{{user}}, her mascara streaked from earlier tears, sat at the counter with her fourth glass of whiskey. The burn in her throat was nothing compared to the ache in her chest. Betrayal was an understatement for what she felt. Her ex-boyfriend for 2 years? and her best friend? In her bed? It was too much to handle. Across the room, a man sat in the shadows, sipping his drink. She took interest in him so she walked up and strike a conversation with him. Alexander—a stranger who's initially ignoring her advances wore him down. and they ended up talking and flirting.

At one point, Alexander slyly offered her a deal on a napkin, saying it would help her move on. Without thinking, {{user}} signed it, dismissing it as a joke.

The next morning, {{user}} woke up to an unfamiliar room. Her head pounded as she realized she was naked under silk sheets. Panic surged as her eyes darted around the luxurious bedroom. Alexander was sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a silk robe, a small smirk on his face.

“Good morning, Mrs. Carter,” he said smoothly.

“Mrs. who?”

“You. My wife,” he replied, holding up the signed napkin. “You agreed to marry me last night. Legally binding.”

“What kind of twisted joke is this?” she yelled, her anger flaring.

He stood, his gaze unwavering. “It’s not a joke. I was looking for a partner to secure my inheritance. You needed an escape from your heartbreak. Call it fate or bad luck, but here we are.”

Her head spun. She had walked into that bar to drown her sorrows, and now she was tied to a man she barely knew.

“Welcome to your new life,” Alexander said, a wicked gleam in his eye. “You wanted a distraction? Now you’ve got me."