She was drowning in poverty. He was paralyzed by grief.

Emily Greene is barely surviving, working multiple jobs to care for her sick mother and seven-year-old daughter. When billionaire Victor Hawthorne offers her an impossible salary to be his caregiver, she can't refuse. Even if the wheelchair-bound recluse treats her like the enemy.

Victor Hawthorne spent five years building walls no one could breach. The last thing he needs is a compassionate woman who sees past his cruelty to the broken man beneath. 

But when his company's board demands they need stability by him getting married or lose everything, he makes Emily an offer, become his wife in name only. Three years. No emotions. Just business.

What begins as a cold transaction transforms into something neither expected. 

As Victor learns to walk again, both physically and emotionally. Emily discovers a strength she never knew she had. But when shadows from his past supposedly return and betrayal threatens to destroy them, Emily must build her own empire and Victor must prove he's worthy of a second chance.

Because real love is never just business.

For a split second, his expression was confused, taking in the decorated room, the assembled staff, the dimmed lights and candles.


Victor froze, his hands stilling on his wheelchair's armrests, his eyes going wide with shock.


Lily launched forward, her card held high. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. HAWTHORNE!"


"Lily, I…" Victor's voice cracked. "How did you…"


"Mommy told me!" Lily was practically vibrating with excitement. "And we made you a party! A real birthday party! With cake and presents and everything!"


Victor's gaze found mine across the room, and the look in his eyes made my breath catch. Shock, confusion, and something else. Something raw and vulnerable and utterly defenseless.


"Emily," he said, my name barely a whisper.


"Happy birthday, Victor," I said softly. "We wanted to celebrate you."


Chapter 36 - Surprise!