Lexi Thompson's stilettos clicked against the polished marble floor of her own family's hotel, each step reflecting her dedication. She disregarded the sumptuous surroundings, her thoughts focused on the upcoming mission. The weight of her parents' expectations pushed down on her shoulders, threatening to bring down her carefully constructed world.

Lexi's emerald eyes rested on the framed picture of her parents as she drove open the huge doors of her office. Their cheerful grins appeared to mock her, reminding her of their modern expectations. "Marry before you take over the corporation," they had suggested, as if finding a husband was as easy as ordering room service.

Lexi's arms trembled as she poured herself a drink of water. The cool drink did little to calm the raging hurricane within her. Reminiscences of that night, the night that had ruined her faith in men, threatened to overwhelm her. She shoved them down, putting them away in the deepest recesses of her mind.

She needed to figure a way out of this predicament. Her attention strayed to the window, which overlooked the bustling metropolis below. That's when it dawned on her: a plot so bold and volatile that it may work.

Lexi grabbed her handbag and walked out, her motivation restored. She knew just where to look for someone who could help her with her problems.

The Rusty Nail became a far cry from the luxury Lexi had been accustomed to. The dive bar's neon sign glowed dimly in the twilight, creating an eerie glow on the rain-soaked sidewalk. Lexi paused for a moment, her fancy coat seeming out of place in this dirty neighborhood.

She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The odor of stale beer and cigarettes assaulted her senses. A few customers began to gaze, their eyes widening at the sight of her. Lexi ignored them, scouring the room until she identified her target.

Ethan Wright stood at the back of the bar, his strong fingers expertly blending a cocktail. His brown hair fell over his brow, and his blue eyes were fixed on his venture. Lexi's breath was trapped in her throat. She had not expected him to be so... gorgeous.

Lexi approached the bar, dismissing the uncomfortable concept. Ethan looked up, surprise flashing across his face.

"What can I get you?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Lexi sat on a barstool, her heart thumping. "A proposition," she responded, her voice stronger than she felt.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I'm now not positive it truly is on the menu."

"believe me, you will want to listen to this one." Lexi leaned closer and lowered her voice. "I want a husband."

Ethan almost dropped the glass as he switched to conserving. "Excuse me?"

"Not a real one," Lexi explained quickly. "I want someone to pretend to be my husband for a year." And I am willing to pay nicely for it."

Ethan's gaze narrowed. "girl, I don't know what sort of game you are gambling, but-"

"No games," Lexi interrupted. "Just enterprise." One year of marriage, in name only. In return, I will cover all of your obligations and establish a college fund for your daughter."

Ethan clenched his jaw. "How do you understand approximately my daughter?"

"I did my research," Lexi said calmly. "I understand you are drowning in clinical expenses from your ex-spouse's cancer treatments. I understand that you are working two jobs to make ends meet. I can make all of that go away."

Ethan's arms grasped the edge of the bar, his knuckles becoming white. "And what is in it for you?"

Lexi's inexperienced eyes matched his blue ones. "My mother and father want me to marry before I take over the family business. This arrangement fulfills them without cluttering my lives with real... emotions."

The phrase felt foreign on her tongue. Lexi couldn't afford to indulge in feelings after what had happened to her.

Ethan gave her a long look. "you are serious approximately this?"

Lexi nodded. "Deadly serious. I'm only asking for twelve months. After that, we'll take our separate approaches, no strings attached."

The stillness between them was filled with worry. Lexi caught her breath as she saw the emotions play out on Ethan's face. Confusion, temptation, and distrust.

At the end, Ethan spoke. "I want to think about it."

"Of course," Lexi said, passing a business card around the bar. "Call me when you've made your decision. However, do not take too long. This deal has an expiration date.

She stood and smoothed out her clothing. As she prepared to go, Ethan's voice halted her.

"Why me?" he questioned. "Out of all of the men in this town, why pick a broke bartender?"

Lexi appeared lower back at him, an unhappy smile playing on her lips. "Because you have something to lose." "It makes you truthful."

She walked out of the bar, leaving Ethan gaping after her.

The chilly night air struck Lexi's face as she went outside. She took a deep breath, hoping to calm her rushing coronary heart. Had she merely finished it? Proposed a false marriage to a stranger?

However, desperate situations call for decisive action. And if this worked, she would be free. She was free of her parent's expectations and the urge to give her heart to someone who could damage her.

Lexi's smartphone buzzed as she moved towards her vehicle. A text message from her mother: "Don't forget, the charity gala is next week. Bring a date.

Lexi's fists squeezed around the cell phone. She hoped that Ethan would make his decision shortly. She needed him more than he realized.

Back inside the pub, Ethan couldn't shake the encounter. The mystery woman's proposal kept replaying in his mind. It grew goofy and downright insane. And yet...

He considered Sophie, his little kid, and how she deserved a better life than he could now offer for her. With the money this lady was supplying, he could get Sophie everything she needed.

However, at what price?

Ethan became so buried in contemplation that he failed to notice the clamor on the door until it was too late. A familiar voice, loud and angry, pierced through the bar's background commotion.

"Hey, Ethan Wright!" "Where the hell are you?"

His blood was bloodless. He looked up to see his ex-wife, Melissa, coming toward him. Her face went crimson with rage, her eyes fierce.

"Mel? "What are you doing here?" Ethan inquired, his voice low, hoping to calm her.

However, Melissa became beyond reason. "Do you think you could just ignore my calls?" We want to talk about Sophie's lessons!"

The few customers inside the bar began to watch the event unfold. Ethan felt his cheeks burn from embarrassment.

Mel, please. Not right here. He pleaded, "I'm operating."

"Oh, are you working? Even though our daughter wants braces and new college supplies? "You need to step up, Ethan!" Melissa's voice became louder with each word.

As Ethan attempted to calm the situation, his mind raced. Perhaps that female's insane idea wasn't so crazy after all. Maybe it changed into the solution to all of his problems.

He had no idea that his decision was about to set off a chain reaction of events that would change his life forever.

Outside, Lexi sat in her car, her palm hovering over the key in the ignition. Something kept her from leaving. She couldn't explain her nagging sensation or intuition.

She peered lower back at the bar's entrance, just in time to see a woman storm through the doors, her face a mask of wrath. Lexi's eyes widened as she observed the woman marching lower back inside.

What had she just set in motion? And, more significantly, wouldn't it have an impact on her well-set plans?

Lexi's heart raced as she understood that this was only the beginning. The actual assignment lay ahead, and she needed to be prepared for whatever happened next.

With a deep breath, she started her car. As she pulled away from the curb, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she had never imagined.

The game went on, and Lexi Thompson was determined to win. Regardless of expense.