She only asked for a job to feed her children, stranded on the side of the road. But the man in front of her made her an offer she never imagined.
Choosing between dust and hunger would transform her entire future.
Emily Carter had been waiting for hours on a deserted stretch of interstate highway, where every passing vehicle kicked up clouds of dust, yet never slowed down.
The afternoon heat had eased somewhat, but still pressed against the pavement, distorting the air and stretching time until each minute felt heavier than the last. There was nothing around her: only silence, heat, and waiting.
At her feet lay two tattered suitcases with frayed edges, a poorly folded bag of clothes, and an empty lunchbox that no longer promised food. In her pocket, her last coins jingled cruelly: barely enough for two bus tickets… and maybe a small loaf of bread to share between three people.
“Mom… is the bus coming soon?” “Are you coming?” asked eight-year-old Noah Carter, his voice dry and tired.
Five-year-old Sofia Carter leaned against the suitcase and frowned.
“I’m hungry…”
Emily swallowed hard and smiled anyway. She had mastered that smile, the one that hides panic and turns fear into comfort.
“Soon, sweetheart. Just a little while longer.”
But the truth was relentless. The bus wasn’t coming. It hadn’t come yesterday. Or the day before. And the woman at the boarding house—who had smiled kindly at her and told her to wait there, that they always come—had sold her hope as if it were a real ticket.
Then a different sound broke the silence.
It wasn’t the clatter of an old van’s engine, but the low, soft drone of an expensive car.
A black sedan pulled up, dust swirling around its wheels. Emily coughed and instinctively put an arm around Sofia as she rolled down the window.
A man in a dark, impeccably pressed suit looked at them, not with pity or arrogance, but with focused attention… and carefully contained concern.
“Do you need help?” he asked calmly.
Emily stepped back slightly, drawing her children closer.
“Thank you, sir. We’re waiting for the bus.”
The man looked at the empty street, then at the luggage, and then back at her.
“There haven’t been any buses on this route for three days,” he said in a serene voice. “The company closed down. Bankrupt.”
The words came as a shock.
“What…?” Emily whispered. She looked at her children, who trusted her completely. “I didn’t know…”
The man opened the door and stepped out. He was tall, in his mid-forties, composed, with the quiet authority of someone accustomed to being listened to.
“My name is Jonathan Reeves,” he said, offering her his hand.
Emily hesitated, but took it.
“Emily Carter. And these are Noah and Sofia.”
Jonathan looked at the children, and something in his expression softened.
“How long did you plan to wait here?” he asked.
Emily exhaled slowly. Pride pressed against her chest, but hunger spoke louder.
“Sir… is there any work nearby?” she asked quietly. “Anything. I clean, I cook, I babysit. I learn quickly.”
Jonathan didn’t answer right away. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but a decision he was making.
“Yes,” he said finally. “There is.”
Hope flickered in Emily’s eyes.
“What kind of work?”
Jonathan looked at her intently.
“I’m offering you a position… as my wife.”
Emily froze, unable to tell if it was cruelty disguised as kindness… or the only support her children had left.
Would you accept an offer like that when you had nothing left to lose?
The answer would change her life forever…
Emily didn’t respond immediately.
The man’s words—”I’m offering you a position… as my wife”—weren’t just unexpected: they were impossible to process.
For a few seconds, the silence was as thick as the heat radiating from the pavement. Noah stared at her, his eyes wide; Sofia, not quite understanding, simply shook her mother’s hand.
Emily swallowed.
“Mr. Reeves…” he murmured, trying to regain his voice. “I don’t understand. Is this a joke? Because if it is, it’s not funny.”
Jonathan Reeves shook his head gently.
“This isn’t a joke,” he replied, with a calmness that only made the situation more absurd. “And I don’t expect you to agree now. I just need you to listen to me.”
Emily took a step back, her legs trembling from exhaustion, hunger, and the fear that this was a trap.
“Why… why would he offer me something like that?” she asked, her voice breaking.
Jonathan took a deep breath, as if he too were preparing for something difficult.
—Because I need a wife. And you need a chance.
The tension was palpable. Emily squeezed Noah’s hand and he looked at her with concern.
“Mom… shall we go?” she whispered.
Emily wanted to say yes. She wanted to grab the suitcases, her children, and run. But… run to where?
They had no home.
They had no money.
They didn’t even have a bus.
She closed her eyes for a moment. Please, God… give me clarity.
When she opened them, Jonathan was still there. He hadn’t taken a step toward her or the children. He was just waiting.
Finally, Emily took a deep breath and said:
“Explain everything to me.”
“I will,” he said. “But not here. The air is full of dust, and the children need water.”
She hesitated again.
—I can’t get in a car with a stranger.
Jonathan nodded.
“I understand. Then let’s do something: let’s walk over to that picnic area.” He pointed to an old, shady building about fifty meters away. “It’s empty, it’s public, and it’ll be safer for the little ones. I won’t touch you or get any closer than you allow.”
Emily took a breath, looked at Noah, looked at Sofia… and accepted with a slight nod.
—Only a shady place sounds good.
Jonathan stayed a few steps behind as they walked.
When they arrived at the picnic area, Jonathan left a bottle of water on the table.
“It’s for the children,” he said.
Emily opened it and gave it to Sofia first, then to Noah. When the children were feeling a little better, Emily looked up.
—Now I want the truth.
Jonathan settled himself in front of her, rested his forearms on the table, and spoke in a tone that mixed sincerity and weariness.
“I have a family that wants to destroy my life,” she began. “A powerful, rich family… used to using money as a weapon.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” Emily interrupted.
“Very much so. Before he died, my father left a very clear will: I can only inherit the family business if I get married before the end of this month. Without marriage, 100% of my shares will pass directly to my brothers.
” “And they don’t want you in the company?”
“Let’s just say… they’d prefer to see me ruined.”
Emily crossed her arms.
—So what you want isn’t a wife… it’s a contract.
Jonathan stared at her.
“I want someone who won’t betray me. Someone who isn’t trying to buy my name, my fortune, or my Reeves name. I want someone who just needs… a real chance to live with dignity. And you… you need it more than anyone.”
Emily felt as if the world was moving beneath her feet.
—And what… what would I gain?
Jonathan didn’t hesitate for a second.
“A house. Security. A stable income. A good education for your children. And freedom.” He paused. “A marriage without intimate obligations. Just public companionship and mutual support, if that’s what you want.”
Emily looked at him in disbelief.
—And you expect me to believe you?
Jonathan reached into his pocket and placed his card on the table.
“Look me up when you’re ready. I have too many enemies to play games like this. I don’t have time for deception.”
Emily took the card between her trembling fingers.
Jonathan Reeves – CEO, Reeves Global Holdings.
Her mouth opened slightly.
“Are you… are you that Reeves?” she whispered, completely shocked.
Jonathan looked down for a second, almost embarrassed.
“I’d rather not be known for that.”
“People like you… don’t stop on deserted roads to help strangers,” Emily said.
He looked up.
“The truth is, Emily… I didn’t stop by chance. I saw you yesterday. You were walking with your children along the road. You sat down at a bus stop that I knew was closed. And… I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Emily didn’t know what to say.
“Did you follow me?”
“I assured you they were alive,” he replied bluntly. “I couldn’t leave them here to die of heat or hunger.”
“And that’s why you want me… to be your wife?”
“Yes. Every day I have fewer reasons to trust the people around me. You… you want nothing more than to survive.”
Emily closed her eyes, fighting back tears.
“I’m not an object to fix your problems.”
“No,” he said firmly. “You’re a strong woman trying to save your children. And I… I need to save something too.”
Emily felt the air grow heavy, as if she were trapped in a decision too big for the hunger she had.
“How long?” he finally asked.
Jonathan took a deep breath.
—One year. Just one year. After that time, if you still want to leave, you’ll have a house in your name and enough money to start a life anywhere in the country. It’s your choice.
Emily looked down.
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’ll take your children to a safe haven in the city right now, with food, water, and a job assistance program,” he replied without hesitation. “I won’t leave them here.”
Emily blinked several times. She hadn’t expected so much… humanity.
But Noah, not fully understanding, pulled at his sleeve.
—Mom… I’m hungry again.
That broke his heart.
Jonathan got up.
—I’m going to bring food. Don’t take too long to decide, but eat first.
Emily watched him leave, his tall silhouette receding with long, confident strides.
When she was left alone with her children, the weight of reality fell upon her.
“Mom?” Noah asked. “Are we okay?”
Emily hugged him tightly.
—We will be, son. We will be.
But even she didn’t know if it was true.
Jonathan returned with three wrapped hamburgers, four bottles of cold water, and a bag of fruit.
—Here you go —he said gently.
Emily looked at the food as if she were witnessing a miracle.
The children devoured the hamburgers with the innocent desperation of those who hadn’t eaten properly for days. Emily ate more slowly, never taking her eyes off the man who had just offered them a future.
When they finished, Emily took a deep breath, as if gathering momentum to jump off a cliff.
—Jonathan… I… I’ll agree to talk more about your proposal. But I won’t sign anything until I understand everything.
Jonathan tilted his head slightly.
—Perfect. I expect nothing less.
“But…” she added, “I don’t want to hurt my children either. If this is dangerous, we’ll leave immediately.”
Jonathan denied it.
“I won’t hurt them. I swear. If you agree… you’ll have security, food, a home, education for them, and a clear contract. I won’t take advantage of you.”
Emily, exhausted, let the tears roll down her face.
—Okay… tell me what I have to do.
Jonathan let out a sigh, this time filled with relief.
—Get in the car. I need to take you somewhere you can rest. And then… we’ll talk about the agreement.
Emily looked at Noah and Sofia.
—Come upstairs, but don’t close the door yet.
The children obeyed.
Emily turned to Jonathan:
—I’m warning you: if I feel that he’s going to hurt us, I’ll jump out of the car with them myself.
Jonathan looked at her with a mixture of respect and surprise.
—Emily… you’re not the one who should be afraid of me. I promise you.
Emily didn’t know what that meant, but something in her eyes conveyed a profound sadness… one that didn’t belong to the rich, but to the persecuted.
He got into the car.
And their destiny changed forever.
The journey was silent. Jonathan drove calmly, not looking at them too much, but every time he saw the sleeping children in the rearview mirror, his expression softened.
“Where are we going?” Emily finally asked.
“To my country house,” he replied. “It’s on the outskirts. It’s quiet and safe. No one will bother your children there.”
Emily frowned.
—And why a country house? Are you afraid someone will see us?
Jonathan gripped the steering wheel.
—I have enemies… and I don’t want them to see you with me yet. I don’t want them to attack you because of me.
Emily swallowed.
“What kind of enemies?”
“My family,” he answered bluntly. “And some people who want to control my company.”
Emily glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
“And why do you think I would be a target?”
“Because if you accept my proposal… you would become the only barrier between them and power.”
Emily froze.
“No… I don’t want to be part of a war.
” “You won’t be,” he said gently. “I won’t put you in danger. I just need a wife… legally. I don’t need anything else.”
Emily rested her head against the window.
“And why me?” she whispered.
He took a few seconds to respond.
—Because when I saw you walking in the sun with your children… I knew you were someone who wouldn’t sell out for money. And that makes you the only person who could save me… without betraying me.
Emily closed her eyes.
Perhaps because she was exhausted.
Perhaps because no one had ever seen her like that.
But she felt something inside her break… not from fear, but from possibility.
They arrived at the country house at nightfall.
It was spacious, elegant, yet peaceful. Not ostentatious. With warm lighting, a wooden porch, and a silence so profound that her children sighed with relief upon entering.
Jonathan showed them a spacious room.
—The children can sleep here. You can take the guest room across the hall. It’s all temporary… until you decide.
Emily touched the clean sheets and almost cried with relief.
“Thank you…” he murmured.
“We’ll talk about the contract tomorrow,” he said from the doorway. “Get some rest.”
But before closing, it stopped.
“Emily…” he said softly. “You’re not selling your life. You’re choosing to save it.”
And he left.
Emily was left alone, listening to the breathing of her sleeping children, while a huge doubt overwhelmed her.
What kind of man proposes to a stranger… to save himself?
And what kind of woman would accept… to save her children?
The answer was still an abyss.
And the next day, he would discover that the offer hid much more than a contract.
He hid secrets.
He hid enemies.
He hid truths that Jonathan didn’t dare to speak yet.
But she… she was already inside.
And there would be no going back.
The next morning, Emily woke with a start.
For a moment, she forgot where she was, until she saw the quiet room, the clean sheets, and Noah and Sofia already asleep in bed beside her.
A tense relief washed over her… immediately followed by an even greater fear.
Today our future is decided.
Emily got up slowly, washed her face, combed her hair as best she could, and went out into the hallway.
She found Jonathan in the country kitchen, making coffee while looking at some documents on the table.
He saw her arrive.
“Good morning,” he said calmly.
Emily looked at him with a mixture of suspicion and distrust.
“Tell me what you expect from me.
” “Yes,” he said, putting his cup down on the table. “Today we’ll talk about everything.”
They sat facing each other.
Jonathan placed a manila file on the table.
“This is the contract,” he explained frankly. “Read it whenever you want. But first, I need to tell you what’s really going on.”
Emily felt a lump in her throat.
—Yesterday he spoke of enemies. Of his family. Why do they need to destroy him?
Jonathan pressed his lips together, as if the subject were painful.
“My father founded a huge company 40 years ago,” she said. “But my brothers… want to divide it and sell it off piece by piece. I want to keep it.
” “And what does marriage have to do with it?”
“My father knew my brothers would try to take everything from me as soon as he died. So, to protect me… he put in an absurd clause: I have to get married before the end of the month to inherit.”
Emily frowned.
—And why didn’t you get married earlier?
Jonathan looked toward the window, and his eyes hardened again.
—Because the woman he loved… died.
Emily felt a chill.
—I… I’m sorry.
“I don’t want to relive that pain. I don’t want to fall in love again. I don’t want a real relationship. But I need a wife. Someone who won’t betray me, someone who isn’t here for my money, someone who…” He looked at her intently, “…just wants a chance at a better life.”
Emily swallowed.
—Do you think I’m that person?
“I don’t think you have any reason to betray me,” he said calmly. “And I have plenty of reasons to help you.”
Emily looked down.
“And if I accept?”
“You’ll live here. You’ll have security. Your name will be protected. Your children will have private school. And you’ll receive a monthly income… along with a house in your name after a year.”
Emily was speechless.
“And what do you want in return?”
“Nothing physical,” he said firmly. “Just presence. At public events. At formal meetings. A married image to protect the company.”
Emily looked him in the eyes.
—And… if after a year… you no longer need a wife?
Jonathan held her gaze.
—Then I will give you freedom. Without debt. Without obligations. Without conditions.
Emily took a deep breath. A huge decision weighed on her.
But then… the kitchen door suddenly flew open.
And a woman entered.
Tall. Elegant. Wearing an expensive dress. Eyes as cold as steel.
“I knew you were hiding something, Jonathan,” she said, her voice as sharp as a razor.
Emily stood up abruptly.
—Who is she?
Jonathan clenched his jaw.
—My older sister… Victoria Reeves.
Victoria looked Emily up and down, with explicit contempt.
—So this is your grand strategy—she said—. Marrying a highway bum.
Emily felt her blood run cold.
Jonathan stepped forward.
—Don’t even think about talking to him like that.
Victoria ignored him.
“Couldn’t you find anyone better? A starving single mother? Is that what you’re introducing as a wife? Is that… as the future Mrs. Reeves?”
The words were like slaps in the face.
Emily stepped back, feeling the weight of the insult like a punch to the gut.
Jonathan advanced, but she raised her hand to stop him.
“No, leave her alone,” Emily said in a trembling but firm voice.
Victoria smiled cruelly.
—Perfect. Do you know why my brother is so desperate to get married? Because if he doesn’t, the whole company will be mine. And I’m not going to let a couple of dirty brats live on our property thanks to some cheap trick.
Emily felt a burning sensation in her eyes.
—My children are not “dirty brats”.
“They are what they are,” Victoria replied. “If you think you’re going to get into our family, you’re crazier than he is.”
Emily clenched her fists.
—I don’t want anything from you.
Victoria burst out laughing.
—Of course you want to! Everyone does. Everyone wants to be a Reeves.
Emily straightened up.
-I don’t.
Victoria approached dangerously close and looked her in the eyes, just a few centimeters away.
“Then run away. Go back to your road. No one will force you to stay,” she whispered venomously. “But remember this: if you think Jonathan will bring you happiness… you’re wrong. He can’t even protect himself.”
Emily did not respond.
Victoria turned around and left the house, leaving a brutal silence.
Jonathan took a deep breath.
—I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.
Emily swallowed, still trembling.
—That doesn’t matter. I… I’ve heard worse.
Jonathan looked at her in surprise.
-What do you mean?
Emily took a breath.
—That I have nothing. That I’m worthless. That my children are a burden… I’ve heard all that before.
Jonathan stared at her for a long second… and something changed in his eyes.
—Emily… —he said in a grave voice—. You are nothing like that.
She didn’t answer. She just stood up.
—I need air.
Jonathan nodded.
—Take your time. I’ll be here… whenever you decide.
Emily went out into the garden.
The sun was setting, painting the sky orange and pink.
Emily let the tears fall freely.
Suddenly, she felt a small hand grab her skirt.
“Mom…” Sofia whispered. “Are we going to have a house?”
Emily lifted her in her arms, crying silently.
—I don’t know, my love. I don’t know.
But Noah, sitting nearby, said:
—That man… didn’t scare me. He seems… alone. Very alone.
Emily looked at him.
-You think?
“Yes,” Noah replied. “And I think he needs a family.”
Emily closed her eyes.
Sometimes children see what adults ignore.
And at that moment, she made the decision.
A decision that would not only save her life… but also Jonathan’s.
He returned home.
Jonathan was sitting where he had left him. When he saw her enter, he stood up.
Emily took a deep breath.
—I accept.
Jonathan opened his eyes, surprised.
—Are you sure?
She nodded.
—But with conditions.
—Tell me what they are.
—My children first. Their safety. Their education.
—Agreed.
—No private life.
—Agreed.
—I will not be an ornament or a slave.
—Never.
Emily breathed again.
—And… I want to know everything. The whole truth. Even if it hurts.
Jonathan looked at her seriously.
—Then sit down. Because this… won’t be easy to hear.
Emily sat down, still unaware that she was about to enter a much bigger storm than she imagined.
Jonathan began to speak slowly.
“My father founded Reeves Global Holdings. A clean, honest, large company. My sister Victoria… along with my younger brother, Andrew… want to turn it into a weapon of power. They want to sell it, manipulate the stock, destroy the workers if necessary.
” “And you?
” “I want to preserve his legacy. And he knew it. That’s why he included that absurd marriage clause: to force me to be with someone, so I wouldn’t face my siblings alone. He wanted to protect me… in his own way.”
Emily stared at him.
“So… they’ll try to stop our marriage.”
“They’ll do more than that,” Jonathan said. “They’ll try to destroy you.”
Emily felt a chill.
“Do they already know?
” Victoria suspects it. Andrew… not yet. But when he finds out, he’ll do anything to break our agreement.
“Like what?” Emily asked. “Threats?”
“Threats, blackmail… or worse.”
Emily took a deep breath.
—So… why did he choose me?
Jonathan lowered his gaze.
—Because you don’t belong to their world. Because they can’t buy your loyalty with money. And because I know you’ll fight for your children with the same strength I’ll fight for what’s left of my father.
Emily felt her heart skip a beat.
—And if I fail?
—You won’t fail.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I saw how you survived hunger, heat, and despair, without giving up. People like that… they don’t fail.”
Emily pursed her lips.
“I’m not a hero.”
“You’re a mother,” Jonathan replied. “And that’s enough.”
She looked at him for a long time.
And finally he said:
—Okay… tell me what happens now.
Jonathan opened a folder.
“The contract requires your signature tomorrow. But that’s not the most urgent thing. Today… today you must meet someone.”
Emily raised an eyebrow.
-Whom?
Jonathan took a deep breath.
—To my mother.
Emily paled.
—Do you know… that you want to get married?
—Yes. And you don’t agree.
Emily swallowed.
“And how do you think she’ll react when she sees me?”
“With hatred,” he admitted. “But… also with surprise. She doesn’t know you. She doesn’t know what you’re made of.”
Emily lifted her chin, determined.
—Then let’s go.
The Reeves mansion was something else.
Grand. Elegant. Menacing.
When Emily got out of the car, she felt her legs tremble. Noah and Sofia clung to her clothes.
Jonathan walked alongside them.
“I won’t let you go,” he said in a low voice.
As we entered, a tall, slender, imposing woman appeared on the stairs.
Her gaze was as sharp as a sword.
“Is this it?” he asked contemptuously.
Emily swallowed.
Jonathan stepped forward.
—Mother. This is Emily Carter. And these are my… adopted children.
Emily froze.
“What do you mean, adopted?” she whispered.
Jonathan looked at her gently.
—If you marry me… my children will be your children. And yours will be mine.
Emily didn’t expect that.
Jonathan’s mother looked at them all with disdain.
—So this woman is coming with two… extra pieces of luggage.
Emily felt something break in her chest, but she didn’t back down.
“They are my children,” he replied firmly.
The mother raised an eyebrow.
—Yes, I see it. But I don’t understand how you think they’ll belong in this world.
Emily took a deep breath.
—Because we are needed. Here and everywhere.
The mother watched her, surprised by her bravery.
“You have more character than I imagined,” she said. “But you’re still a burden to my son.”
Jonathan clenched his jaw.
—She is no burden.
The mother ignored him.
—Jonathan… your father included that clause because he knew you were weak. And now… you bring this woman here with no education, no family, no resources…? And you want me to accept her as your wife? As your heir?
Emily lowered her eyes… but something inside her exploded.
“Mrs. Reeves,” he said in a firm, clear voice. “I didn’t come here to steal anything from you. I came here because your son offered me a chance to save my children. And I want you to know: even though I don’t belong in your world, I know who I am. And I won’t let anyone trample on my children.”
The mother watched her in silence.
A suffocating tension filled the room.
And then…
A tiny smile appeared on the woman’s lips.
-Interesting.
Jonathan frowned.
—What does that mean?
The mother replied:
—Perhaps… this woman isn’t as easy to break as I thought.
Emily felt a shudder.
—Is that… a yes?
“It’s a ‘let’s see’ situation,” the mother said. “Prove to me that you’re not here for the money… and I’ll accept you.”
Emily took a deep breath.
-I will do that.
The mother turned around.
—Tomorrow… we’ll have breakfast together. Without Jonathan.
Emily opened her eyes, alarmed.
“Alone?
” “Yes.” The mother smiled coldly. “If you want a place in our family, you’ll have to show strength without hiding behind my son.”
Jonathan took a step forward, looking worried.
—Mother, this is—
“It’s the way it has to be,” she interrupted.
Emily lifted her face.
—Okay. I’ll go.
The mother looked at her one last time and walked away.
Jonathan approached.
—Emily, if you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to—
“I will,” she said, her voice barely a whisper but firm.
Jonathan looked at her intently.
-Thank you.
Emily watched him for a few seconds.
—I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for my children.
“I know,” he replied. “But still… thank you.”
That night, Emily didn’t sleep.
And when dawn finally broke, I knew that something would change forever.
She dressed as best she could, got the children ready, and went downstairs to the living room.
Jonathan’s mother was waiting for her.
—Come —she said—. We’ll walk.
Emily followed her to the back garden. There, the woman stopped in front of a giant tree, with roots so large they looked like outstretched arms.
“I want you to know something, Emily Carter,” he said in a different tone. “I was poor once too.”
Emily looked at her in surprise.
-That?
“When I met Jonathan’s father, I was a domestic servant. Nobody liked me. Nobody respected me. But he… he saw me. The way your son sees you. That’s probably why you’re here now.”
Emily felt her skin prickle.
—So… you understand me?
The mother took a while to respond.
—Perhaps more than you think. And that’s why I’m going to ask you a question that will define your life.
Emily swallowed.
—Dímela.
The mother approached.
“If you marry my son… you’ll know secrets that could destroy him. Are you prepared to protect him, even when he can’t protect himself?”
Emily did not hesitate.
-Yeah.
The mother bowed her head… and for the first time, she truly smiled.
—Then… welcome to the family, Emily.
Emily opened her eyes, surprised… even shocked.
“Does that mean you accept the marriage?”
“It means,” said the mother, “that I tested you. And you passed.
” “A test?
” “Yes. I wanted to see if you’re like the other women who only want our last name.
” “I don’t want it.
” “That’s why I’m giving it to you.”
Emily exhaled, filled with disbelief.
—Thank you… Mrs. Reeves.
—Call me Margaret.
Emily felt a lump in her throat.
“Margaret…”
“Just take care of my grandchildren.” She looked at Noah and Sofia. “And take care of my son… he’s more broken than you know.”
Emily nodded.
-I will do that.
Margaret took his hand.
—And he will take care of you. I guarantee it.
Emily took a deep breath.
—Then… I’m ready.
“Good,” Margaret replied. “Because your enemies… are about to arrive.”
The warning came like a thunderclap.
Emily looked at her, confused.
—Enemies?
The mother pointed towards the entrance.
—Your enemies… will be the same as my son’s. And the first one is yet to come.
At that moment, the door was violently opened.
An elegant, young man with a calculating expression entered.
“Jonathan,” he said, barely greeting me. “I received your email. What does this mean?”
Jonathan tensed up.
—Emily… he is my brother, Andrew Reeves.
Andrew stared at Emily… then at the children.
—So this… is your desperate solution.
Emily felt a chill.
“Do you have a problem with me?”
“None with you,” Andrew replied. “The problem is that my brother is about to ruin everyone’s future… to save his own.”
Jonathan confronted him.
“You have no right to speak like that.”
“I have every right,” Andrew retorted. “The company is at risk. And you bring in a woman here with no education, no resources, no powerful family behind her…”
Emily clenched her fists.
—But I have dignity.
Andrew smiled arrogantly.
—That doesn’t pay the bills.
Jonathan pushed him back a step.
“Enough.
” “No,” Andrew said. “Not yet. Because I have something to show you.”
He took out a document.
—A copy of the will. A version I found… that perhaps my dear brother forgot to mention.
Jonathan paled.
Emily saw him and felt that something dark was looming over them.
“Which version?” she asked.
Andrew smiled cruelly.
“The one that says if my brother gets married… but gets divorced within two years… the company will automatically be mine.
” “What?” Jonathan shouted. “That wasn’t there!
” “It is now.”
Emily felt like the world was crashing down on her.
“Does that mean that… if you and I fail… he loses everything?”
“Exactly,” Andrew said. “And that’s why… I’ll do everything I can to make you fail.”
Jonathan gritted his teeth.
“This is illegal.”
“No, my dear brother. It’s perfectly legal. And it’s signed.”
Jonathan looked at Margaret, who seemed more serious than ever.
“Brother,” Andrew said. “If you marry this woman… I’ll destroy your marriage. And when it falls apart… I’ll take over the company. And you… you’ll be out on the street.”
Emily felt her heart pounding in her chest like a hammer.
She murmured:
—So… if I accept this marriage… I will have to fight against you.
Andrew smiled with a chilling darkness.
—And you will lose.
Emily looked down… but something inside her was burning.
“No,” she said, raising her head with a strength that surprised everyone. “I will not lose.”
Andrew burst out laughing.
—And how do you plan to defeat someone like me?
Emily stepped forward.
—With something you will never be able to have: my children. They taught me to endure. They will give me a strength you will never understand.
Andrew opened his eyes, surprised by the bravery.
And Jonathan… looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time.
Margaret interrupted.
—Emily. Jonathan. Sign the contract today. Andrew can’t stop what’s already been done.
Andrew looked at her coldly.
—Then… the war begins.
Jonathan took Emily’s hand.
—We will not be alone.
Emily stared at him… and said:
—I’m ready.
That same day… they signed the contract.
When Emily signed her name… something changed.
Not just in the ink.
But in herself.
For years, he had been nobody.
At that moment, she became not a wife by obligation… but a woman with a purpose.
And a powerful enemy.
But also…
An invaluable ally.
Jonathan looked at his signature and whispered:
—Thank you, Emily.
She took a deep breath.
—Don’t thank me yet. The war hasn’t started.
And he was right.
Because that night… when everyone was asleep…
Emily went down to the kitchen for water… and found Margaret waiting for her.
The woman looked at her in silence.
—Emily —he finally said—. There’s something Jonathan didn’t tell you.
Emily felt a chill.
-What thing?
Margaret approached.
—The death of the woman he loved… was not an accident.
Emily opened her mouth, horrified.
—What… are you saying?
“She was…” Margaret lowered her voice, “murdered.”
The glass fell from Emily’s hands.
—Was… murdered?
—Yes. And we believe it was Andrew.
Emily felt like she couldn’t breathe.
“And does he know?
” Jonathan suspects. “That’s why he’s so broken.”
Emily put a hand to her mouth.
-My God…
Margaret took her hands.
—That’s why… we need you. Not as a fake wife. Not as an ornament. But as an ally.
Emily stared at her.
—What do you want me to do?
Margaret clasped her hands.
—Protect my son. Like no one else can.
Emily took a deep breath.
And at that moment… he understood his true role.
It wasn’t a contract.
It wasn’t a sham marriage.
It wasn’t an opportunity.
It was a war.
And she… was the only one who could change the Reeves’ fate.
