Liia Rose

We both inherited the house, and currently, neither of us has anywhere else to live. The problem? We’ve loathed each other since childhood. How will a single father and a single mother ever get along? "Why on earth should I tell you anything?" I snap at him. "This is my house; I have every right to be here. And I plan to live here with my son. Without reporting my every move to some Martyniuk." "Well, your plan doesn't work for me," Yaryk says. Of course it doesn't. Even as a kid, he wasn't exactly known for being accommodating. So why would he start being kind now?

“Hi, I’m...” I begin, trying to explain who I am and why I’m here, but he cuts me off. “I know. Dad warned me. Come in,” he says, stepping back to let me inside. “So, ready to get to work?” “Yes, I... I’m ready. I’m here to work as the housekeeper. Ivan Semenovych sent me,” I say, trying to sound confident, though my voice trembles slightly. He laughs. It’s a low, pleasant sound, but I don’t understand what’s so funny. “A housekeeper? Dad certainly has a sense of humor,” he says, approaching me and slowly circling, scanning me from head to toe. “I thought you’d be wearing something a bit more... revealing. But whatever. You can start.” “Alright, where should I begin?” It doesn’t look dirty in here. Maybe I should start with the cooking. “You could start with a dance,” ...

“I have a proposal. You won’t have to work as a cook. Instead, you’ll have to become my wife. Formally. For a few months.” She stares at me, eyes wide, unable to believe her ears. “Why would you want that?” I shrug, but my voice remains steady. “Because my family is trying to manipulate me. They’ve already picked out a ‘bride’ for me. And I have no intention of marrying someone they chose. I want to focus on my business, not follow someone else's script. So, I need a girl. They want a daughter-in-law? Fine. I’ll get married, but on my terms. And in return, they’ll finally leave me in peace. I’ll pay you handsomely for this service. So, do we have a deal?”

“I expected you’d be kinder by now,” he smiled at her. “So many years have passed. Do you still hate me? You have a long memory...” “What the hell are you doing here?!” she snapped. “How dare you show up in my life after ruining it?!” “You shouldn’t hold grudges like that.” She felt like she was about to explode from the inside. “What?! What? What did you say?” the golden-haired nymph shouted. “Are you playing with me? Is your life’s goal to ruin my wedding? This time, it won’t work! Tell me what you want and get out of here!” “You! I came for you. And you know me—I’m not going anywhere without you.”