Chapter 1 – The Worst Reunion

• My life fell apart completely in less than a week. First, the private kindergarten where I worked suddenly closed down because the owner ran away with all the money. I did not get my final paycheck, and I had no warning. Two days later, my landlord told me that he was selling the apartment building. He said I had five days to move out. I spent all my remaining savings on a small storage unit to hold my clothes and a few boxes, leaving me with almost nothing in my bank account.
• I had nowhere to go. My younger sister Lily lived in a tiny college dorm room with two other girls, so I could not stay with her. I spent two nights sleeping on a bench at the train station, keeping my bag tight against my chest. I knew I needed to find a job immediately, or I would end up permanently on the streets. I applied for dozens of positions online, using my phone before the battery died.
• Finally, I received an email for an interview. It was for a personal assistant position at Hart Enterprises. The salary listed was very high, much more than I ever made as a teacher. I used the public restroom at a department store to wash my face and change into my only clean blouse. I walked to the giant office building, feeling nervous and small.
• The receptionist told me to go up to the top floor. The office was extremely large, with glass walls that showed the whole city. I sat on a plain chair and waited for my name to be called. My hands were shaking. I needed this job more than anything.
• The door opened, and a woman walked out. She was tall, wearing a dark suit, with her hair tied back tightly. When she looked at me, my breath caught in my throat. It was Serena Hart.
• Serena Hart was the girl who made my life miserable for four years in high school. She was rich, popular, and incredibly mean to me. She used to throw my books on the floor, tell everyone to ignore me, and make fun of my cheap clothes. Seeing her now made all those old, painful memories come back instantly.
• She looked at me for a long moment without any expression on her face. 'Mia Brooks,' she said. 'Come into my office.'
• I wanted to turn around and run away, but I thought about my empty bank account and the train station bench. I followed her inside. Her office was big and simple. She sat behind a large desk and pointed to a chair across from her. I sat down, keeping my eyes on my lap.
• 'I saw your application,' Serena said. Her voice was flat and calm. 'You are not qualified to be my assistant. You are a kindergarten teacher.'
• 'Then why did you call me in?' I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. 'If you just wanted to laugh at me again, I should leave.'
• Serena leaned forward. 'I did not call you here to laugh. I called you here because I have a different proposal for you.' She picked up a document from her desk. 'I need a wife. And I want you to marry me.'
• I stared at her, completely shocked. I thought this was another one of her cruel jokes. 'Are you crazy?' I asked. 'You bullied me for years. You hated me. Why would you ask me to marry you?'
• Serena did not smile. 'It is a business arrangement. My late grandmother left her company to me, but her will says I must be married before my next birthday to keep the position of CEO. If I do not marry, the company goes to my uncle. I need someone who will sign a contract and follow my rules.'
• She pushed the paper toward me. 'I will pay you one million dollars. You will live with me for exactly one year. After twelve months, we will get a quiet divorce, and you will receive the money. You can use it to buy a house, start a school, or do whatever you want.'
• I looked at the paper. The number was real. But I could not believe her. This felt like a trap. She probably wanted to get me under her control so she could destroy my life completely. 'No,' I said, standing up. 'I will not let you humiliate me again.'
• Serena did not stand up. She just watched me. 'Where will you sleep tonight, Mia? I know you lost your apartment. I know you have no money.'
• I stopped near the door. My chest felt tight. She had investigated me. She knew everything about my situation. She was using my poverty to force me into this. I turned around, looking at her with anger. 'You are a monster,' I said. She did not deny it. She just waited for my answer.