Chapter 5 A mate Proposal

Vivian’ POV

I looked up to see a middle-aged man in an impeccable suit.

"Who are you?" I stepped back warily.

"I'm John, and I'm here to help you.” The man bowed slightly, his manner elegant. " You need money for your father's operation, correct? And you were recently rejected?"

How did he know all this?

"Help me? Why would you help me?"

Today had been bad enough. I didn't want to trust anyone anymore.

"Because my Alpha wants to claim you." John said calmly, "If you agree to be his Luna, we'll cover all medical expenses."

I blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"

"A mate proposal. In exchange for covering all medical expenses."

Was this some kind of joke? A stranger proposing on behalf of his Alpha?

"Is your Alpha disabled?" I asked bluntly.

"No, he's perfectly healthy and intelligent," he replied calmly.

"Then why would he want to claim me?" I gestured to my disheveled appearance. "Look at me. I'm a mess."

"My Alpha has his reasons."

"What reasons?"

"That's between you and him."

I shook my head. "Tell your Alpha thanks, but no thanks."

"Miss Lowell, think carefully. Your father—"

"I said no." I turned and walked back toward Dad's room.

A nurse came to tell me that I need to pay the bill by tomorrow morning, or they would have to discharge him.

"Miss Lowell, your father needs surgery immediately." John appeared in the doorway like a ghost.

I looked at Dad's pale face, then at the machines keeping him alive.

"I can see he's in poor health," John continued softly. "You really should consider my suggestion."

My hands shook as I wiped away tears. And I finally made up my mind.

"Fine," I whispered. "I'll be his Luna."

John's eyes brightened. "Excellent choice, Miss—"

"I don't care if your Alpha is disabled or hideous," I cut him off. "But I need the money now. One million. For Dad's heart transplant."

"That's not a problem." John pulled out his phone. "I'll transfer it immediately."

His fingers moved across the screen with practiced ease.

"Done. I've transferred 1.3 million to cover all expenses."

My phone buzzed with a notification. The numbers on my bank app looked surreal.

Within minutes, everything changed.

"We'll use the best medicine available," a doctor assured me. "We're already searching for a suitable heart donor."

Money really could solve everything.

"Everything is arranged properly," John said, straightening his tie. "Now, please follow me, Miss Lowell."

I took one last look at Dad.

"I'll never regret this decision," I whispered to his sleeping form.

The Bentley waiting outside screamed wealth.

Leather seats that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. John held the door open like I was royalty.

"Your Alpha must be incredibly rich," I said as we drove through the city.

"Money is not an issue for him."

"Then why me? What about his mate?"

John glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "He has his reasons."

"Reasons you won't share."

"As I said, that's between you and him."

The mysterious act was getting old fast.

The villa took my breath away.

Massive gates opened to reveal manicured gardens and a mansion that belonged in magazines.

"This is where you'll be living," John said as we pulled up.

"With your Alpha?"

"Of course. You'll be his mate."

Inside was even more impressive. Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, artwork that probably cost more than most people's houses.

"Please, have a seat." John gestured to a plush sofa. "I'll get the mate contract."

A servant appeared with tea and pastries. I felt like I'd stepped into another world.

A world where people bought wives like they bought cars.

John returned with thick legal documents.

"Please review this carefully," he said, handing me the papers. "If everything looks acceptable, we can proceed."

I scanned the terms quickly.

Mate duration: Two years. Compensation: Ten million dollars. Medical expenses: Fully covered. Important notes: No mark. No love.

"Wait," I said, looking up. "Ten million? Just for two years?"

"My Alpha is very generous."

"This seems too good to be true." I set the papers down. "What's the real catch?"

"No catch. You'll live as a real boned mates, that's all."

A real boned mates. That meant sharing a bed with a stranger.

But ten million dollars. Plus Dad's medical bills covered.

"He must be really desperate," I muttered.

"Desperate men make generous offers," John replied diplomatically.

I picked up the pen, then hesitated.

"This contract is incredibly favorable to me. Are you sure your Alpha isn't being... taken advantage of?"

"He knows exactly what he's doing."

"But why would someone this wealthy need to buy a mate?"

John's smile was polite but empty. "Perhaps he values efficiency over romance."

I signed on the dotted line.

The pen felt heavy in my hand, like I was signing away more than just two years.

"Excellent." John gathered the papers carefully. "I'll put this in the study, then show you to your room."

I sat back on the sofa, watching him disappear down the hallway.

The silence felt deafening. What had I just done?

Mated to a complete stranger for money. Sold myself to save Dad.

I tried not to think about what "living as a real boned mates" actually meant.

At least the money was already transferred. Dad's surgery was secured.

"Miss Lowell?" John returned, straightening his tie. "I'll show you your room now."

"Good." I stood, following him toward the grand staircase.

We climbed in silence, my heels clicking against marble steps.

Halfway up, a thought hit me like lightning.

"By the way," I stopped abruptly. "What's your Alpha's name?"

John paused, turning to face me.

"He's going to be my mate," I continued, feeling ridiculous. "And I don't even know his name."

The absurdity of the situation finally sank in.

"Ah." John's expression remained perfectly neutral. "That would be important information."

"You think?" I couldn't hide my sarcasm.

"My Alpha prefers to introduce himself personally."

"Are you serious right now?"

"Completely serious." John resumed climbing the stairs. "He'll join you for dinner at seven."

"That's in less than an hour!"

"Which gives you time to freshen up and prepare yourself."

I followed him, mind reeling.

"I can't believe this," I muttered. "I signed a mate contract with a nameless man."

"Consider it romantic mystery," John said without turning around.

"Consider it completely insane."

"Many great love stories begin with mystery."

"This isn't a love story," I snapped. "This is a business transaction."

"Perhaps. But my Alpha is quite... particular about first impressions."

We reached the second floor, walking down a hallway lined with expensive artwork.

"Particular how?"

John stopped at an ornate door. "Your room, Miss Lowell."

He was avoiding my question.

So, who is my mate? Was he someone I met before?