself, reminding myself that I was here

turned as I entered, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. There was an air of quiet authority about him,

said, his tone polite but guarded. "I tru

o keep my voice steady. "I appreciate

y, his gaze intense. "I've been reflecting on our encounter at the gala.

meaning behind his words. "I'm glad you found

"But I believe there is potential for us to collaborate

excitement through me. "W

ngs necessitate a certain image, and a marriage would serve as a strategic move to consolidate our position and secure some important

onvenience? It sounded like something out of a dramatic novel, not a real-life

e barely above a whisper. "You want

financial security and a new beginning, while I would gain the public image and stability needed for my business ventures. Of course,

g my current struggles was alluring. But the idea of entering a marriage for business purposes was daunti

de immediately. Take some time to think it over. I am willing to answer any

f the decision before me. "Thank you.

the meeting. "Of course. Feel fre

a challenge, and I knew that accepting it would fundamentally change my life. The possibilities seemed both excit

e financial stability it promised was undeniably appealing, but the personal cost was high. The idea of

tion, the decision that lay ahead, and the fear of making a choice that could irrevocably alter my life.

come my way. My life had been a series of struggles and setbacks, but the chance to escape them seeme

prospect of a stable future seemed elusive. The contract marriage might be a way out of th

tween remaining in my current state of struggle or embracing an unconventional solution was a dilemm

e. The offer from Elijah Bennett was a game-changer, and I had to weigh every aspect carefully. As

pportunities. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but it was a

ture in ways I could