Chapter 1
Savannah put on her best smile as the wedding photos wrapped up, though her mind was racing. Her soft auburn curls framed her face, and her green eyes shimmered against the silk dress that hugged her figure perfectly. She had prepared for weeks to look impeccable — elegant, composed, radiant — for Charlotte’s wedding. She wanted everything to be perfect for her best friend, and she had stayed by her side until the very last guest left, not out of obligation, but because she loved her like family.
Inside, however, she felt like she was falling apart.
The memory of Jackson’s betrayal still burned beneath her skin, raw and unfinished.
She had planned everything for their anniversary. Two years. She had believed it meant something — that he meant something. She had stopped by their favorite restaurant earlier that afternoon to make a special reservation, wanting the night to feel unforgettable.
As she stepped inside, laughter and soft music wrapped around her. That was when she noticed a couple near the window, leaning toward each other in quiet complicity, sharing a smile that felt private, intimate.
For a brief moment, warmth filled her chest. She remembered when she and Jackson used to look at each other like that — like the rest of the world didn’t exist.
But lately, the flame between them had dimmed. Late nights at work. Cancelled plans. Silence where laughter once lived.
The couple shifted slightly, and the man turned just enough for her to see his profile.
Savannah froze.
No.
It couldn’t be.
Her pulse thundered as she stepped closer, hiding behind a column. The man reached for the woman’s hand — the same hand that had held hers that morning. The same voice she had woken up next to.
Jackson.
She stayed still long enough to hear fragments of their conversation.
— When are you going to tell her? — Soon. Her father just died, and you know her mother is sick. I’ll tell her we’re done. There’s nothing left between us anyway. We’re basically roommates. — Soon isn’t an answer. When? A week? A month?
Something inside Savannah cracked.
She stepped forward, her heels echoing softly against the floor.
— Yes, Jackson… when? This morning, before you f*cked me in the shower, would have been an excellent moment.
Jackson went pale. The woman beside him stared at Savannah, wide-eyed but defiant.
Savannah reached for his wineglass, inhaled the aroma slowly, then took a small sip.
— Very good wine… it’s a shame everything else at this table is rotten.
Before either of them could react, she threw the wine across his face. Gasps rippled through the restaurant as whispers followed her steps, but Savannah walked away with every ounce of dignity she could gather.
When she reached his apartment, she packed quickly. There wasn’t much to take — she had never fully moved in. Within minutes, she was gone.
And now she had only ten days to pay the bank or lose her mother’s house.
Ten days before everything collapsed.
Back at the wedding garden, Lauren leaned closer to her as the photographer finally wrapped up.
— I know you, Sav. Something’s wrong.
Savannah forced a small laugh.
— You can’t hide it from me. I’ve known you since we were kids. Tell me.
She sighed softly.
— Unless you give me a million dollars or find me a billionaire husband in ten days, I doubt it.
Lauren’s eyes widened.
— A million in ten days? What happened?
— I have to pay off my mother’s house or lose it. And her medical expenses are overwhelming.
Lauren’s expression softened.
— Oh, Savannah… I’m so sorry. We’ll figure something out.
Savannah shook her head gently.
— No, Lauren. Today is Charlotte’s day. Let’s not ruin it.
Lauren glanced toward the garden entrance.
— Look, she’s calling us.
As they turned to go, a hand gently yet firmly closed around Savannah’s arm.
— Savannah, may I have a minute?
She turned, confused, to meet his gaze.
He stood there tall and composed, dressed with effortless precision, his striking blue eyes fixed on her with a focus she didn’t recognize. His sleek dark hair fell perfectly into place, and time had turned the boy who once teased her relentlessly into something far more controlled… far more dangerous.
Charlotte’s older brother.
The same boy who used to pull her braids and provoke her just to see her reaction.
What did he want now?
Surely he wouldn’t pull some prank at his sister’s wedding. If he knew what was good for him, he wouldn’t dare upset Charlotte on her perfect day.
He stepped closer.
— I think I can help with your problem.
— What?
— Marry me. I can give you a million dollars and a billionaire husband all at once.
Savannah’s mouth dropped open.
— You overheard us? You know what they say about eavesdroppers — they hear things they don’t want. Besides, isn’t today a terrible day for your jokes?
He held her gaze, intensely.
— I’m not joking. I’m serious. I would never upset Charlotte today. I enjoy being alive.
Savannah froze.
Just then, Charlotte appeared, smiling brightly.
— Alex, stop keeping my friend! It’s my day!
She grabbed Savannah’s hand.
— Come, Savannah. I want you to meet someone.
Savannah allowed herself to be pulled toward the reception, still confused. As she walked away, she glanced back.
He hadn’t moved.
All her life, he had looked at her with teasing arrogance — the same boy who used to provoke her just to see her react.
But this time… it was different.
Colder.
Sharper.
The gaze of a business tycoon studying an investment.
Not desire.
Not affection.
Strategy.
For a brief second, Savannah felt as if she were standing in the middle of one of his negotiations — measured, evaluated, placed neatly into a plan she didn’t understand.
Her jaw tightened.
I’m not playing his game.
She turned away, lifting her chin, convincing herself she had already figured him out.
He watched her disappear into the crowd.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly, a cynical smile touched the corner of his mouth.
She thought she had a choice.
