Chapter 1: Inundated with Debt

Heart thumping her ribs, Marie gripped the phone receiver. The last blow was given by the voice on the other end, a monotonous drone with a barely veiled threat. This is the last courtesy call for you, Ms. Green. We will have to file a lawsuit if the $32,457 remaining debt isn't paid by the end of the week." Marie felt her stomach drop as the phone clattered on the counter, its dead plastic reflecting hers. $32,457. A mound of debt that had accumulated from all the medical bills and futile attempts to salvage the family bakery after the death of her parents. The smell of freshly made bread, which used to fill their little flat, had faded into memory. The smell of stale instant ramen hung heavily in the air now, her sole comfort after a demanding double shift. Marie wiped a tear that had slipped down her face and forced her mind to concentrate. Nothing would be resolved by denial. She needed a strategy, a means of escaping this oppressive burden. Her eyes strayed to the framed photo next to the phone, showing her parents looking proud of her on her graduation day. A sense of remorse accompanied the warmth that sprang in her chest. She was drowning in debt despite the fact that they had made so many sacrifices to provide her a better life. A long-forgotten memory suddenly sprang to life. A query that seemed like a ridiculous hypothetical during a talk with her father. "Marie, what would you do if someone offered you a million dollars, but you had to marry a stranger?" She had laughed then at the ridiculousness of it. A desperate hope began to germinate in her head now. Is it possible that such an offer exists? Marie reached for her laptop trembling, her fingertips skimming the keys. She spent hours searching the internet, optimism and cynicism at odds. Then one classified ad stood out to her among the many "get rich quick" frauds and dubious dating sites. **Autonomy Guaranteed. Significant Recompense Proposed. Ask Within. There was little information, but her bravery was strengthened by desperation. With cautious hope, Marie outlined her predicament in a brief email. After pressing the submit button, she inhaled deeply as the burden of doubt descended over her. A response came the next morning with the subject line "An Interview." She was filled with both exhilaration and terror. This was just crazy. What other option did she have, though? Marie used the next several hours to carefully straighten the one item of clothing she thought would be appropriate for the interview a blue skirt suit that belonged to her mother and practice her responses. The visage in her mirror belonged to a stranger, a woman compelled to contemplate the incomprehensible. At last, the scheduled moment came. Marie was standing in front of the enormous glass doors of a Midtown Manhattan high-rise, her own anxiety mirrored in their glossy surface. She took a deep breath, pushed open the doors, and entered a world that was quite different from her own one of shining marble and soft murmurs. The lady at reception, whose blonde hair was immaculately styled, gave her a fleeting look before whispering, "Ms. Green, 18th floor. You will be greeted by Mr. Kings." Marie entered the elevator, feeling her heart rate increase with each level. Would Mr. Kings be some kind of hideous millionaire with a sick sense of humor? or much worse? The door pinged open, showing a comfortable waiting room designed in simple elegance. A guy sat absorbed in a file across the room. He glanced up as Marie got closer, his eyes an unexpected ice blue with a disconcerting intensity. "Ms. Green," he said in an emotionless voice. "Please, have a seat." He pointed to a comfortable armchair. Marie dove into it, conscious of the sharp contrast between the opulent setting and her shabby skirt suit. "I know you saw my advertisement," the guy said, maintaining a straight face. "Yes," Marie said to herself, "but it all seems a little bit...unreal." There was a trace of a grin, a brief moment of emotion other than stoicism. "Ms. Green, in times of despair, extreme actions must be taken. Are you ready to learn what I can tell you?" With a sudden dry throat, Marie swallowed. "Yes, I suppose I am." Pulling his chair back, he pressed his fingers together. "I need a spouse. Naturally, only in name." Marie's heart gave a jerk. a spouse? The ridiculousness of the situation was almost overwhelming her. And yet here she was, imprisoned in the opulent chamber of his office, her curiosity clashing with a good measure of cynicism. She managed to say it again, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, "A wife?" "Why?" The guy sighed who was addressed in the email as Mr. Kings. There was a glint of fatigue in his expression, a crack in the steel of his detached exterior. To put it simply, my family has...expectations. One being an heir has a certain image to uphold." He made hazy gestures across the lavish workspace. "Despite its dazzling appearance, this life may be oppressive. Perhaps a wife might bring balance." It seemed odd to use the term "balance" in this antiseptic setting. However, Marie could see the desperation in his eyes a brief look beyond the well-put-together façade. "What precisely would be my role in this...arrangement?" she enquired, reluctantly demanding clarification. Mr. Kings leaned forward and lowered his voice to a soft whisper. "In public settings. Galas for charities. social gatherings. John Kings' wife, which is myself, must be the epitome of contentment." "And what about…privately?" Marie's voice shook a little. With a spark of something unreadable passing before his eyes, he caught her gaze. "Different bedrooms. lives that are mostly apart. However, tact is of the essence." The offer seemed absurd, even ridiculous. However, Marie was unable to ignore the ray of optimism it provided. A strong incentive for her was financial independence, which would allow her to respect her parents' efforts and guarantee her future. Her voice was scarcely audible as she said, "And the compensation?" She was taken aback by the enormous amount that Mr. Kings mentioned. Someone who would be able to pay off her debt, ensure her future, and even enable her to support her financially suffering family back home. The decision's weight caused the quiet to grow longer. John Kings was a mystery with his cold blue eyes and disconnected haughtiness. However, Marie saw signs of desperation. He was as desperate for a way out of this golden prison as she was for a way out of her crushing debt. Marie looked up at him, taking a big breath. "Mr. Kings, please tell me more about the expectations," she asked, her voice strong despite her pulse pounding. Every little thing." John's expression went from one of mild astonishment to one of reluctant respect. He straightened in his chair, and Marie saw something approaching vulnerability for the first time. "Excellently, Ms. Green," he said. But let me be extremely clear before we go any further. This is a proposal for a company. There won't be any complications." The unsaid phrase hung thick in the air as Marie swallowed. adoration. This would be a loveless marriage with no love. But she might keep her feelings to herself for the sake of her future.