Anna’s POV

“Anna, your mother needs surgery. Without it, she has weeks.”

The doctor’s words hit me like a punch to the gut. I gripped the edge of the plastic chair until my knuckles turned white. Dr. James sat across from me in his white coat, face calm but eyes tired from too many bad conversations. The small office smelled like bleach and old coffee. My heart pounded so loud I could barely hear my own voice.

“How much?” I asked, keeping my tone steady even though my stomach twisted into knots.

Dr. James flipped a page on his clipboard. “The procedure, hospital stay, follow-up care, and specialist fees? Around two hundred and eighty thousand dollars. And Anna We need to move fast if we want the best chance.”

Two hundred and eighty thousand. I almost laughed out loud at the number. I barely made rent with my two jobs combined.

“Mom’s in the room down the hall, right?” I said. “Can I see her first?”

He nodded. “She’s resting. But she knows the situation. Helene’s a fighter, Anna. She needs this surgery.”

I stood up lifeless. My cheap sneakers squeaked on the linoleum floor. “Tell me the truth, Doctor. If we wait a little longer. what happens exactly?”

He met my eyes without blinking. “The tumor raptures. Pain gets unberable. And surgery Complications increase. Time is not on our side.”

Straight to the point. I liked that about him, even if I hated every word coming out of his mouth.

“Thanks,” I muttered and walked out of the office.

The hallway stretched long and cold under the harsh fluorescent lights. Nurses moved quietly between rooms. I pushed open the door to Mom’s room. She looked small in the hospital bed, gray hair spread across the pillow, but her smile still lit up the second she saw me.

“Anna, honey. Come here.”

I sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. It felt too thin, too fragile. “Dr. James told me everything about the surgery darling, Two hundred and eighty thousand.”

She squeezed my fingers gently. “We’ll figure it out. We always do, don’t we?”

I forced a smile. Yeah. But this time it feels different. I whispered in my mind.

We sat in silence for a moment. The machines beeping steadily beside us. I looked at the IV drip and tried to keep my voice even. “You always fight so hard. I remember when you first got sick. You tried to hide everything.”

Mom chuckled softly. “I made burned pancakes that morning. Though You still ate them all.”

“Yeah. Because you made them.” My throat tightened but I pushed through. “I won’t lose you, Mom. I’ll find the money. Somehow.”

“You always were stubborn,” she said with a weak smile. “Just like your father. But don’t you dare sacrifice yourself in the process,You’re young, Anna. You should be living your life, not stuck here every day.”

“Living means having you,” I shot back quickly. “So don’t talk like that.”

A nurse knocked and stepped inside. “Mrs. Vale? Time for your meds.”

I stood up. “I’ll be back soon. Love you mom.”

“Love you more cupcakes,” Mom whispered as the nurse moved around her.

I stepped back into the hallway. My head spinning with numbers. Two hundred and eighty thousand dollars. I had maybe three thousand in the bank if I was lucky. Two dead-end jobs. No rich relatives. No savings. The weight of it pressed on my chest.

My phone buzzed. A text from John, my old friend.

John: How’s Helene today? Need me to bring anything to the hospital?

I can't have John worrying about me all the time. This is my own problem to solve and overcome.

I typed fast while walking. Me: currently running errands. Let’s talk later johnny 😊.”

No time for pity right now. I headed toward the exit, mind racing through every possible option. Bank loans with terrible interest. Crowdfunding that probably wouldn’t reach the goal. Selling everything I owned. Even selling my body if it came to that. Anything to keep Mom alive.

The automatic doors whooshed open. Bright daylight hit me. I rushed out, head down, digging in my bag for my keys. When I slammed straight into a hard chest.

Strong hands caught my arms to steady me. “Watch it.”

I looked up. Way up. The man towered over me. Dark suit perfect on broad shoulders. Jaw sharp enough to cut glass. His eyes,deep brown, almost black,locked onto mine. Expensive cologne cut through the hospital smell. Power rolled off him like heat from a furnace.

“Excuse me,” I said, stepping back fast. “I wasn’t looking.”

He didn’t let go right away. His grip felt warm and firm. “Are you fine? You look like the world just ended.”

I pulled free. My cheeks burned. “It kind of did. Excuse me.”

I tried to move past him but he shifted slightly, blocking the path without making it obvious. “Wait. Are you sure you are all right?”

His voice was deep and smooth. The kind that probably closed million-dollar deals before breakfast. Up close he was too handsome,perfect hair, strong features, the kind of face that belonged on billboards. But right now I did not care about any of that.

“No,” I said bluntly. “My mom is dying and the fix costs more than I’ll see in ten years. Happy now?”

He raised one eyebrow. Something flickered in his eyes. Surprise, maybe interest. “Straight talk. Rare these days.”

I laughed once, bitter and short. “Yeah, well, rich guys in suits don’t usually stop for girls like me. So thanks for the catch. But I have to go.”

I started walking again toward the parking lot. His voice followed me.

“Carlton Blackwood. And you are?”

I stopped and glanced back over my shoulder. The name sounded familiar. Big money. Blackwood. Hotels? Tech? Something like that. I couldn’t remember exactly.

“Anna Vale,” I said. “Nice almost-knocking into you, Carlton Blackwood.”

My phone rang. Unknown number. I answered while walking. “Hello?”

“Miss Vale?” a woman’s voice said. “This is the billing department at the hospital. We need to discuss payment options for Mrs. Helene Vale’s upcoming procedure. If we don’t secure funds soon, we may have to delay—”I hung up fast. Tears stung my eyes but I blinked them back hard. I can't breakdown in public.

Behind me, I still felt eyes on my back. Carlton Blackwood was probably still watching.I didn’t turn around. I reached a car in the parking lot and leaned against it for a second, trying to breathe.

My phone buzzed again. A text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Go to the Blackwood empire, you would get a job. C.B

CB as in Carlton Blackwood? The stranger i just met? Wow, strange. Wait…how did he get my number.

I stared at the screen. Help? From a stranger who looked like he owned half the city? My heart slammed against my ribs. A job? Just like that?

I looked back toward the hospital entrance. No sign of him now. But the offer sat there on my phone like a trap wrapped in hope.

What do I do now.

The parking lot suddenly felt too small. The future looks uncertain. But one thing was clear. I would do whatever it took to save my mother. Even if it meant taking the offer of a rich stranger who might be more dangerous than the illness itself.

What I didn't know was that. I’m about to sell my soul to a two faced demon.

Carlton’s POV

That woman had something drawing my attention. Most people crumbled when they looked into my cold eyes. But she just glared and told the what I was curious about to my face. No fake tears. No emotional drama. I watched her walk away, shoulders tight like the weight of the world sits the. Anna Vale. The name stuck in my head like a memory I couldn’t forget.

I headed deeper into the private wing. My mother had called me here again with another fake “episode.” I pushed open the door to her VIP suite. The room looked more like a luxury hotel than a hospital, fresh flowers on every surface, silk robes draped over the chair, and there she was. The dramatic queen. my mother,Veronica Blackwood sitting up in bed like a queen holding court.

“Carlton, darling. Finally,” she said. Her voice sounded weak, but her eyes were sharp as knives. Williams, her butler, hovered nearby with a silver tray of tea.

I crossed my arms. “You look perfectly healthy, Mother. Again.”

She waved a hand dramatically. “The doctors say stress is terrible for my heart. And what stresses me more than anything? My only son refusing to settle down. You’re thirty. The board are beginning to whispers behind your back. I keep taking down papers printing nonsense about you and that awful Kourtney woman.”

“Kourtney cheated with my rival,” I said flatly. “I’m done with that circus.”

She leaned forward. “Exactly why you need a proper wife. Someone suitable. But worry no more. I have a list of old family friends. Strong bloodlines. We can announce an engagement by fall. It will stabilize the company and quiet the rumors.”

I laughed once, cold. “I don’t need a list. I need peace.”

“Peace comes with heirs and a ring on someone’s finger,” she shot back. “Your father would have—”

“Don’t,” I cut her off sharply. “I run Blackwood Empire. Not a marriage market.”

Williams cleared his throat politely. “Shall I fetch more tea, madam?”

“No,” Mother said. “Carlton, listen to me. Go on one dinner with a girl from the list. Or I’ll stay in this hospital bed until you agree.”

I checked my watch. “Threaten all you want. But I have real work.”

I turned to leave but stopped at the door. Mother’s pressure had been building for months. The board wanted stability. The press wanted a story. A wife from her list would bring endless problems. spoiled socialites, hidden agendas, more drama. But a woman who needed something from me? That I could control.

Anna Vale flashed in my mind again. Desperate. Honest. No bullshit. Perfect.

My phone buzzed. I had made a quick call right after she walked away. I had found what she came to the hospital to do. I left Mother mid-protest and stepped into the hall. Davis waited near the elevators, tablet ready, suit crisp as always.

“Sir,” he said, falling into step. “Your three o’clock is pushed back. And Mrs. Veronica’s doctor confirms again. no real medical emergency.”

“Shocking,” I muttered. “Davis, new task. Anna Vale. Mid-twenties. Mother Helene Vale, patient here. Find everything. Bank accounts, jobs, criminal record if any. Fast.”

Davis didn’t blink. “On it. The usual depth?”

“Deeper. Family, friends, every debt. Especially the mother’s medical bills. I overheard the amount, two hundred and eighty thousand.”

We reached the private elevator. I punched the button. “And draft a marriage contract. Include asset protection, one-year minimum. Leave the compensation blank for now.”

Davis paused mid-note. “Marriage, sir? This is sudden.”

I thought of Anna’s chin lifting in defiance, the way she didn’t flinch or flirt. “Mother wants me married? Fine. I pick. But not one from her list. Instead Someone I can control. Someone who needs me more than I need her.”

“Understood.” Davis typed rapidly. “Background check should be delivered by tonight. Contract will be ready for review tomorrow morning.”

The elevator doors opened to the underground garage. My driver held the door of the black Bentley.

“Home, sir?” the old butler asked.

“Yes.” I slid into the back seat. Almost immediately My phone lit up with the first file from Davis. Good.

As we pulled out of the hospital parking spot, Davis spoke again from the front. “If I may, sir. A marriage contract this quick… most women run from that kind of directness.”

I stared out the tinted window at the city rushing past. “Yes but this one won’t run. She needs the money for her mother. I need a wife who won’t complicate my life. Simple transaction with benefits. She gets her surgery paid. I get Mother off my back and a wife who knows her place.”

But even as I said it, heat stirred low in my gut. The feel of her soft arms in my hands. The way her breath caught when I held on a second too long. Anna has barely known my agenda, she hasn't signed the contract but somewhere in my gut, I feel this contract will create a lot of challenge. And I never lose a challenge.

Back at the mansion, I poured a whiskey and opened the full file Davis had sent. Anna’s face filled the screen, hospital security photo, clear and stubborn. I read the document. Just as I had expected. Two low-paying jobs. Tiny apartment. Three thousand dollars in savings. Her mother’s bills stacking higher every week. John Smith listed as a friend.

I dialed Davis. “Add the full medical coverage clause for Helene Vale. Immediate wire transfer once signed.”

“Okay,” he replied. “Anything else?”

“Find out more about John Smith. Make sure he’s not a problem."

“Platonic friend from school records. Harmless so far.”

“Hmmm.”

I ended the call and leaned back in my chair. The whiskey burned smooth down my throat. Mother’s endless pressure and the said board’s whispers, Anna solved all of it in one move. A desperate woman. She would sign. She had no choice. I had gotten her number from the hospital and I had sent a text, By morning she should be coming for a job interview.

My phone buzzed. Mother again. I groaned and opened the message, another demand for dinner with one of her list girls. I ignored it.

But before I could set the phone down, another call came through on the private line. Marco Johnson’s flashed on the screen.

I answered, voice ice cold. “What do you want?”

His laugh slithered through the speaker like oil. “Heard you’re already sniffing around some girl at the hospital. And I wondered if I should also be interested. But Blackwood. Be Careful. I still know where all your skeletons are buried.”

My grip tightened on the glass. How the hell did he know already? “Stay out of my life, Marco. Or I’ll bury you so deep you’ll never crawl out.”

I hung up and stared at the dark liquid in my glass. Marco was a problem that wouldn’t go away easily. But Anna? She was the answer I needed right now. A wife on my terms. A shield against my Mother’s constant pressure.

I sent a quick text to Davis. “The contract should be on my desk first thing tomorrow as instructed. I want this done fast.”

Anna Vale had no idea what interview she was coming for, But by tomorrow, she would. And she would say yes. They always did when the price was right.

I finished the whiskey and stood. The mansion felt quieter tonight. Soon it would have a new mistress. Perfect.

Anna pov

The Blackwood Empire tower stabbed the sky like a knife. I stood at the bottom, heart pounding, my cheap blouse already sticking to my back from the morning heat. Carlton’s text still burned in my pocket. “You would be offered a job.”Help. From a man like him? I had no choice. Mom’s surgery clock was ticking.

I pushed through the spinning doors. The lobby screamed money, marble floors, tall ceilings, people in expensive suits moving like they owned time itself. A receptionist looked up, perfect smile in place.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes, my name is Anna Vale. I’m here to see the person in charge.”

She checked her screen, eyebrows lifting a fraction. “Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Go up to the Fiftieth floor. Mr Davis will meet you.”

The elevator ride felt endless. My hands shook as I smoothed my skirt. Three thousand dollars. I need this money for mom. I repeated it like a prayer. Just a job. Something. Anything.

The doors opened. A man in a crisp suit waited. tall, with a tablet in hand.

“You must be Miss Vale. I’m Davis Brown, Mr. Blackwood’s assistant. This way please.”

He led me down a hall that felt more like a museum than an office. We stopped at double doors. Davis knocked once and stepped aside.

“Sir, Miss Anna Vale is here.”

I walked in. Mr Blackwood sat behind a massive desk, dark suit perfect, face like stone. Different from the man I saw yesterday. No soft words or curious eyes. Just a soulless gaze.

“Sit,” he said, voice flat.

I dropped into the leather chair. “You said you could help. I’m not here for charity. I need a job. Anything. Cleaning, filing,whatever pays enough for my mom’s surgery.”

He leaned back, eyes locking on mine. Those deep brown eyes looked almost black now. “I know your situation, Anna. You need Two hundred and eighty thousand for Helene’s procedure. You have just Three thousand in your account. Two dead-end jobs. A John Smith as your only close friend.”

My stomach dropped. “You checked on me?”

“Thoroughly.” He stood and walked around the desk, stopping close enough that I smelled his cologne. “Jobs here start low. You’d need years to earn what your mother needs.”

I lifted my chin. “Then why text me? Wasting my time?”

His lips twitched,just barely. “I don’t waste time. I solve problems. You need money fast. I need a wife.”

The word hit like a slap. “A wife?”

“I propose a marriage contract. One year minimum. Full coverage of your mother’s surgery and all treatment. In return, you play the role. Public appearances. And you live in my mansion.”

I laughed once, thinking must be a prank. “You’re crazy. We bumped into each other once and now you need a wife. I don’t even know you.”

“You know enough.” He tapped his tablet and slid it across the desk. “Read it. Standard terms. Asset protection. Medical fee starts today if you sign.”

I picked it up. The words blurred at first. Marriage of convenience. Anna Vale agrees to… Blackwood covers all costs for Helene Vale’s care… compensation of five hundred thousand upon completion…

My hands trembled. “This is insane. People don’t just marry strangers for money.”

“People do when they have no options.” His voice stayed cool. “Your mother has weeks, Anna. Dr. James confirmed it. Sign, and she gets the best care starting tonight. Refuse, and you walk out with nothing but my offer to forget this meeting.”

I set the tablet down hard. “Why me? You could buy any woman in this city.”

He stepped closer. Heat rolled off him. “I don’t have to explain my reasons. You need the money. I need your performance. I need that. And you need this.”

I stood up fast, chair scraping. “I need to think. I can’t sign a contract blindly, I’m not stupid.”

“Then take ten minutes.” He nodded toward a side door. “Private lounge is over there. Davis will bring coffee. But Anna, the offer closes when I leave for my next meeting.”

I followed Davis to the lounge. My phone shook as I searched Carlton Blackwood. Headlines flooded in. Ruthless businessman. Crushes rivals. Blackwood Empire buys companies and guts them. Lawsuits settled fast. Women in and out of his life like shadows. A cold successful ceo who never loses.

One article even went as far as calling him a shark in a suit. Another said crossing him ends careers. My throat tightened. Mom’s words at attempt to ease my worries echoed in my mind. We always figure it out. But I knew this we hadn’t. Not this time.

Davis knock brought me out of my thoughts, he entered with a cup of coffee. “Miss, Mr. Blackwood is ready when you are.”

I nodded and walked back into the wide office, Carlton stood by the window, arms crossed, looking every inch the billionaire who owned the world.

“Well?” he asked with a knowing look.

I swallowed hard. “Your reputation is terrifying Mr Carlton, Ruthless. People say you destroy anyone in your way.”

“True.” No apology. “But I keep my word. So to avoid wasting time that I don't have. Sign, and your mother lives. Break it, and the consequences are worse than you imagine. Simple.”

I stared at the tablet again. Mom in that hospital bed. Her weak laughter yesterday. Tears stung my eyes but I blinked them back.

“Full surgery coverage?” I asked.

“Wire transfer the second you sign. Dr. James gets the green light within the hour.”

My voice came out small but steady. “I want it in writing. Right here. Add that clause.” “Oh and we sleep in separate room.”

He gaze met mine and I could have sworn, I saw a spark of dissatisfaction at my last clause but it vanished as soon as it appeared. He took the tablet, typed lazily, and handed it back. “Done. Read it.”

I read every line this time. I could feel the coldness of the contract from the screen.No romance. Just a deal. My hand hovered over the screen. The Sign here glaring at me.

“I have no choice,” I whispered.

“You always have a choice,” Carlton said. “This one saves her.”

I pressed my finger to the line. Digital signature locked in. Done.

Carlton’s eyes flicked with something,satisfaction, and maybe something else. “Good. Davis will handle the medical call now. Go home, prepare your things. My driver will pick you up in two weeks , Welcome to the Blackwood world, Anna.”

I stood there, legs shaky. “This is just paper. Don’t expect me to like you.”

A slow smile crossed his face for the first time. Dangerous. “We’ll see about that. One year, wife. Starting now.”

My phone rang almost immediately, Dr. James.

“Anna? The hospital just received full funding. We’re prepping your mother for her first surgery tonight. How—”

I hung up and looked at Carlton. He watched me like a predator who’d just closed the trap.

“What now?” I demanded.

He stepped close, voice low. “Now you learn what being my wife means. Go home. Say your goodbyes. The car comes anytime soon.”

I turned to leave, pulse racing. His voice stopped me at the door.

“And Anna? That spark you showed yesterday? Keep it. I like challenges in my bed.”

Heat rushed through me.anger, fear, something hotter I didn’t want to name. I slammed the door behind me and rushed to the elevator.

Mom would live. But at what cost? Carlton Blackwood owned me now, and the look in his eyes said he planned to collect every single part.