The Billionaire's Temporary Bride

ard Sebastian Grey had handed her sat on the kitchen table, mocking her with its bold, pristine font. **Se

pile of unpaid bills invaded her mind. This was madness-a ludicrous, almost comi

a decision. Her stomach churned as she picked up the card, running her thumb over the embossed

r. The phone barely rang before a smooth,

voice barely above a whisper. "I

itation. "Meet me at my office in a

outfit, a simple black dress that hugged her figure but still felt modest enough for a professional set

ual chaos, but Charlotte felt oddly detached from it all. Her focus remained on the sleek

w of modern chandeliers, while employees in sharp suits moved with purpose. The receptionist directe

or-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, but it was Sebastian who commanded h

his voice warm yet profession

ing you show up late to," she replied,

leek leather chair. "P

ands folded tightly in her lap. Sebastian sat

shows that you're open to opportunity,

herself with her boldness. "Tell me everythin

ent, pure and simple. For one year, you will be my wife in name only. You'll accompany me to

the mention of living wit

l expenses and your personal needs. At the end of the year, there will be a fina

the enormity of his words. "A

icably. You'll walk away with your financial fre

bligati

just say my position requires me to project a certain image. The merger I'm pursuin

The question escaped be

" he replied evenly. "And neither sho

and the coldness of his reply. Still, she co

ectations?" she asked, h

hysical relationship unless it's required to maintain appearances in public. You'll ha

o be true, and that made her

l stability, and I need a partner who understands the temporary nature of

rything she needed, but accepting it felt like stepping

feelings. But I think you're smart enough to

also reassuring. He wasn't pressuring h

et his gaze. "I'll need som

g to signal the end of their meeting. "But don't

of relief and anxiety. She had a choice to make,

e numbers blurred together, a relentless reminder of her mounting struggles. Abby's medication, the ov

asking if she wanted to join her for dinner. The invitation

decision made. Dialing the number, she w

her voice steady despite

y lawyer draw up the contract. Be at my home tomorr

le over her. There was no turning back now. She had made a de