Ava Wells stood at the window of her father's office, staring out at the rain-soaked streets below. The droplets on the glass seemed to mirror the tears she felt like crying. Her father's company, Wells Enterprises, was on the brink of collapse, and she didn't know how to save it.
"Ava, we need to talk," her father's voice broke the silence, his tone laced with desperation.
She turned to face him, her eyes locking onto the worry etched on his face. "What is it, Dad?"
"We're running out of options," he said, his voice cracking. "I've tried everything to save the company, but it's not enough. We're deeply in debt, and the creditors are getting impatient."
Ava's heart sank. She knew her father's company was struggling, but she had no idea it was this bad. "What can we do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her father's eyes dropped, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I've been approached by a potential investor. He's willing to help us, but there's a catch."
Ava's instincts screamed warning, but she pushed aside her doubts. "What kind of catch?"
"He wants you to marry him," her father said, his words tumbling out in a rush. "It's a business arrangement, Ava. He'll pay off our debts and help us get back on our feet. In return, you'll be his wife, on paper, for a year."
Ava felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Marry a stranger? It sounded like a bad fairy tale. "Who is he?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Ethan Blackwood," her father replied. "He's a billionaire with a reputation for being ruthless in business. But he's also a man of his word. If he says he'll help us, he'll follow through."
Ava's mind reeled as she processed the information. Ethan Blackwood? She'd heard of him, of course. Who hadn't? He was a self-made billionaire with a reputation for being merciless in business. But marriage? It seemed like a steep price to pay, even for her family's company.
As she stood there, weighing her options, Ava felt a spark of determination ignite within her. She would do whatever it took to save her family's company. Even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice firm. "I'll do it."
Her father's face relaxed, and he let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Ava. I won't let you down. I'll set up a meeting with Ethan Blackwood."
The meeting with Ethan Blackwood was set for the next day. Ava spent the rest of the day in a daze, her mind racing with questions. What was Ethan Blackwood like in person? What would the terms of the contract be? And what did he want in return for his help?
The next day, Ava stood outside Ethan's office building, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and steeling herself for what was to come.
As she stepped into the office, she was greeted by a stunning receptionist who led her to Ethan's office. The room was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city.
Ethan Blackwood stood up from behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. He was even more handsome than Ava had expected, with chiseled features and a strong jawline.
"Ava Wells," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Ava forced a smile, her heart racing with anticipation. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Blackwood."
Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Please, call me Ethan. We are going to be married, after all."
The words sent a jolt of electricity through Ava's body. This was it. This was really happening.
As they sat down at the conference table, Ethan slid a folder across the table to her. "The contract," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I think you'll find the terms are more than fair."
Ava opened the folder, her eyes scanning the pages. The terms were straightforward: one year of marriage, in exchange for the payment of her father's debts and a significant sum of money to help Wells Enterprises get back on its feet.
Ava's eyes locked onto Ethan's. "And what do you get out of this deal?" she asked, her voice steady.
Ethan's smile was enigmatic. "I get what I want," he said. "A wife, on paper, for a year. It's a small price to pay for the benefits I'll provide to your family."
Ava felt a shiver run down her spine. There was something about Ethan's tone that made her feel like she was in over her head.
But she pushed aside her doubts. This was a business deal, after all. And she was willing to do whatever it took to save her family's company.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice firm. "I agree to the terms."
Ethan's smile grew wider, and he stood up, holding out his hand. "Welcome to the family, Ava."
As Ava shook his hand, she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. She had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.
Ava's situation is dire. Her father's company is on the brink of collapse, and she's desperate to save it. The proposal from Ethan Blackwood is a lifeline, but it's also a daunting prospect. Marrying a stranger, even for a year, is a huge sacrifice.
As Ava weighs her options, she's torn between her desire to save her family's company and her reservations about marrying a man she doesn't know. Ethan's reputation as a ruthless businessman doesn't exactly fill her with confidence.
Despite her doubts, Ava decides to go through with the proposal. She's willing to do whatever it takes to save her family's company, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
The meeting with Ethan Blackwood is a pivotal moment in the story. Ava is struck by his good looks and charisma, but she's also intimidated by his power and influence.
The contract Ethan presents her with is straightforward, but Ava knows that she's taking a risk by signing it. She's putting her trust in Ethan, and she hopes that he'll follow through on his promises.
