“Very well,” she said, taking a sip of tea. “Mark, I know about your debts—those left by your father. I know you’re barely getting by.”
“I’m here to offer a solution.”
Mark frowned. “And what would that be?”
She set her cup down, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his.
“Marry me.”
The words hung in the air—heavy and surreal. Mark blinked, certain he’d misheard.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” she said firmly. “This isn’t about romance.”
“It’s a business arrangement. I’ll pay off all your debts, ensure your financial security, and in return, you’ll be my husband.”
Mark let out a disbelieving laugh. “Are you serious? Why me? You don’t even know me.”
Eleanor leaned forward slightly. “Exactly.”
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