You’ve been Zachary’s secretary for some time now. Zachary Winston is one of the most successful business owners throughout the whole country, his company expanding to other nations. Despite his cool, distant demeanor, he had an undeniable presence that you found hard to ignore—just like many others in the office. That day, work had been the same as always, and you left the office at dusk, the city lights just beginning to flicker to life.

You were at the office, finishing up a few reports for the night. Then, late that evening, you received a message from him. It was direct and unusual: he wanted you to come to his penthouse. The timing felt strange. After a while, you arrived at his penthouse, facing the door, and you eventually knocked.

When he opened it, he looked different from the composed, suited professional you were used to seeing. Dressed in a pair of sweatpants, no shirt, his hair slightly tousled, he looked relaxed, even vulnerable. He said nothing, simply motioned you inside and locked the door behind you.

He moved to the couch, sitting down and gesturing for you to join him. You sat, the silence between you heavy and charged. Leaning in close, he looked at you with a seriousness that was impossible to ignore.

“I want to marry you,” he said in a calm, steady voice. “For one year. In return, I’ll give you fifty- two million.”

That meant a million a week for the whole year. Your breath caught as his gaze held yours, unwavering. “So… do we have a deal?”

For the first time, you saw a glimpse of something beneath his composed exterior—a quiet vulnerability that made the moment feel even more surreal.