Elena, a strong and hardworking woman, faces the harsh reality that her small business is on the brink of financial collapse. Alejandro, a successful businessman, has everything he could desire except time. To inherit his grandfather's fortune, he must marry before turning 35. Desperate to fulfill the stipulation of the will, Alejandro offers Elena a marriage of convenience: one year of union in exchange for the money needed to save her business. The rules are clear: no feelings, no interference in their private lives, and total discretion. What starts as a cold and calculated agreement soon transforms as Elena and Alejandro, sharing the same roof, begin to get to know each other beyond the facade they present to the world. Sparks of unexpected attraction arise, challenging the norms of their agreement. But the contract is put to the test when Elena discovers she is pregnant, unleashing a wave of emotions and conflicts. Alejandro, convinced that it was all a deception, feels betrayed. Elena, facing her own fears and uncertainties, must decide whether to fight for a love she never expected or continue her path alone. With Alejandro's family pressuring him and Elena's business thriving, both protagonists must confront their fears, trust each other, and determine if this marriage of convenience can transform into something real.
Chapter 1 Javier
I closed the door of my little flower shop and sighed. Another hard day. The bills kept piling up, and I barely had enough customers to keep the business afloat. With fatigue taking over me, I walked toward my tiny apartment, feeling the weight of my problems grow heavier with each step.
When I got home, I dropped my bag on the couch and headed to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. I needed something warm to calm me down. As the water boiled, my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen and was surprised to see the name of my old friend, Javier. Javier and I had grown up together, and although our paths had diverged, we had always kept in touch, even if sporadically.
"Javier?" I answered, trying to sound more cheerful than I felt.
"Elena, I'm so glad you answered! I need to talk to you about a very important matter. Can we meet tomorrow?" Javier said, with an urgency in his voice that I had rarely heard.
"Of course, what's it about?" I asked, intrigued.
"It's better if we talk in person. I'll treat you to lunch. Does twelve at the Park Café sound good?"
"Alright, see you there," I replied, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.
The next morning, I headed to the Park Café, a cozy place Javier and I used to frequent as teenagers. The place hadn't changed much; it still had that aroma of freshly ground coffee and freshly baked pastries. When I walked in, I saw him sitting at a table in the corner, with his characteristic smile and a thick folder in front of him.
"Elena, thanks for coming," he said, getting up to give me a hug.
"Javier, you have me on edge. What's so important?" I asked, sitting down across from him.
"I've received a very unusual proposal that I think might interest you. It's... well, it's a contract marriage," he said, opening the folder and taking out some documents.
I looked at him, unsure whether to laugh or be angry.
"What? A contract marriage? Are you kidding me?" I replied, feeling disbelief take over me.
"I know it sounds crazy, but let me explain. A client of mine, Alejandro Ferrer, needs to get married to fulfill a clause in his grandfather's will and inherit the family business. He's willing to offer a considerable sum in exchange for a marriage of convenience."
My mind started to spin. I knew Alejandro Ferrer, at least by name. He was a successful businessman known for his coldness and relentless focus on business. The idea of marrying someone like that seemed absurd, but the mention of a 'considerable sum' made me pause.
"How much are we talking about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
"Elena, this could solve all your financial problems. He's offering enough money to save your shop and secure your future," Javier said, sliding a document with the financial details toward me.
I looked at the numbers and felt my heart skip a beat. It was more money than I had ever seen in my life.
"What would I have to do?" I asked, still hesitant.
"Marry him for a year. Live together, keep up appearances, and after that time, a discreet and amicable divorce. No emotional commitments," Javier explained.
I stayed silent, considering the proposal. It was crazy, but it was also an opportunity that could change my life. With a deep sigh, I looked up and met Javier's eyes, filled with concern and support.
"I'll think about it," I finally said, knowing that my life was about to take an unexpected turn.
After our meeting, I walked back home, trying to sort out my thoughts. My flower shop was my life, my dream come true. I had invested everything in that business, and seeing it on the brink of bankruptcy was devastating. Alejandro Ferrer's offer could save everything, but at what cost? It wasn't just the money that worried me, but the idea of marrying a man I barely knew, a man known for being cold and distant.
That night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, trying to imagine what my life would be like if I accepted the offer. I could save my shop, secure my future, and maybe, just maybe, find something more in this agreement. But I could also lose myself in the process. I turned onto my side and closed my eyes, knowing the decision wouldn't be easy.