Selena sat in a café, her leg shaking impatiently as her eyes darted toward the door. She sighed, picked up her phone, and called Mika.
"Where is the guy? I've been waiting for half an hour now," she said, staring at her watch.
"Isn't he there? He said he left almost an hour ago."
Selena froze. A chill ran down her spine as she flinched. "Something's off. Call that guy. If he doesn't pick up, file a missing report."
"What are you saying?"
"I feel like it's Helena again," she muttered, grabbing her purse and rushing out.
"Got it. I'll check it out and let you know." Mika hung up.
Selena stood outside the café, unsure of what to do next. That's when she noticed a man leaning against his car near the entrance, smoking.
Normally, she wouldn't care—but today, she was already irritated. She walked up to him and coughed softly. "Excuse me, sir. You're standing right in front of the entrance."
He glanced around and gave a slight nod, showing no expression.
Selena pressed her lips together, forcing a polite smile. "I mean… don't you think you shouldn't be smoking right here?"
He ignored her completely and exhaled another puff of smoke, unbothered.
Selena shook her head and turned away, wondering why she was even doing this.
Then, he stood up and walked toward her. "Well, Miss, thanks for your concern." He leaned in slightly, smirking. "However, it's not compulsory to listen to you, right?
Selena's face burned with rage. She wanted to slap him then and there as he walked away.
But something clicked in her mind. "Wait!" she called out.
He turned, slightly annoyed.
She studied him for a moment — this attitude, this aura… it's perfect to deal with Helena and Isabelle. This man carries weight in his presence, she thought.
His sharp, deep voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "What are you staring at?"
"Well…" Selena muttered, tightening her grip on her purse as her face flushed red. She looked away, took a deep breath, and said, "Would you mind making a deal?"
He raised a brow, smirking. "So this is your new business strategy now? Tell people to stop smoking and then offer a deal?"
"Two million in advance," she said firmly. "I'll give you two million for this one."
"Damn," he whispered, letting out a small laugh. "Do I look that poor?"
"Name your price," she said through clenched teeth, trying not to lose her temper.
He tilted his head. "What kind of deal are you trying to make by bribing a random man on the street who was just smoking and minding his own business?"
"It's just…" Selena hesitated, "It's about a contract marriage."
He stopped. "What did you just say?"
"Yes. A contract marriage." Her voice was low but firm. "Your attitude — which seems arrogant — is actually a perfect fit for the contract marriage I'm looking for."
He stepped back slightly, eyeing her with disbelief. "Is this a new way of flirting?"
"No, I mean—" She paused, embarrassed but determined. "You seem strong and capable. I was looking for someone just like you… cold, confident, maybe a little arrogant."
"You're insulting me again, you know that?" he said, scratching his forehead.
"I'm sorry! But… would you mind disappearing— no, wait— I mean, this isn't easy. The guy I was supposed to meet just vanished. I'm sure Helena- I mean this contract has something to do with it. It's risky, but only if you agree…"
He stared at her coldly, expression unreadable.
Selena lowered her head and sighed. "Forget it. Never mind."
She turned to leave, but he caught her wrist gently. "I didn't say anything yet," he whispered.
"But looking at you, it's obvious you won't agree," she said softly.
He smirked. "But what if I do?"
Her eyes widened as she turned back to him.
"There's a condition," he continued. "Let's make it mutual. If we go through with this contract marriage, we'll help each other out."
"What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.
"I'll help you with your situation, and in return, you'll pretend to be my wife."
Selena froze for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay. But—"
"Wait," he interrupted. "There's one more condition."
She looked at him, curious.
"This can't be a secret deal. We'll have a public wedding."
"I was about to say the same thing!" Selena exclaimed.
Just then, another man approached from behind. "Sir, we need to go now."
The stranger nodded, then handed her a sleek card. "Meet me here tomorrow. Same time."
He turned and walked toward his car, leaving Selena staring after him.
"But… did I just make a mistake?" she murmured. She glanced down at the card — and froze.
"Da— Daniel Knight?" she almost screamed, clapping a hand over her mouth.
She watched the car drive away, then looked at the card again in disbelief. "Did I just talk about a contract marriage with the Daniel Knight — the richest man, the business tycoon?"
Her shock melted into a dramatic groan. "But I'm also the heir of a prestigious family!" She tilted her head, half-laughing. "Still… what did I just do!!"
She cried out dramatically, clutching her head. Then straightened herself and muttered, "But… did he actually agree?"