Selena"s Fate

Since my father's death just a few months ago, my whole world has crumbled. His death, made harder by the crippling debts I didn't know he had, plus Max's worsened condition,have left me in a desperate situation.

Dropping out of school right before my final year had been a last resort, but now, even that wasn't enough. I had to sell the business. My father would be ashamed but my brother's life depended on me, and I was failing him.

I scrolled through my contacts trying to find someone who could help. Anyone. My fingers hovered over one name-my father's old friend, Gregory Davis. Maybe he'd know what to do.

I dialled the number.When he answered, his voice was gruff but familiar. "Hello?"

"I'm so sorry for calling you this late"

"Selena?"

"Yeah, it's me," I said quickly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I...I need help. It's about Max. I don't know what to do. The hospital bills, school...everything's falling apart. I have to sell"

There was a pause on the other end.

His hesitation made the panic in my chest tighten.

"Selena, are you sure that's the right move? Your father worked so hard to build it." I couldn't stand hearing about my father's work right now; it felt like a mockery of what our lives had become.

"I don't have a choice," I said, barely keeping my voice from cracking. "I can't pay for Ben's treatment unless I do ."

Another pause. Finally, he sighed. "There might be a buyer interested. The offer's not much, but it could help with the bills."

"Anything," I said desperately.

"Just...please, I'll meet anyone. I need the money."

"Come by my office tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting," he said, before hanging up abruptly.

I stared at the phone, my heart pounding. Selling my father's business felt like betrayal, but what choice did I have? I spent the night wrestling with anxiety, my mind spinning with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.

Max's weak breathing from the next room didn't help, reminding me that I couldn't back out of this. I had to go through with it. I had to save him, no matter what it took.

***

I sat stiffly in the leather chair, waiting anxiously for Gregory to return with the potential buyer. When the door opened, I looked up-and I froze.

Gregory beamed as he introduced us.

"This is Daniel Sinclair. Daniel, this is Selena Erickson, the lady I told you about"

Daniel Sinclair walked in, his sharp gaze sweeping over me without a flicker of recognition. He was much taller in life than on the business magazines, broader, but his eyes were the same-cold, intimidating.

I bit my lip, trying to gather myself "Mr Sinclair?"

He glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before turning to Gregory.

"Let's discuss the terms," Daniel said without so much as acknowledging me. My heart sank.

Gregory cleared his throat, pulling out a thick folder of papers. "We're here to discuss the sale of your family's business. Daniel is offering a fair price-more than generous considering the current state of things."

I nodded, barely hearing him. My focus kept straying to Daniel, his presence was magnetic.

As the meeting dragged on, I struggled to focus on the details. Numbers, percentages, and business jargon floated around me, but none of it seemed to matter.

Daniel barely looked at me, and every time he spoke, it was with a cool, detached professionalism. Regardless, he was the most attractive person I'd ever seen.

Immediately the thought crossed my mind, I felt disgusted with myself. This was my last chance to save Max, and yet, here I was swooning over a man who would never give me a second glance.

Before I could sign the documents, Daniel leaned forward, his voice low and deliberate. "Actually, there's something else."

I blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

He didn't break eye contact. "I have another proposal."

My breath caught in my throat. The way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. "What kind of proposal?"

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, there was something dangerous in them. "I'll still buy the business. I'll even cover your brother's medical bills and fund your education-but there's a condition."

I froze. "Condition?"

His voice was calm, almost casual. "Marry me."

My heart stopped. I stared at him, waiting for him to laugh, to say it was an ill timed joke. But the silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating. "Marry you?" I echoed, barely able to form the words. "You can't be serious."

"But I am, Selena," he said, his tone flat. "You need the money, and I need...a wife." There was no warmth in the way he said, no affection. Just cold, hard practicality.

Daniel stood and walked toward the window, looking out over the city skyline. "It benefits both of us," he said. "I need someone to stay by my side in order to fend off certain...people. Someone who knows what's at stake"

"You stay by my side for just three years and you and your brother will be set up for life." He turned back to face me, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Do you understand, Selena."

I wanted to refuse. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to walk away, that this was absurd, but I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"And if I say no? Can I even say no" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

Daniel's lips curved into a small, humourless smile. "Then I walk, and you have nothing. No one else will buy a sinking ship."

I could feel the walls closing in. I couldn't afford to be proud, not when Max's life hung in the balance. "Fine," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I'll do it."

Daniel nodded, his expression unreadable once again. "We'll sign tomorrow"

He glanced at me for a brief moment and walked out of the room without another word. He didn't look back.