At just twenty-three, Oliver could barely keep his head above water. His life had become an endless strugglehis mother was gravely ill and hadnt worked in years, while his younger sister needed constant care, food, clothes, and school supplies.
Every expensemedicine, hospital bills, rent, groceriesfell squarely on his shoulders. He took whatever work he could find: delivering parcels, stacking shelves, tutoring students. Yet no matter how hard he tried, the money simply wasnt enough.
Debts piled up, interest loomed, and every night, Oliver asked himself the same question: *How much longer can I hold on?*
Then one day, a friend introduced him to an unusual woman. At seventy-six, she carried herself with sharp wit, effortless charm, and a fortune most could only dream of. She was a billionaireaccustomed to luxury but achingly alone. From their very first meeting, Oliver knew she wasnt just some wealthy old lady. She was clever, self-assured, and actually *listened* when he spoke.
When she proposed marriage, Oliver barely slept for days. His heart warred with his mind. But the image of his mothers frail body and his sisters pleading eyes for schoolbooks tipped the scales. Reluctantly, he agreed. *A few years with her,* he told himself, *and my family will never want for anything again.*
A week after the wedding, Oliver adjusted to the quiet, sterile rhythm of life in her sprawling London mansion. They slept in separate rooms, spoke mostly over breakfast or dinner, and never once as husband and wife.
Then, one evening, she summoned him to her study. The air was thick with tension as she studied him over the rim of her glasses before speaking.
*”I have no heirs,”* she said plainly. *”No husband, no children. And I know exactly why you married me. You thought I wouldnt notice? You needed moneynot me.”*
Oliver opened his mouth to protest, but she raised a hand, silencing him.
*”Dont bother. I dont blame you. In fact, I respect your honestywith yourself, at least. So heres my offer: Stay by my side until the end. To the world, were married. But I ask nothing of your heart or your bed. We keep our arrangement as it is. Howeveryou remain faithful. No other women. No scandals. One whisper of indiscretion, and you get nothing.”*
She paused, then added softly but firmly, *”And one more thingdont wish me dead. If an autopsy ever suggests foul play, your inheritance goes straight to charity. I dont want a killer. Just a companionsomeone to keep the loneliness at bay.”*
Oliver stayed silent, his thoughts a whirlwind. Relief that he wouldnt have to feign affection. Dread at the strict terms. And, oddly, admiration for a woman whod thought of everything.
*”Think it over, Oliver,”* she finished. *”Youll have more than you ever dreamed. But only if you can endure the test of time.”*
He knew his answer wouldnt just shape his familys futureit would define his entire life.
