Faking It With My Billionaire Husband

Chapter One: The Devils Bargain

Chapter One

I stepped out of the hospital, blinking in the bright sunlight that seemed to mock me. The rain-soaked streets seemed to stretch out before me like a bleak and unforgiving expanse. I had never felt so small and helpless in my life.

The words "terminal cancer" echoed in my mind, refusing to be silenced. My mother, my rock, my everything, was going to leave me behind. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.

I walked down the sidewalk, lost in my own thoughts. The rain pounded against my face, but I didn't notice. I was numb.

My phone ringing in my pocket made me look down and I pulled it out stopping under the shelter of a shop.

I pressed the answer button and immediately regretted it

“Have you got my money yet b***h?” the gruff voice shouted in my ear.

“No. But I promise I will get it. Things are just a little hard right now. I promise I will get it all soon.” I said. I could hear his heavy breathing and I knew he would be furious with me.

“You better get it by the end of the week or else you're going to regret it. I will be watching you.” My eyes widened in shock and I quickly hung the phone up. I could not face anyone right now especially not Joe.

As I reached the corner, I didn't even see the car coming. I was too busy staring blankly at the wet pavement.

But someone else did see it. A hand closed around my arm, yanking me back just in time. I stumbled backwards, my heart racing as I realized how close I had come to disaster. The driver beeped his horn a couple of times and shouted a few curse words.

I turned to face the stranger who had saved me, and my eyes met a pair of piercing blue ones. They were lined with concern.

“Thank you. I don't know what happened. I was in my own world.” I stuttered.

"Miss? Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

I nodded numbly, still trying to process what had just happened. “I don't know. I just I dont know.” I burst into tears and felt so stupid. My life was a mess and I couldn't do anything to make it right.

The stranger's grip on my arm tightened, and he pulled me towards him. “Let's get out of this rain," he said kindly.

I let him lead me across the street, not really registering where we were going. We ducked into a small café just as the rain started coming down harder.

The stranger released my arm and stepped back, his eyes scanning me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. I felt a flutter in my chest as our gazes met again.

"You're shaking," he said softly. He took his coat off and put it over my shoulders.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as the weight of my mother's diagnosis crashed down on me again.

The stranger's eyes seemed to understand, and he reached out to brush a strand of wet hair away from my face. His touch sent shivers down my spine.

"What's your name?" he asked softly.

I hesitated for a moment before answering. "Maya."

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm Max."

And then he did something that surprised me - he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Hey, can you get us a table by the window?" he asked into the phone.

As he waited for a response, And I felt myself getting lost in those blue eyes of his.

“Have dinner with me.” he blurted out and I couldn't believe he was asking me that. I looked down at his hands and didn't see a ring there so he must be single?

“Sure.” I shrugged my shoulders and realised I was quite hungry anyway. He smiled and I found myself in a posh restaurant across the road which I never would have been able to afford. I shook my head and apologised to Max and tried to make my escpare but he chuckled. “It's my treat.” he said.

Max's eyes never left mine as he waited for the table to be ready. I felt like I was drowning in their warmth, and yet, at the same time, I was grateful for the distraction from my own thoughts.

Finally, he hung up the phone and gestured for me to follow him. We made our way to a cozy table by the window, where we collapsed into our seats like two exhausted birds seeking shelter.

Max pulled out a napkin and handed it to me. "You're still shaking," he said softly.

I nodded, feeling a tear roll down my cheek. I wiped it away with the napkin, trying to compose myself.

"What happened?" Max asked, his voice gentle.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the words. "My mom... she's dying. And well I don't think you need to bother yourself with my problems. You have done enough for me already and you haven only known me for less than an hour.” I managed to stifle a giggle.

His expression softened, and he reached out to take my hand. "I'm so sorry," he said. “I'm a good listener though.”

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at him. There was something about his warm touch, his kind eyes... it was like he truly understood.

"So, What's your story?" he asked after a moment, his voice full of curiosity.

I shrugged, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "Just got out of the hospital," I said. "They can't do anything to save my mother."

Max's grip on my hand tightened. "I'm so sorry," he repeated.

The waiter arrived with our drinks, and Max released my hand to take his cup of coffee. I sipped my tea, feeling like I was drowning in my own grief.

The rain outside seemed to slow to a gentle patter, and the world outside felt like it was holding its breath. It was as if time itself had paused, waiting for me to make sense of this overwhelming chaos.

And then Max spoke up again, his voice low and husky. "You know what they say about rainstorms?"

I shook my head, feeling a small spark of curiosity ignite within me.

"It's like life," he said. "It's messy and unpredictable. But sometimes, it's beautiful too."

I looked at him, feeling a sense of wonder wash over me. Who was this stranger who understood me so well?

And as we sat there in the quiet café, surrounded by the soothing sounds of raindrops on the roof, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Maybe this stormy night wasn't so bad after all...