Brrrr!
Kris stirred awake due to the sound of her phone ringing. She rubbed her eyes prior to reaching for the nightstand, narrowing her gaze at the screen.
Without looking at the number, she responded, her voice sounding tired.
"Hi?"
"Are you Kris Antonio?" A serious voice replied.
"Yes, who is this?"
"This is the hospital manager." We have made multiple attempts to reach you regarding your unpaid bills. "They must receive payment right away."
Kris straightened up, instantly attentive. "I-I understand." "I'm working on gathering the funds."
"We can no longer wait, Miss." "If the payment isn't fulfilled, there will be repercussions; we won't be able to proceed with your father's treatment."
Kris felt a tightening in his chest as anxiety took hold. "I currently lack the funds," she confessed, her voice quivering. "Could you please provide me with additional time?" "I assure you I'll make the payment at my earliest opportunity."
The stillness on the other end seemed dense. Next, the administrator spoke, unaffected. "We have encountered this previously, Miss." "You need to make a payment shortly."
Kris felt a sense of despair as the call cut off suddenly, leaving her confused.
Kris changed clothes in a hurry and dashed out the door. She had to get through another lengthy shift at the restaurant. While serving customers, time appeared to drag on.
In the late afternoon, a man entered, drawing her notice. He sat by himself at a corner table, his expression strained.
Banging his phone on the table, he exclaimed, "I don't care how you manage it, bring her here immediately!" "The marriage has to take place today!" His voice was harsh, brimming with fury.
Kris halted and observed him for a moment, her thoughts racing. The restaurant hummed around her, yet her attention stayed on Cole Stain. As she resumed her responsibilities, she couldn't dispel the idea that had entered her thoughts: What if...
Cole let out a deep sigh, settling into his chair with a frustrated expression on his face. "These annoying women are making me crazy!" he shouted, his tone loud and unrestricted, uncaring about the surroundings.
Surprised by his outburst, Kris attempted to redirect her attention to her tasks. However, the annoyance in Cole's tone stayed with her thoughts. Her inquisitiveness and compassion clashed with her sense of decorum. As she looked back, she noticed Cole holding his phone to his ear, loudly giving commands into it with increasing frustration.
Summoning her bravery, Kris inhaled deeply and walked toward him. "Um, pardon me..." she remarked with uncertainty.
Cole glanced up suddenly, his expression shadowed by annoyance. "What?" he retorted, his voice cutting and disdainful.
Kris's heart quickened at his severe tone. She pushed aside her fears and prepared herself. "I couldn't avoid listening in." "It seems you are in urgent need of a wife."
Cole's eyes grew large with astonishment, and a vein throbbed on his forehead. "Are you not aware that eavesdropping is impolite?" he shot back, his tone filled with irritation.
Kris grinned, "It's not eavesdropping when your voice is so loud that even our rivals next door can hear."
Cole rubbed his head bashfully. "Okay, my apologies for that." He spoke, his voice gradually calming.
He paused to observe Kris for a moment... She was dressed in a waitstaff uniform. Brief skirt and a crimson top. She sported short brown hair, and her brown eyes matched her hair beautifully.
Yet, Cole was attracted not just by her appearance, but also by her straightforwardness.
"How can I assist you?" he inquired, attempting to understand what she had just mentioned.
Kris took a deep breath before speaking. "No, I believe we can help each other. Someone let you down, right? I can help," she said, her tone calm. "I'll marry you, but of course you'll have to pay me."
Kris could tell from his luxurious suit, Cole was a wealthy man. This was her chance to settle the hospital dues.
Cole studied Kris, his mind racing with the urgency of his situation. He needed a solution fast, and here was an unexpected offer. Time was running out, and he couldn't afford to be picky.
After a moment of silence, he looked at her and said curtly, "Fine. But we do this on my terms."
Kris nodded, a wave of relief washing over her as Cole agreed to her offer. Yet, a cautious part of her mind wondered what his terms might entail. She brushed off her concerns, thinking, An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime.
Cole's voice broke through her thoughts. "When does your shift end?"
"In a few minutes," Kris replied, offering a smile. She tried to keep her excitement in check, aware that this was a pivotal moment.
"Good, I'll wait," Cole said, settling back into his chair.
As Kris finished her tasks, the minutes seemed to stretch endlessly. Her anticipation grew with every passing second. Finally, her shift ended, and she approached Cole, who was already waiting.
Cole led her out of the restaurant, and Kris's eyes widened in amazement when she saw his car. Parked outside was a sleek, brand-new 2024 BMW. The sight left her momentarily speechless, her jaw dropping in awe.
'Kris Antonio... You've hit the jackpot,' she thought, her excitement mingling with a sense of disbelief.
"Get in," Cole instructed, gesturing towards the car with a hint of impatience.
Kris shook herself from her reverie and slid into the passenger seat, they drove off to a towering building with the sign "Stain Incorporated."
Kris covered her mouth. "Y-you're..."
"Yep, the name's Cole Stain. CEO of Stain Inc."
Kris's head turned numb as he leads her inside.
If Kris lost count of how many times she was left awestruct by this man's wealth.
And they've only met each other a couple hours ago.
"Good Afternoon sir," The dozens of workers bowed and greeted him as they passed them.
Eventually, the two entered the elevator and made their way to the top floor where his office is located.
Cole leads her inside, the office was grand and futuristic.
Cole took a sit at his desk, pulling up his laptop to draft a contract.
"Done," After printing the contract, he began to explain, "You just need to act as my wife on paper. We'll get married for 100 days, and then it will end."
Kris agreed, understanding the deal. "Okay," she said.
"Sign here and here." He pointed which she complied. Cole also left his initials.
"Is that all?"
"No, we have to go to the marriage registrar to finalise our marriage."
Cole didn't waste any time. He took Kris straight to the registrar's office where they completed the marriage paperwork.
The ceremony was quick, without any emotion, afterally, It was just a formality for Cole.
After it was done, Cole handed her half of the agreed payment.
The amount was so large that it left Kris speechless for a moment.
As she stared at the money, Cole reminded her, "Remember, no one can know we're married."
With the deal finalized, Cole's attitude changed. He became cold and distant, his rudeness clear.
"This is strictly business," he said bluntly. "For the next 100 days, you're my wife on paper. "
" Got it. "
" Good also, one more thing... Don't in anyway expect me to act like a husband to you. "
"Now that I think about it," Kris muttered.
"I don't know much about Cole. He's rich, good-looking, and full of himself."
She paused and gasped. "What have I gotten myself into?"
Cole must have noticed her silence because his voice snapped her out of it.
"I need your contact info," he said.
Kris quickly wrote down her number on a small piece of paper and gave it to him, unsure of what would happen next.
Cole took it without even saying thanks.
"I'll call if I need anything," he said in a flat voice.
It was clear she was just part of his plan.