Faking It With My Billionaire Husband

Chapter Four: The Terms

I looked at Max in disbelief. Did I hear him right?

“What did you say?” I couldn't be sure I had heard him right the first time. He handed me a document with his signature on the bottom.

“Maya, I know we haven't known each other long but I believe that we can help each other. If you agree to be my wife for one year I will pay all your mothers medical treatment in a private hospital and you will also receive twenty five thousand pounds a month. If you agree to my offer then the terms are all outlined in the paperwork.”

I stared at the document in front of me, my mind racing with a mix of emotions. On one hand, the prospect of saving my mother's life was incredibly appealing. The thought of being able to afford the best medical treatment for her, to give her the best chance at recovery, was almost too good to be true.

On the other hand, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't right. This was all happening too quickly, too conveniently. Why would a stranger offer me such a large sum of money and medical treatment for my mother in exchange for me being his wife? What were his true motives?

I looked up at Max, trying to read his expression. He seemed genuine, but I couldn't trust him completely. There had to be more to this deal than met the eye.

"What are you getting out of this?" I asked him bluntly. "What's in it for you?"

Max's expression turned serious. "I'm willing to help you because I have a...personal interest in this arrangement. But let me assure you, it's not just about the money. I have certain...needs that require a wife for a specific amount of time."

He paused, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm willing to discuss the details later, but for now, I want you to focus on the benefits of this arrangement. You'll be able to save your mother's life, and you'll receive a comfortable lifestyle in return."

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of me was tempted by the promise of financial security and the chance to save my mother's life. But another part of me was screaming warnings that this was a bad idea.

"What do you say, Maya?" Max asked softly, his eyes boring into mine. "Will you accept my offer?"

I took a deep breath and tried to process everything. I had always been a practical person, and my first instinct was to think about the benefits of this arrangement. The money and the medical treatment for my mother were tempting, but I knew I had to be careful.

"What exactly do you mean by 'needs'?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Max's expression turned serious again. "Let's just say that I have certain...requirements that need to be fulfilled during our marriage. It's nothing to be concerned about, but it's essential that you understand what you're getting yourself into."

I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of requirements?"

Max hesitated before answering. "You'll need to accompany me to social events, attend certain meetings, and...ah...make an appearance in public with me from time to time."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What kind of meetings? What kind of events? And what did he mean by "make an appearance" in public? It sounded suspiciously like he was asking me to be his arm candy.

"And what about our personal life?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite my growing unease. "Will we have any kind of normal relationship?"

Max smiled, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of warmth in his eyes. "Of course, we'll have a normal relationship," he said. "As much as one can be normal under the circumstances. We'll live together, travel together...do all the things couples do. But remember, this is a business arrangement first and foremost."

I felt a pang of disappointment. So, we wouldn't have a real marriage, just a fake one for the sake of appearances.

I looked at the document again, weighing my options. Part of me was desperate to save my mother's life, but another part of me was scared of getting tangled up in this strange arrangement.

"What do you say, Maya?" Max asked again, his eyes expectant.

I took another deep breath and made my decision.

"Yes," I said finally. "I'll do it."

Max's face lit up with a smile, and he handed me a pen. "Excellent choice," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Now, let's get married."

I took the pen and signed the document, my heart racing with a mix of emotions. As I did, I felt a sense of trepidation wash over me. What had I just gotten myself into?

Max took the document back from me and tucked it into his pocket. "Excellent," he said again, his smile growing wider. "Now, let's get started on the wedding arrangements. We'll have a private ceremony next week, and then we'll begin our life together."

I nodded numbly, still trying to process the enormity of what I had just agreed to.

"I'll make all the arrangements," Max said. "You just need to show up and get married. The rest will be taken care of."

I nodded again, feeling like I was trapped in some kind of dream.

As we parted ways, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a huge mistake. But what choice did I have? My mother's life depended on it.

Over the next few days, I tried to prepare myself for what was to come. I told my friends and family about the arrangement, but they were shocked and didn't understand why I would agree to such a thing. My mother, though grateful for the prospect of treatment, was worried about me getting involved with a stranger.

I tried to push aside my doubts and focus on the positive aspects of the deal. But as the day of the wedding approached, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease.