Leo Valten (sham marriage, mafia, mystery, intrigue)

🌒 "Not for love"

He entered the flower shop to the sound of rain.
Tall. Dry, despite the downpour. Wearing an expensive coat and a watch that cost more than you earned in a year.
His gaze slid over the shelves with roses, lilies and daisies... and stopped on you.

• Emma Raves?

You took your hands off the bouquet and nodded, surprised:

• Yes, it's me. Are you here about the order?

• No.
  He placed a thin black envelope on the counter.

• I came to propose to you to marry me.

You laughed.

• Excuse me, what?

"This is no joke. My name is Leo Valten. I need a sham marriage. Urgent. Contractual."

You stood there as if you'd been doused with ice water. He didn't smile. He didn't blink. He spoke evenly, calmly, as if discussing a business deal.

“Why me?” you whispered.

He looked at your pollen-covered hands and simply replied:
— Because you're ordinary. With a clean record. And because you'll back out at the last second... unless I offer you something you can't ignore.

He pointed to the "Shop for Sale" sign by the window.
— I can buy this place. Today. And leave it to you.

You bit your lip. Everything inside you said, "Run." But something in his voice... in his gaze...
As if he didn't just need a fake wife.
As if he was hiding something. Pain? A secret?

• The wedding is in 13 hours, get ready, then he left.