Eve's heart pounded.
The dressing room door had barely clicked shut when she realized her clothes were gone. Panic surged through her veins as she peeked out, wrapped only in a silk robe. Who would do this? Her breath hitched. Then she saw it—a shadowy figure slipping out of the boutique, clutching her belongings.
Without thinking, she lunged forward, grabbing the first coat off the nearest rack and bolting after the thief. But before she could make it two steps outside, the piercing wail of the store alarm shattered the air.
"Stop right there!" the boutique manager barked.
Eve froze. A cold dread crept up her spine. "No, no, I didn't steal this! Someone took my clothes!"
The manager's eyes narrowed. "Save it for the police."
Eve's pulse raced. What now?
"I'll pay for the coat," a deep voice cut through the tension.
She turned, breath catching in her throat. A man—tall, powerful, exuding effortless wealth—stood with his hands tucked casually in his pockets. His tailored suit screamed money, but it was his piercing gray eyes that held her captive.
"W-what?" she stammered.
He smirked. "Bring her the finest dress you have. Jewelry too. Spare no expense."
The manager hesitated before nodding. Moments later, Eve was draped in elegance, adorned in diamonds. The stranger tilted his head, assessing her.
"Perfect." His lips curled. "Now, you’ll be my wife."
Eve’s stomach flipped. "Excuse me?"
"One hour. Play the part, and I’ll ensure you leave here without a criminal record."
She searched his face for some hint of a joke but found none. "Why me?"
"Because I need a wife. Now."
An Offer She Couldn't Refuse
The limousine purred as it rolled up to an opulent estate. Eve clutched the diamond bracelet encircling her wrist like a handcuff.
"You’re insane," she muttered.
"And you’re wearing my ring," he countered smoothly. "At least pretend to be thrilled."
She scowled. "What’s the game?"
His jaw clenched for the first time. "My father. He’s signing over everything to me—but only if I’m married."
Eve scoffed. "So you’re renting a wife?"
"No," he said, voice like steel. "I’m renting your time. There’s a difference."
Inside, an elderly man beamed at them. "Ah, so this is the lovely bride. Stunning, just as I imagined."
Eve forced a smile as her ‘husband’ guided her forward. The older man nodded approvingly. "Now, I can rest easy. The empire is yours, son. And your beautiful wife will own half."
Eve nearly choked. Half?!
Her ‘husband’ stiffened. "Father, I—"
The old man signed the papers with a flourish. "All settled. Congratulations, my boy."
Eve watched the storm gather in his eyes. He turned to her, voice low. "You own everything now."
Her lips parted. "So, what happens next?"
His smirk returned, but there was something dangerous behind it. "Now? We celebrate."
More Than a Deal
The night unraveled like a dream. Laughter, stolen glances, the warmth of his hand lingering on her back. Beneath the cold exterior, she saw glimpses of something real. Something broken.
As dawn crept in, he whispered, "You made me forget. Just for a little while."
She swallowed hard. "Forget what?"
He exhaled. "That love has a price. And I can’t afford it."
Eve’s heart twisted. Was this all just a game to him?
The next morning, she woke up alone. A note lay on the pillow.
Leave before my father realizes the truth.
Pain sliced through her chest. She wanted to hate him. Wanted to walk away. But something held her back.
Eve found him in his study, staring at the signed documents, expression unreadable.
"You won," she said softly. "You have everything."
He turned, eyes haunted. "Then why does it feel like I’ve lost?"
She stepped closer. "Because you have."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, just before she walked away, he called her name.
"Stay."
She hesitated. "Why?"
His voice cracked. "Because I don’t want to be a millionaire with nothing."
Eve smiled, tears brimming. "Then let’s start over. For real this time."
More Short Stories You’ll Love:
- I Have A Crush On My Married Boss
- My Husband Spent My B-Day With His Lover
Sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the greatest love stories. Would you take a chance on fate?
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