The story's first meeting between Ryan and Bella in the library:

Ryan walked into the library, scanning the shelves for a book on business strategy. He was lost in his thoughts, his mind constantly working on finding new ways to expand his empire. That was until he heard a gentle voice speak up from behind him.

"Excuse me, sir. Can I help you find something?"

Ryan turned around to see the source of the voice standing behind him, and was taken aback by the sight of a woman he had never seen before. Her delicate features, soft brown hair, and timid demeanor were like a breath of fresh air, a stark contrast to the cold, calculated world he was used to. He found himself at a loss for words, his usual suave demeanor failing him in this moment.

Ryan cleared his throat, composing himself. “Yes, actually. I’m looking for a book on business strategy. Do you know if you have anything along those lines?”

The woman smiled politely and nodded. “Yes, we do. Let me show you where our business section is.” She gestured for Ryan to follow her, walking down one of the aisles towards the back of the library.

Ryan followed the woman in silence, his eyes occasionally straying to her petite frame and the way her hips moved with each step. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of curiosity about her, as she exuded a kind of innocence and vulnerability that was unfamiliar to him.

As they walked through the library, Ryan couldn’t take his eyes off the woman leading the way. There was something about her that drew him in, a quiet strength and dignity that he found captivating. He was used to being surrounded by fake, materialistic women, but this woman was different. She was natural, genuine, and seemingly untainted by the world of money and power that he thrived in.

As they finally reached the business section, the woman turned to face him. “Here are ourBusiness and business strategy books. If you need any more help, feel free to let me know.”

Ryan nodded, but found himself loathe to part ways with the woman. He had come to the library for a book, but he was finding her presence much more intriguing. He needed to say something, anything, to prolong their conversation.

“Actually,” Ryan began, surprising himself with his own words. “I couldn’t help but notice that you didn’t ask for my name.”

It was true that Ryan was cold, and he didn’t like small talk. But there was something about this woman that made him want to keep talking to her, to learn more about her. He found himself breaking his usual rules of distance and detachment, and it was a strange feeling for him.

The woman, who was caught off guard by Ryan's question, blushed slightly. “Oh, forgive me. I should have asked for your name. I’m Bella Uzun.”

Ryan took in her name, storing it away in his mind. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bella.” He paused, trying to think of a way to keep the conversation going.

After a moment of silence, Bella spoke up again. “May I ask, what brings you to the library today?”

Ryan leaned against one of the bookshelves, feeling a little embarrassed that he had no real reason to be in the library besides checking out a book. “To be honest, I just needed a break from work. My office feels claustrophobic sometimes, and I find that being around books helps me clear my head.”

As Ryan spoke, his phone suddenly started to ring in his pocket. He pulled it out and checked the screen, seeing an incoming call from his assistant.

“Excuse me for a moment,” he said, stepping away from Bella to answer the call.

Ryan walked a few steps away from Bella, answering the call and listening to his assistant's update on some important business matters. As he spoke, he couldn't help but steal glances at Bella, his mind conflicted between his desire to continue their conversation and the responsibilities waiting for him outside the library.

Despite his best efforts to focus on the call, Ryan found his attention drifting back to Bella. There was something about her demeanor, her eyes, that just drew him in. As he finished the call, he put his phone away and turned back to face her.

Ryan approached Bella again, feeling a mixture of curiosity and confusion stirring within him. He was a man who prided himself on his coldness, on his ability to control his emotions and remain detached from others. But there was something about Bella that made him want to lower his defenses, to let his guard down for just a moment. He couldn't understand why he was feeling this way, but he couldn't ignore it either.

As Ryan stared at her, trying to make sense of his own feelings, he realized that his usual cold demeanor was slipping. There was a hint of softening in his gaze, a warmth that belied his normal aloofness. It was a strange feeling for him, to be affected so strongly by someone he had just met. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"I didn't realize how distracting you can be," Ryan said, his tone a bit softer than usual. He took a step closer to her, his gaze lingering on her face, taking in her features.

Bella was caught off guard by his uncharacteristic softness. Her heart fluttered a little as she met his gaze, her own eyes widening slightly in surprise.

Ryan noticed her reaction, the way her eyes widened and her lips parted slightly. He found himself wanting to see more of that surprise, to see more of her. He took another step towards her, closing the distance between them.

Ryan's phone rang again, its insistent tone interrupting their moment. He grimaced at the interruption, cursing under his breath as he pulled his phone out to answer it. As he spoke to his assistant, he motioned for Bella to follow him outside the library.

Bella followed Ryan out of the library, her heart still beating a bit faster than usual. She wasn't sure what to make of his contradictory behavior, his cold aloofness one moment and his unexpected softness the next.

Ryan finished the call and pocketed his phone, his expression once again hardening into a familiar mask of cold detachment. He looked at Bella, his gaze impenetrable once more. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. Business calls."

Ryan turned to face Bella, his expression serious. "I need to ask you something. How much do you make working here in the library?"

_____continue______

Bella was surprised by the question, but she answered truthfully. "I make about $20 an hour. It's not much, but it's enough to cover my expenses."

Ryan noted the low amount, his mind immediately calculating. "That's not much to live on." He paused, his eyes studying her carefully. "What would you say if I offered you an arrangement that could change your life?"

Bella's heart began to race as she listened to Ryan's words. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, the intensity behind his words. She was curious, but also a little afraid of what he might be offering.

"An arrangement?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryan took a step closer to her, his voice low and serious. "I want to offer you a deal. An arrangement that will benefit both of us. I'm looking for someone who can be my wife, for financial reasons. I'm willing to pay you a substantial amount of money for a year as compensation."

As Ryan made his proposition, Bella felt a pang of disappointment in her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was only playing a game with her, that this was all just a part of some joke. But still, she couldn't ignore the temptation of the offer, the idea of being able to live comfortably without worrying about money.

Ryan seemed to sense her internal struggle, the conflict flitting across her face. "It's not a joke, Bella," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I'm offering you a real deal. You'll get a year's worth of financial security, and all you have to do is marry me."

Bella looked at him, her mind racing. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. He was offering her enough money to make a real difference in her life, all for just a year of marriage. It was such an insane proposition, but at the same time, it was so tempting.

Ryan stepped even closer to her, his face mere inches away from hers. "It's a simple arrangement. You agree to marry me, and I'll give you enough money to change your life. One year, that's all I ask for. And at the end of it, you'll be free to go."

Bella could feel the heat from his body so close to hers, could see the intensity in his eyes. She was torn. On one hand, the offer was so tempting, so life-changing. On the other hand, marrying a complete stranger just for money? It felt like a deal with the devil.

Ryan waited for her response, his gaze never leaving her face. He could see the uncertainty, the conflicting emotions in her eyes. It was clear that she was tempted by the offer, but also wary and cautious.

Finally, Bella spoke, her voice just above a whisper. "And if I agree to this... arrangement. What would be expected of me?"

_____continue______