Amber's POV.

I don't remember falling asleep, but I remember waking up. The morning slipped in so quickly. It was like a millisecond. I stared at the ceiling wishing that the night would be longer to at least give me time to breathe or just maybe everything that had happened was a dream. But reality doesn't care about your step, especially not in Ravelle or when you're summoned by Leon Viremont.

I dragged myself out of the bed like a puppet who is being controlled with a remote, already tired of what the day has to offer. I got dressed and was preparing to step out of my room when I heard my name from down the hallway, sharp and loud. I could instantly guess it was my mother. She was probably coming to see what I was up to and of course, made sure I went to see Leon Viremont.

She barged into my room, paused for a second and asked, "What are you wearing?" looking at me from head to toe.

"And... What's wrong with my outfit?"

"I'm sure you don't want to go visit a billionaire looking like that. You need to make a good impression."

"I'm fine and comfortable with what I'm wearing, mother."

"Whatever, just make sure you don't ruin this for us," she concluded and walked out of the room without shutting the door.

She didn't need to shut it anyways, I was already stepping out. Zara was still in bed, so I didn't bother to disturb her beauty sleep.

The drive to 106 Vale Crescent felt like I was entering into another world. All I could think of was what I was going to say and what could be waiting for me. It took about 30 minutes before we finally got there. I got down from the cab and walked towards the gate. It was majestic, all steel with white roses around it and guarded by two men in black suits who didn't blink as they asked for my name.

"Amber Rose," I said with a firm voice and then they stepped aside like they had already been expecting me.

This time, I had already developed cold feet. My heart was pounding like it could explode any minute, it was like I was drenched in ice. The shiver was real.

The driveway was neat and the garden? Filled with beautiful flowers. There was a fountain with a beautiful sculpture at the center of the compound. It wasn't just a building, it was a fortress.

As I walked through, a woman in her mid 50s walked towards me. She didn't seem like his mother. Her clothes were casual and she had an apron tied around her waist. She should be his housekeeper.

"You must be Miss Rose," she said with a bright smile on her face, "follow me," as she led the way in.

The interior was more than I expected. Everything was bright and shining. There were large windows, high ceilings, polished floors and a painting I was sure cost more than everything I'd ever owned.

She led me to a door, knocked politely and opened the door, directing me in with her hands. I went in slowly and the door shut from behind. The room smelled like polished wood and luxury and there he was, Leon Viremont, impossibly tall, sharp cheekbones, darker eyes, standing behind a minimalist desk, with a glass of something that looks like wine in his hands fixing his gaze at me with a slight smile on his face.

"Miss Rose! Thanks for coming," he said.

I nodded stiffly. "Why am I here?"

"Why don't you take a seat first before the question," he gestured a seat but I was too eager to leave so I didn't take it.

"Okay, you can stand as well," he took a sip from the glass in his hands and continued, "To answer your question, you're here because I acquired your father's debt. And I believe I deserve compensation for that."

What does he mean he deserves compensation? I mean, I didn't beg him to acquire anything, I didn't ask for his help in any way.

"Compensation? I never asked to be saved. I was doing just fine," I replied with a grounded voice, folding my arms to keep them steady and hide my unease.

"I know you didn't ask for help, just see this as my way of repaying your father's kindness to me in the past."

"You... knew my father?" I blinked.

"Not closely, but... well enough. He once saved me from the hands of death."

I didn't know what to say. It didn't seem like he was lying. But, if he actually wanted to repay my father's kindness, why didn't he just pay off the debt and walk away? Why summon me?

"So, this is about repaying a favor. What do you want from me then?"

"Great question, Miss Rose!" He dropped the glass, walked around the desk and stood in front of me, far too close.

"I'm in need of a temporary fiancée," he continued, "and you, Miss Rose, will play that role. It's going to be for a few months. Maybe 2 or 3, thereafter, we will go our separate ways. You do this, and your debt is cleared, entirely."

I was dumbfounded. My ears couldn't believe what it had just heard. He wanted me to be his fake fiancée for 3 months. This wasn't just ridiculous, it was humiliating. A billionaire playing god with my life, expecting me to just... agree?

I let out a bitter laughter, "What? You're joking. This must be a joke, right?"

He didn't flinch. He maintained his gaze on me, hands in his pockets... he looked very serious. The laughter soon disappeared.

"Wait, you're serious. You want me to pretend to be your lover? To what end?"

"I need to sign a deal and to do that, I need to prove to them that I'm capable, which includes having someone by my side," he explained, "It's a win-win situation for both of us. I sign the deal, you clear your debt- no strings attached."

I stood there, half boiling with anger and half boiling with resentment. My fists clenched like they'd hold me together. The rich in Ravelle sure know how to oppress others. They find your weaknesses and use it for their selfish gain.

"So, I'm just a pawn in your little game. You must be crazy to think I'd jump at this just because you acquired my father's debt."

"Think about it, Miss Rose," he concluded.

I could see the confidence in his eyes. In anger, I stormed out of the office breathing heavily, making my way to the entrance.

Just then, I received a call from my mother.

"The creditors called. They threatened to take the house if you don't make payments soon. Do whatever he says and let go of your pride."

Before I could utter a word, she ended the call. Like that wasn't enough, my whole world came crumbling the instant I received a message from my boss. He fired me.

My heart tightened, and I couldn't control the tears that rolled down from my eyes. It seemed like the universe had turned against me. I didn't know if this man was offering me salvation or setting a trap. But, one thing I knew was that I didn't have the luxury of saying no.

Amber's POV.

Why is this happening to me? What did I ever do wrong? I just couldn't believe I would find myself in this situation. I wiped my tears, turned, and stared blankly at the door to Leon Viremont's study. I took a deep breath and walked towards the door. Going back in was a nightmare. The last 24 hours had taken everything from me-my pride, my dignity, everything washed down the drain.

I had no choice. I stood at the door, and I didn't knock. My fists clenched at my sides, and my heart was racing faster than I could imagine.

Just before I could summon the courage to go in, the door opened wide. It was Ma'am Alice. She looked at me and gave me a soft smile while stepping aside.

"He's expecting you," she said.

Of course, he was. He was so confident earlier, like he knew I was going to come back and accept this so-called deal. This is exactly what annoys me about those in power-they believe they can get anything they want. Well, that belief turns out to be true because here I was, about to agree to an insane contract.

I walked in, and there he was, now seated behind his desk, holding his tablet in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, again. He lifted his brows slightly, fixing his gaze on me, and said nothing.

"I'll do it," I muttered under my breath, avoiding his gaze that pierced deep into my soul.

His lips curved slightly, giving a half smile, "Good decision, Miss Rose."

"But, if we're going on with this, it has to be on my terms," I added quickly. "Just three months. Strictly business. No strings attached, no assumptions, no physical contact except when necessary."

"As you please," he didn't flinch.

He dropped his tablet, stood up, and walked towards the drawer right beside his desk, and pulled out a thick brown folder, which I assumed to be the contract.

"Here's it, go through and sign at the bottom corner. You'll receive monthly compensation, and when it's over, I'll fulfill my end of the bargain."

I collected and scanned through it. "This is insane," I muttered. I can't believe I'm about to agree to be a fake fiancée. Not just to anyone but to a billionaire - one of the richest and most influential men in Ravelle.

As I was going through the contract, my eyes stumbled upon a clause.

"It states here that anyone who breaches the contract pays a fine of 10 million dollars," I mentioned, giving him a stern look.

"Yes, it does."

"How do you expect me to get that kind of money?" I asked, already boiling inside of me.

"Are you planning to do that?"

"Well... no."

"Good."

I rolled my eyes. His arrogance was out of this world, goshhh.

I hesitated before reaching out for the pen. As I signed the document, it felt so surreal- I was doing this. He took the document from me and also signed it.

"Welcome to my world... fiancée," he said as he extended his hand for a handshake.

I stared at his hand for a moment and took it. The warmth of his palm sent shivers down my spine. It felt like my whole life was about to change- entering a world entirely different from the one I used to live in.

I pulled my hands away quickly and folded them. My mind was clouded with confusion. How am I going to explain this to mom? To Zara or Rina? To anyone? Even if I try to hide it and lie to them, sooner, they'll find out. Ravelle wasn't exactly a big city. News traveled faster than wildfire, not to mention one that has to do with the Viremont. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle it.

I exhaled slowly and asked, "Would that be all?"

"You'll need a ring. And a press statement."

"Press statement?" My stomach twisted. Anxiety is setting in. I mean, what was I expecting? We were not playing pretend for fun.

"Yes. Our engagement will be public before the end of the week. That's the point of the whole thing." He said. His voice, cold and sharp.

It's becoming real. I'm about to become the center of attraction. Any mistake would make me lose more than just my dignity. Anyways, it's just for three months, right? I can do this. After three months, it will be over. We'll walk away and pretend like this never happened.

"You are to move in by tomorrow," he added. His voice is final as if it has been sealed with a stamp.

I had no objections- not because I was in agreement but because I was totally blank. The decision had already been made the moment I signed the paper. My life wasn't mine anymore. It now belonged to a deal I'm not even sure I understood fully.

Leon returned back to his desk. As I was leaving the study, I received a beep message. I took out my phone to check who it was, but the number was hidden.

As I read it, my heart skipped a beat. Or maybe two. The content was not only confusing but also chilling. It was a warning. Who could have sent such? And besides, wasn't it too late to receive such a message? I dropped my phone back in my bag and stole a last glance at Leon. He was flipping through the pages of a magazine, calm and collected. While I exited the building, I wondered if I'd signed more than just a contract.