Ava Hale

I sat on my bed, smiling to myself, letting the quietness of my room wrap around me. Life was good. Perfect, after all.

"Yeah, I know she's the eldest," I muttered under my breath, pacing slowly. "But I hate her with passion. Why is she even here? Why does she eat with us? Why is she so beautiful? Why does she have everything... except me?"

I laughed softly, the sound sharp and satisfied. "Thank goodness for Mom. I'm the only recognizable daughter. No one knows her, and everyone thinks I'm the only Hale. I love it that way."

I twirled a strand of my hair, admiring my reflection in the mirror. Power, recognition, admiration,it all belonged to me. And Skyle... well, she was just a shadow in my perfect life. A shadow that was about to stay exactly where it belonged.

Skyle Hale

I woke up very early, but lazily. My body ached, and my stomach growled with hunger. Still, I forced myself to get up.

I brushed my teeth, took a quick bath, and packed my hair into a simple ponytail. I slipped into a crop top that revealed my belly button, paired it with my jeans and sneakers, and applied a touch of lip gloss. I looked... okay. Hot, even. But inside, I was heavy with pain.

I tried my best to forget everything that happened yesterday, but every memory came rushing back like a storm I couldn't escape.

Once I was done, I headed to Clara's place. I needed to eat something before facing the world, even if just for a few hours of peace.

Clara Benelt

"Where is Skyle? I've been waiting... she said she'd be here by 7 a.m.," I muttered to myself, pacing the living room.

I was still contemplating whether to call her when I heard a knock at the door. Guess she's here, I said under my breath.

I rushed to the door and swung it open. Skyle stood there, tired but trying to look put together. Without a word, we hugged each other tightly, letting the comfort of familiarity wash over us.

"Clara... hope there's some food in the house," Skyle whispered, rubbing her stomach.

"I met your mom downstairs," I said with a small smile. "Come, I made breakfast for the both of us."

I led her to the kitchen where the smell of freshly cooked food made her eyes widen. On the table, I had prepared:

Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and herbs

Buttered toast with a drizzle of honey

A bowl of fresh fruits, strawberries and bananas

Hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon

"Wow... thank you," Skyle said softly, her voice tinged with relief.

We sat down, eating in companionable silence for a few moments, letting the warmth of the kitchen fill the cracks left by yesterday's pain.

*******

As we finished eating, I leaned back and looked at Skyle. "Listen, I know things at home are... impossible right now. But I have an idea that could help you start being independent."

Skyle's eyes lit up faintly, a mix of curiosity and hope.

"There's a fast-food place near my street," I explained. "They're hiring someone to attend to customers ,serve drinks, take orders, keep things organized. It's not glamorous, but the pay is good. Enough for you to live on your own, even save a little."

Skyle leaned forward, listening intently.

"The hours are flexible, too. You can start early, finish early, or even pick shifts that work with your schedule. The manager is nice and understanding. And honestly... with how responsible and smart you are, you'd be perfect for the job."

I smiled at her, trying to make it sound encouraging. "I can even take you there today. You'll see the place, meet the manager, and if you like it, you can start immediately."

Skyle's lips curved into a small smile, but her eyes still held the weight of everything she had endured. "Today...?" she asked softly, almost as if testing herself.

"Yes," I said firmly. "No more waiting. You deserve this chance."

She took a deep breath, sitting up straighter. "Okay... I'll go today," she said, her voice trembling slightly but carrying determination. "I'll do it. I can't stay at home anymore."

I reached over and squeezed her hand. "Good. You'll see, it won't be as scary as you think. You've got this."

For the first time in days, a sense of control settled over Skyle. Today, she would take her first real step toward freedom, even if just a small one.

Skyle Hale

The walk to the fast-food place felt longer than it really was. My stomach fluttered nervously, but the morning sun warming my face gave me a tiny spark of courage. Clara walked beside me, chatting casually to calm me down, but I was quiet, lost in my thoughts.

When we arrived, the building was small but clean, with a bright sign and the smell of fresh fries and coffee drifting through the open door. Customers sat at tables, chatting and laughing, completely oblivious to the storm waiting for me back home.

"Here we are," Clara said softly. "You'll see, it's not so scary once you get in."

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The bell chimed, and the manager looked up from the counter. He was kind-eyed and had a warm smile that immediately made me feel less like an intruder.

"Hi sir," Clara said. "This is my friend Skyle,I told you about, She's interested in the position?"

The manager nodded. "Of course. Come on in, I'll show you around."

I followed him into the kitchen and work area. He explained everything in detail:

How to greet customers politely and take their orders

How to handle the drink station efficiently

Basic cleanliness rules for the tables and counters

Safety measures for hot drinks and cooking equipment

It sounded simple, but I felt a flutter of excitement. I could do this. I had to do this.

"Do you think you can start today?" the manager asked kindly.

I nodded immediately. "Yes. I... I'll do my best."

Clara smiled at me, pride shining in her eyes. "See? Told you you'd be fine."

My first customers came in slowly at first. I smiled nervously, repeated the manager's instructions in my head, and began to serve them. Each time I handed someone their drink or smiled politely, a small part of the fear inside me faded.

By the end of the morning, I was tired, sweaty, and my feet ached,but I had done it. I had survived. And more importantly, I had taken the first real step toward independence.

As I looked at Clara, who was watching me with encouragement, I realized something,for the first time in a long time, I felt... capable.

Hale's Mansion

"Where is Skyle?" Vivian asked sharply.

"I don't know, Mom," Ava replied, shrugging. "Are you calling her to eat?"

"No, dear," Vivian said coldly. "Has the house been cleaned? Have your clothes been washed?"

Ava shook her head. "No."

Vivian's lips tightened.

"Why is she always so lazy?" Ava scoffed, rolling her eyes. She turned and called out to one of the servants. "Go and call Skyle."

The servant bowed and hurried away.

Minutes later, she returned, her head lowered. "Ma'am... I've looked everywhere. Skyle is nowhere to be found."

Vivian's face darkened instantly. Her calm snapped.

"Where did that girl go off to this morning?!" she barked, slamming her hand on the table. "I will deal with her myself!"

Ava's lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile.

Alexander's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled as a slow smirk curved my lips.

So... she agreed.

Despite all the rumors. Despite everything she must have heard about me.

Gold diggers were always the same. They pretended to be brave, pretended to be different, but in the end, they all wanted one thing,my name, my money, my power.

"Ava Hale," I muttered, glancing at the file on my desk.

The woman was either desperate or greedy. No sane woman willingly walked into my world without expecting something in return. And if she thought marrying me would be a fairytale, then she was in for a rude awakening.

I stood and walked toward the glass window overlooking the city. From this height, people looked insignificant. Easily controlled. Easily replaced.

I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Ethan," I said the moment the call connected. "Send a message to the Hales. Let them know I accept their offer."

"Yes, sir," he replied promptly.

"And draft the contract," I continued coolly. "Make it clear that this marriage will be strictly contractual. One year. No emotions. No expectations beyond what's written."

"Understood."

"Send it to them tomorrow," I added. "They'll sign it."

I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

I hope you're ready, I thought, a cold smile tugging at my lips. Because I won't make this easy for you.

Marriage was nothing more than a business deal to me. And if Ava Hale believed she could buy her way into my world, she was about to learn just how unforgiving it could be.

"Let's see how long you last," I murmured.

Hale's Mansion

Richard paced the living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, worry etched deep into his face.

"Our shares are dropping fast," he said, his voice tense. "If this continues, the company won't survive another quarter."

Vivian sat upright, her fingers folded calmly, though her eyes revealed concern. "That's why I sent the proposal to Alexander Blackwood. If he agrees to marry Ava, the Hale Group will be saved."

Richard sighed deeply. "I just hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava. He's our only chance now."

They were still discussing figures and losses when the front door opened.

Skyle stepped inside quietly, exhaustion weighing heavily on her body. Before she could say a word, Vivian's sharp gaze snapped toward her.

"So you've finally decided to come back," Vivian said coldly. "Where have you been all day?"

"I was...." Skyle began softly.

Before she could finish, Vivian raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Useless girl! Neglecting your duties like this house means nothing to you!"

Skyle staggered but said nothing, lowering her head.

"Go and finish your work," Vivian ordered. "Clean the house, wash the clothes, and don't expect food until you're done."

She moved to block Skyle when Richard suddenly spoke.

"That's enough," he said. "Let her go."

Vivian turned to him in surprise.

"She's of marriageable age now," Richard continued. "There's no need to treat her like a child."

Vivian studied him briefly, then smiled faintly. "Fine," she said. "She can continue her job,but on one condition."

Skyle looked up cautiously.

"She obeys without question," Vivian added coldly. "And remembers her place in this house."

Skyle nodded silently and turned to leave.

Just as she took a step away, Vivian spoke again, her tone casual.

"Ava will be getting married very soon."

Skyle froze.

"Married?" she whispered.

"Yes," Vivian replied. "I only hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava."

Skyle's heart tightened painfully.

*****

Ava lounged on the couch, flipping through channels absentmindedly when a familiar face appeared on the screen.

"...Alexander Blackwood, officially ranked as the richest man in New York," the news anchor announced. "His empire spans real estate, technology, and global investments."

Ava's eyes lit up instantly.

"So rich..., so powerful," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Imagine being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood."

Her smile froze.

"...however," the reporter continued, "sources have allegedly confirmed rumors that Mr. Blackwood is gay, a speculation that has followed the billionaire CEO for years."

Ava's face twisted in disgust. She grabbed the remote and switched off the TV immediately.

"Gay?" she scoffed. "Never."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Annoyed, she stood up and opened it,only to freeze.

A tall man in a neat suit stood outside, his expression professional and unreadable.

"Good afternoon," he said. "I'm Ethan, Mr. Alexander Blackwood's manager. Please call Mr. Hale."

Ava's heart skipped.

She quickly called out to her father. Richard appeared moments later, followed closely by Vivian.

Ethan wasted no time. He handed over a brown envelope. "This is the marriage contract. Mr. Blackwood has agreed to the alliance."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. Richard's hands trembled slightly as he opened the document.

Ethan spoke calmly, firmly. "The marriage will be contractual. One year only. No emotional involvement. Both parties must comply strictly with the terms."

Richard barely finished reading before signing. He didn't hesitate for even a second. Vivian added her signature immediately after, her lips curved in satisfaction.

They handed the document back to Ethan, who signed his own copy, nodded once, and turned to leave.

The moment the door closed behind him-

"I'm not marrying him!" Ava burst out.

The room went silent.

"What?" Vivian snapped.

"I refuse," Ava said firmly. "Didn't you hear the rumors? He's gay! Do you think I'll waste my life in a fake marriage?"

Richard frowned. "Ava, this marriage will save the company"

"I don't care!" she interrupted. "I won't do it."

Vivian opened her mouth to argue, but Ava's eyes suddenly lit up with a wicked idea.

"Besides," she added slowly, "no one knows the Hale family has two daughters."

Vivian stiffened.

"Ava..." Richard warned.

"If we send her instead," Ava continued smoothly, "he won't even know. Skyle looks presentable enough. She'll do."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Vivian's gaze shifted thoughtfully.

Slowly... a smile spread across her face.

"You're right," she said softly. "No one knows about Skyle. And Mr. Blackwood won't question it."

Richard hesitated. "But...."

"The deal matters more," Vivian cut him off. "Skyle owes this family everything."

Ava smiled in triumph.

Skyle Hale

I had just returned from work, my body heavy with exhaustion. Every step felt like a mile as I climbed the stairs to my room. After a long bath, I finally felt a little relief from the day's fatigue. Hunger gnawed at me, so I headed to the kitchen to make something quick.

Ava was there. She didn't speak, only smirked at me as I started preparing noodles. I couldn't help but wonder what her new motive was this time. Whatever it was, it always involved making my life miserable.

I carried my bowl to my room, seeking a quiet corner to eat in peace. No one had ever cared about me here, and for once, I wanted just a moment of solitude.

But then... a knock at the door.

Curious and nervous, I opened it to find my father and stepmother standing there. My heart skipped. What brought them here? They had never cared enough to check on me before.

My father spoke first, his voice soft but serious.

"Skyle... we need to talk."

ok I said giving him an "about what" look so he began ; "skyle dear, you know that you are my first daughter"since when I thought aloud,he looked at me but continued"I will go straight to the point,the company has been loosing it's shares lately and as a result we need a higher company to join forces with " so what did that got to do with me? I asked.uhm dear he continued " we submitted a marriage proposal to the black wood group and it have been accepted,so you will be getting married to Alexander. It came like a shock to me ,I wanted the ground to open right now and swallow me but it couldn't,I burst Into tears,

"I... I can't," I whispered, shaking my head. Tears pricked my eyes. "I thought it was meant to be Ava, not me?"

Richard sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Skyle... the company is losing everything. Alexander's marriage proposal is the only way to steady it. I... I need you to do this for the family."

My heart sank. The weight of his words crushed me.

Vivian stepped forward, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "You are of no use to this family," she said coldly. "All you can do is... this much. If you refuse to marry Alexander Blackwood, you will not be living in this house."

My father's pleading eyes met mine, but Vivian's words were final. They turned and left without another word.

I sank to the floor, my bowl untouched beside me. Tears streamed down my face as I asked myself question after question: Why me? Why now? What did I do to deserve this?

I thought of my job, the little pay I earned, and the impossibility of affording an apartment on my own. The harsh truth settled over me like a heavy blanket: I had no choice.

As I sat there, broken, I caught a glimpse of Ava peeking from the staircase, her smirk faint but unmistakable. She had seen everything. I knew she was already plotting her next move, enjoying my misery as much as she always did.

Swallowing my tears, I realized my fate was sealed. Without even knowing it, my life was about to change forever.

Still sitting on the cold floor, my chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe properly.

I wasn't feeling myself. Not at all.

I needed to talk to someone... someone who would listen without judging me. Someone who cared.

Clara.

With trembling hands, I reached for my phone. My vision was blurry from tears as I dialed her number. It rang once... twice... then she answered.

"Skyle?" her voice came through, warm and familiar. "What's wrong?"

That was all it took. I broke down.

"Clara..." my voice cracked as tears poured freely. "I don't know what to do anymore."

I told her everything,how my father and stepmother had come to my room, how he pleaded with me to marry Alexander because the company was falling apart. I told her how I refused at first, how I asked why it had to be me and not Ava. I told her about Vivian's cruel words, about the threat to throw me out of the house if I didn't agree.

"I don't even have a choice," I sobbed. "My job can't even pay for an apartment. If I leave... I'll have nowhere to go."

There was silence on the other end for a moment, then Clara spoke softly, her voice full of concern.

"Oh, Skyle... I'm so sorry. You don't deserve any of this."

"I'm scared, Clara," I whispered. "I don't know this man. I don't know what kind of life I'm walking into."

"You're strong," she said firmly, trying to steady me. "Stronger than you think. And whatever happens, you won't face it alone. I'm here, okay? Always."

Her words didn't erase the pain, but they made it bearable,just a little.

After ending the call, I stared at the ceiling, my heart heavy. One thing was clear, my life was no longer mine to choose.

Hale's mansion

Ava twirled slowly in front of the mirror, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"So it's settled," she said smugly. "She agreed."

Vivian sat comfortably on the sofa, crossing her legs with elegance. "Of course she did," she replied calmly. "Where else would she go? That girl has always known her place."

Ava laughed softly. "Did you see her face? She looked like she'd break."

Vivian's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Good. Pain teaches obedience."

Ava picked up her phone, scrolling through pictures of Alexander Blackwood on the screen. "Imagine... all that wealth, all that power-and she's the one marrying him." She scoffed. "What a joke."

Vivian stood and adjusted Ava's hair affectionately. "Relax. Skyle will go in your place, suffer through that marriage, and when the company is stable again, we'll find a way out."

Ava smirked. "And if Alexander finds out?"

Vivian's smile didn't falter. "He won't. To the world, you are the only Hale daughter. By the time the truth comes out... it will be far too late."

Ava clapped her hands together lightly. "Perfect. Let her marry the rumored gay billionaire and live a miserable life."

Vivian's gaze darkened. "She was born to sacrifice for this family."

Alexander Blackwood

I ended the call and set my phone down slowly, my expression unreadable.

One year.

That was all this marriage would last. One year of convenience, strategy, and silence. Nothing more.

I turned my chair toward the window, the city lights glittering beneath me like trophies I had already won. The Hale family thought this alliance would save them. Maybe it would. But for me, it was simply another calculated move.

Marriage wasn't about love. It never was.

The woman,Ava Hale,had agreed far too easily. That alone told me everything I needed to know. Women like her always wanted something. Status. Money. Security. And she would get all of it... on paper.

I smirked faintly.

I hope you're prepared, I thought. Because being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood won't be as glamorous as you imagine.

I picked up the contract again, skimming through the clauses I had personally added. No emotions. No interference in my work. No expectations beyond what was written. This was a business arrangement, and I intended to keep it that way.

"One year," I muttered. "Then we go our separate ways."

I stood up, straightening my suit. Whoever she was, whatever she expected from this marriage, she would soon learn one thing,

"I was not a man to be loved."