Page 5 of Reckless Love

I had a million questions, but trying to grab one felt like standing in a hurricane and attempting to grab a leaf flying by. I shook my head. “Not right now.”

“Very well. We received the results of your physical and lab work. No issues were found, and the additional genetic testing didn’t show anything amiss either,” she started.

“You did genetic testing? Doesn’t that take, like, weeks?” I gaped at her.

“We have our own lab,” Miss May replied, arching a single brow. “Marriage isn’t the end, Miss Winters. Our clients need to know if there could be any issues with pregnancies and children.”

I swallowed hard, remembering how I’d checked I wanted children. It had asked for how many, and I’d said two. After Hope’s death, I’d always wished I had a sibling. But surely whoever I married wouldn’t expect me to pop out a kid in nine months, right?

“Your psychiatric evaluation indicates you seem to suffer from depression and anxiety, but those are medicated and overseen by a licensed physician.” Miss May paused, waiting for me to confirm.

I squirmed in my seat. “Is having anxiety and depression a crime?”

“If it were, I suspect the vast majority of the population would be incarcerated,” Miss May answered with a slight snort. “Your fiancé?—”

“Fiancé?” I yelped. “I have a fiancé?”

Her head tilted. “You are aware that you signed up to be selected for marriage, correct?”

I flushed. “I mean, yeah, of course. But I figured there would be a waiting period or something.”

Miss May lowered the papers and met my gaze. “We have a lengthy list of clients waiting for their perfect match. The client you have been paired with registered with our agency over a year ago. When your profile came in, you were immediately matched. He accepted your profile an hour before our call.”

“But…” Words stuck in my throat. “Who?”

Her lips thinned. “I cannot disclose his name. The paperwork was very explicit that you would not learn of his identity until the day of the wedding.”

My eyes closed. “Please tell me he isn’t a serial killer or a pedophile.”

Miss May’s eyes hardened. “Absolutely not,” she bit out. “Wife for Hire only works with an elite client base, and we would never involve ourselves in what you’re suggesting. Maybe this isn’t the best fit for you after all, Miss Winters.”

“No, wait,” I pleaded, struggling to catch my breath. “I just… This is all so new. And more than a little scary.”

Her expression softened slightly. “I can appreciate that. Now, let me assure you, I have been in this business for years and have seen many successful unions. But this business isn’t solely about helping my clients find their happily ever after. It’s also about helping women, like yourself, better themselves.”

“Through marriage to a wealthy man,” I deadpanned.

“Through a significant, untouchable amount of money that men will pay for the honor of you in their life,” she countered. “There are rules in every contract that protect both parties, Miss Winters.”

“Please call me Alessia,” I finally said, tired of the formality.

“Very well. Alessia.” She gave a nod, but didn’t offer her own first name. Or maybe May was her first name.

“I’ve had the marriage contract forwarded to your attorney for you to sign, but I can tell you now that the man who wishes to marry you is prepared to offer you five million dollars on your wedding day. You’ll receive an additional five million at the end of the first year of marriage. Each year beyond that, you’ll receive a million dollars per year.” Miss May shot me a confident look. “How does that sound?”

“Unbelievable,” I admitted. “Ten million dollars to be married for a year?”

“And that’s not counting your monthly allowance,” Miss May added. “You’ll, of course, be given either a car of your choosing or a driver. You’ll have several credit cards for incidentals and clothing. Your husband will cover all of those expenses as you’re expected to fit seamlessly into his world.”

“Okay.” It was all I could think to say. “What happens if the marriage isn’t working?”

Miss May nodded. “I would ask that prior to separating or filing divorce papers, you speak with one of our mediators. We also understand there may be an adjustment period, so you’ll both be able to speak with a list of licensed therapists we employ. Our goal isn’t just for you to get married, we want your union to succeed.”

“Do they usually?” I asked. “Or do people wind up divorced in a few months?”

Miss May’s smile was a bit more genuine, almost proud. “I’m pleased to say that our success rate is in the high nineties. We rarely have a couple separate or divorce. We pride ourselves on matching people who are truly meant to be together.”

“That almost sounds too good to be true,” I admitted. “There has to be a catch.”

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