"If poverty were a person, I would sue it!" Tessa Miller threw herself onto the small sofa and stared at the ceiling. Ruby Bennett, who was sitting on the floor eating the last packet of biscuits, looked at her. "On what grounds?" "Emotional damage. Financial abuse. And destruction of my happiness." Ruby nodded seriously. "Good. Make sure you ask for compensation. I want at least ten million dollars." Tessa turned her head. "Ten million? Ruby, I want fifty million. Do you know how long I've suffered?" "Since we were born." "Exactly!" The two friends stared at each other before bursting into laughter. Their apartment was small, their furniture was old, and their kitchen had more empty containers than actual food. They had been best friends since childhood and had practically grown up together. They shared everything: clothes, secrets, dreams and, unfortunately, financial problems. Tessa was dramatic, talkative and easily excited. Ruby was sweet, mischievous and always ready to support whatever ridiculous idea entered her friend's head. Neither of them had much money, but they had enormous dreams. Tessa wanted a mansion with a swimming pool, a luxury car and a wardrobe bigger than their current apartment. Ruby wanted expensive holidays, designer bags and a personal chef. Their dreams were beautiful. Their bank accounts were not. "Ruby," Tessa suddenly said. "Hmm?" "Do you think we will ever become rich?" Ruby finished her biscuit and wiped her fingers. "Of course." "When?" "Immediately after we discover a rich uncle who doesn't have children." Tessa sat upright. "My rich uncle better not have children. I refuse to share an inheritance." Ruby laughed. "You're already planning how to spend imaginary money." "Because somebody has to be prepared." Before Ruby could respond, Tessa's phone rang. She checked the screen. "Landlord." Both girls froze. Ruby slowly lowered the biscuit packet. "Don't answer." "I have to." "No, you don't. Pretend you're dead." "Ruby!" "Fine. Tell him we're travelling." "Where?" Ruby looked around the apartment. "Somewhere with free accommodation." Tessa answered the call. "Good afternoon, sir." The landlord's voice immediately filled the room. "Miss Miller, where is my rent?" Tessa closed her eyes. "Sir, we are currently experiencing some financial difficulties." "You have been experiencing financial difficulties for three months!" "Exactly, sir. It's becoming a serious situation." Ruby covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. The landlord wasn't amused. "You have one week. If you don't pay, I'll find another tenant." The call ended. Tessa slowly lowered her phone. Ruby looked at her. "Well?" "We have one week to become rich." Ruby stood up. "Pack your bags." "Where are we going?" "To find that rich uncle." Tessa threw a cushion at her. --- Later that afternoon, the girls dressed for a job interview. Tessa wore a simple cream blouse and black trousers, while Ruby wore a white shirt and a modest black skirt. They had applied for several jobs, but most employers wanted experience they didn't have or offered salaries that could barely cover transportation. Today, they were trying again. Unfortunately, their luck seemed to be taking a holiday. By the time they reached the restaurant where they had arranged to meet a potential employer, they were already fifteen minutes late. "Your fault," Tessa said. Ruby stared at her. "My fault? You spent twenty minutes looking for earrings." "Appearance is important." "So is arriving on time." "Do you want me to look unemployed?" Ruby shook her head. "I already know we're unemployed. You don't need to advertise it." They entered the restaurant. A woman in an elegant grey suit was sitting near the window. She looked to be in her late fifties, with perfectly styled blonde hair and an expensive handbag resting beside her. When she noticed the girls, she stood. "Miss Miller and Miss Bennett?" "Yes," Tessa answered politely. "Please, sit down." The woman introduced herself as Margaret Sterling. The name meant nothing to the girls at first. Then Margaret placed a business card on the table. Ruby picked it up. Her eyes widened. Sterling Holdings. One of the biggest business empires in the country. Ruby slowly looked at Tessa. Tessa looked at Ruby. Neither spoke. Margaret noticed their expressions. "I believe you've heard of my family." "Heard of you?" Tessa repeated. "Madam, your family is practically everywhere." Ruby kicked her under the table. "She means we admire your company." Margaret smiled faintly. "I'll get straight to the point. I have an unusual proposal." The girls exchanged curious looks. "What kind of proposal?" Ruby asked. Margaret folded her hands. "I want you both to marry my grandsons." Silence. Tessa blinked. Ruby blinked. Then Tessa slowly leaned towards her friend. "Did she just say marry?" "I heard it too." Margaret remained perfectly calm. "I am aware that this sounds unexpected." "Unexpected?" Tessa repeated. "Madam, I came here looking for employment. I wasn't prepared to become somebody's wife." Ruby nodded. "Especially without knowing whether the man has good manners." Margaret almost smiled. "My grandsons are successful, wealthy and unmarried. However, neither has any interest in marriage." "Then why do they need wives?" Ruby asked. "Because our family has certain expectations, and there are matters involving the family's future that require them to settle down." Margaret opened a folder and placed two documents on the table. "The arrangement would be financially beneficial to everyone involved. You would receive financial security, comfortable homes and generous allowances. Your families would also be taken care of." Tessa stared at the documents. "How generous?" Margaret named an amount. Tessa nearly choked. Ruby grabbed her arm beneath the table. "Behave," she whispered. "I'm behaving," Tessa whispered back. "My soul is just leaving my body." Margaret continued. "Of course, nothing will happen without your agreement. You will have the opportunity to meet the men, discuss the conditions and decide whether you want to proceed." Ruby looked at the folder. Then at Margaret. Then at Tessa. "Can we have some time to think about it?" "Certainly. I expect your answer within a few days." Margaret handed them her card. As the woman walked away, Tessa remained frozen. Ruby slowly turned towards her. "Did we just get offered marriage?" Tessa looked down at the business card. "Ruby..." "What?" "I think poverty is finally getting divorced from us." Ruby burst out laughing. But Tessa wasn't laughing anymore. She was staring at the amount written inside the folder. For the first time in their lives, the possibility of becoming wealthy didn't seem like a distant dream. It was sitting right in front of them. And it came with two billionaire husbands. --- Across the city, inside a luxurious office on the top floor of Sterling Holdings, two brothers were having a very different conversation. Adrian Sterling stood beside the enormous glass window, looking down at the busy streets. His dark suit was perfectly fitted, his expression unreadable. At thirty-two, he was one of the youngest and most powerful businessmen in the country. Behind his desk sat his younger brother, Dominic Sterling. Dominic was scrolling through his phone when their grandmother entered. "Adrian. Dominic. We need to discuss your marriages." Dominic immediately stopped scrolling. "Excuse me?" Adrian turned around. "Grandmother, we've discussed this." "And I am discussing it again." Dominic leaned back in his chair. "Can we at least finish lunch before you start planning our funerals?" Margaret ignored him. "I have found two suitable young women." Adrian's expression hardened. "We don't need wives." Margaret placed two photographs on the desk. "You haven't even met them." Dominic glanced at the pictures. Then he looked at his brother. "Well, this is interesting." Adrian gave him a warning look. Margaret smiled. "You will meet them tomorrow." Neither brother answered. But Dominic had already picked up one of the photographs. For the first time that afternoon, he looked genuinely curious. Their grandmother had just arranged their marriages. And the two women she had chosen had absolutely no idea what kind of trouble they were about to enter.

OOP"Ruby, wake up!" Ruby pulled the blanket over her head. "No." Tessa stood beside the bed, holding a printed document. "Wake up. We have a serious situation." Ruby opened one eye. "Is the landlord here?" "No." "Is the apartment on fire?" "No." "Then whatever it is can wait." Tessa shook the paper. "We might become rich." Ruby immediately sat up. "Where?" Tessa stared at her. "Where what?" "Where is the money?" "Ruby!" "What? You said we're becoming rich. I need details." Tessa climbed onto the edge of the bed. "I've been thinking about Margaret's offer." Ruby rubbed her eyes. "And?" "I think we should consider it." Ruby stared at her for several seconds. "Are you suggesting we marry strangers?" "Technically, wealthy strangers." "That doesn't make it better!" "It makes it slightly better." Ruby threw her pillow at her. "Have you lost your mind?" "Not yet. But our landlord is helping me get there." Ruby sighed and reached for her phone. "Okay. Let's talk about it properly." Tessa nodded. "First, we need to know how much money we're getting." "Second, we need to meet the men." "Third, we need to know whether they're secretly criminals." Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Why would you think that?" "Because rich people in movies are always hiding something." "We're not in a movie, Tessa." "Exactly. That's why I don't want surprises." Ruby laughed. For the next hour, they discussed the offer from every possible angle. They talked about money, houses, allowances, shopping budgets and what would happen if the marriages didn't work. Eventually, they reached one conclusion. They would meet the brothers. Nothing more. At least, not yet. --- At Sterling Mansion, Adrian Sterling was having a terrible morning. Not because of work. Not because of a business deal. But because his grandmother had scheduled a meeting with two women he had never met. "You're coming with me," he told Dominic. Dominic looked up from his breakfast. "Where?" "To meet the women Grandmother selected." Dominic slowly placed his fork down. "Today?" "Unless you have another wedding scheduled." Dominic laughed. "Very funny." Adrian picked up his phone. "I don't have time for this." "Neither do I. I have a lunch meeting." "Cancel it." Dominic stared at him. "You're already acting like a married man." Adrian gave him a cold look. "Be quiet." Dominic grinned. This was going to be entertaining. --- At exactly eleven thirty, a black luxury car pulled up outside a large restaurant. Tessa and Ruby were already waiting. Tessa adjusted her blouse. "Do I look expensive?" Ruby examined her. "You look like someone who is trying to look expensive." Tessa frowned. "That's not encouraging." "You look beautiful. Relax." "I'm not nervous." "Your hands are shaking." "That's excitement." Before Ruby could respond, two men entered the restaurant. The first was tall, broad-shouldered and dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his expression suggested that he didn't enjoy being around people. The second man looked slightly younger. He wore a navy suit and carried himself with an easy confidence. Tessa leaned towards Ruby. "Please tell me those are the brothers." Ruby glanced at them. "Unless there are two other handsome men wearing expensive suits." Tessa nodded. "Good. At least the money comes with attractive packaging." Ruby nearly laughed. The brothers approached their table. "Miss Miller and Miss Bennett?" the older man asked. Tessa stood. "Yes. I'm Tessa." "Ruby," her friend added. "Adrian Sterling." "Dominic Sterling." They exchanged greetings before taking their seats. Adrian looked at the girls. "I'll be direct. I have no interest in marriage." Tessa blinked. "Good afternoon to you too." Dominic coughed to hide his laughter. Adrian ignored her. "My grandmother has made this arrangement without consulting us properly. I don't intend to pretend otherwise." Ruby nodded. "That's understandable." Dominic looked at her. "And you?" Ruby smiled politely. "I also didn't wake up this morning planning to marry anyone." "Then we're already in agreement," Dominic said. Tessa leaned forward. "Actually, before we continue, I have a few questions." Adrian looked at her. "Go ahead." "How much money are we talking about?" Ruby closed her eyes. "Tessa." "What? It's an important question." Dominic laughed. Adrian didn't. "The financial arrangements will be discussed in the agreement." Tessa nodded. "Good. Another question. Will we have access to the family cars?" "Why?" Adrian asked. "Because I don't enjoy public transportation." Dominic burst out laughing. Ruby covered her face. Adrian stared at Tessa as if he couldn't decide whether she was serious. She was. Very serious. "Anything else?" he asked. "Yes. Do you have a swimming pool?" Dominic leaned back. "I like her." Adrian shot him a look. Ruby finally spoke. "We're sorry. She's a little excited." "A little?" Tessa whispered. Ruby ignored her. "We would like to understand the arrangement before making any decisions." Adrian nodded. "That's reasonable." For the next thirty minutes, they discussed the proposed marriages. The brothers explained that their grandmother wanted them married, but neither intended to give up their independence. The girls listened carefully. There would be financial security, luxury homes, personal allowances and other benefits. However, the marriages would come with expectations, including public appearances and family events. Tessa looked at Ruby. Ruby looked at Tessa. They didn't need words. The offer was becoming more interesting. Finally, Dominic looked at the two women. "So, what do you think?" Tessa smiled. "I think we need to read the agreement." "Of course," Adrian replied. "And I think we need to discuss the shopping allowance." Adrian closed his eyes briefly. Dominic laughed so hard that he had to put down his glass. Ruby nudged Tessa. "Please behave." "I am behaving!" "You're negotiating a shopping allowance before agreeing to the marriage." "Exactly. I'm a responsible future wife." Adrian looked at her. "You're certainly an unusual one." Tessa smiled proudly. "Thank you." "It wasn't a compliment." "I'll accept it anyway." For the first time that morning, Dominic noticed his brother looking genuinely irritated. And he loved every second of it. --- When the meeting ended, the girls stepped outside. Tessa immediately grabbed Ruby's arm. "Did you see that?" "See what?" "His face!" "Which one?" "The older one! Adrian! He looks like he hasn't laughed since he was born." Ruby started laughing. "And Dominic?" "He's better. At least he knows how to smile." Ruby looked back towards the restaurant. "So, what do you think?" Tessa took a deep breath. "I think we should read those contracts very carefully." Ruby nodded. "Agreed." Tessa smiled. "But if the shopping allowance is good, I'm getting married." Ruby burst out laughing. "You're unbelievable." "And you're coming with me." "Obviously." Neither girl noticed the two brothers watching them through the restaurant window. Dominic shook his head. "Those two are going to be trouble." Adrian picked up his phone. "Then let's hope the agreement keeps things simple." Dominic smiled. "Brother, I have a feeling simple is the last thing we're getting." And he was absolutely right.

"Read that part again." Ruby stared at the document in her hands. Tessa was sitting beside her on the sofa, eating a packet of chips. "Which part?" "The part about living together." Tessa swallowed. "Oh, that." Ruby turned towards her. "You're not taking this seriously." "I am. I'm just hungry." Ruby sighed and continued reading. The document contained several conditions concerning their proposed marriages. Both women would receive a generous monthly allowance, live in luxurious homes and have access to everything they needed. Their families would also receive financial support. In return, they would marry the Sterling brothers, attend important family events and maintain a respectable public image. There were also rules concerning privacy, personal independence and the duration of the marriage agreement. Ruby stopped reading. "Two years?" Tessa looked up. "What?" "The agreement lasts for two years." Tessa grabbed the document. "Two years of being rich?" "Two years of being married." "Ruby, don't ruin the beautiful part." Ruby shook her head. "There's more." She pointed to another section. "Separate bedrooms." Tessa smiled. "Now that's a marriage I understand." Ruby laughed. "You're impossible." "I'm practical." Tessa continued reading. Then she suddenly sat upright. "Wait!" Ruby looked at her. "What now?" "Where is the shopping allowance?" Ruby stared at her. "Are you serious?" "Very." Ruby took the document back. "We haven't even signed anything." "Exactly. That's why we need to negotiate." --- At Sterling Mansion, Adrian was reviewing a business report when Dominic entered his office. "Good news." Adrian didn't look up. "What?" "Our future wives haven't run away." Adrian continued reading. "That's not good news." Dominic dropped into the chair opposite him. "You're impossible." "And you're wasting my time." Dominic grinned. "I spoke with Grandmother. The girls have received the agreement." Adrian finally looked up. "Good. Once they understand the conditions, we can proceed." "There's one problem." Adrian frowned. "What problem?" "Apparently, Tessa wants to negotiate." Adrian stared at him. "Negotiate what?" Dominic burst out laughing. "Shopping allowances." Adrian slowly put down his pen. "You're joking." "I wish I were." Adrian leaned back. "Tell Grandmother I'm not changing the agreement." Dominic raised his eyebrows. "You might want to tell your future wife that yourself." "She isn't my wife." "Not yet." --- The following afternoon, the girls arrived at Sterling Mansion. Ruby stepped out of the car and stared at the enormous building. "Oh my goodness." Tessa stood beside her. "Ruby..." "What?" "I think our landlord would faint if he saw this place." The mansion had beautiful gardens, enormous windows and a driveway that seemed longer than their entire street. Ruby looked at her friend. "We're really going to live here?" "Hopefully." They entered the mansion and were greeted by Margaret. "Welcome, girls." "Thank you, Mrs. Sterling," Ruby replied. Margaret smiled. "Please, call me Margaret." Tessa looked around. "Your house is beautiful." "Thank you, dear." "How many rooms does it have?" Ruby gently stepped on her foot. "Tessa!" "What? I'm admiring the architecture." Margaret laughed. "More than enough for everyone." She led them into the sitting room. Adrian was already there, looking through some documents. Dominic sat nearby with his phone. "You're late," Adrian said. Tessa checked her watch. "We're three minutes early." "I prefer punctuality." "And I prefer people who greet others before complaining." Dominic laughed. Adrian looked at him. "Something funny?" "No. Continue." Ruby sat beside Tessa. Margaret placed the marriage agreement on the table. "Have you both made your decisions?" Ruby nodded. "We've read everything." "And?" Margaret asked. "We have a few questions." Adrian sighed. "Of course." Tessa turned towards him. "Do you always sigh like that?" "Only when necessary." "Then you must be exhausted." Dominic covered his mouth. Margaret shook her head, smiling. "Let's hear your questions." Ruby opened her notebook. "First, we want to know whether our families will receive their financial support immediately after the marriages." "Yes," Margaret answered. "Second, we want to know whether we can continue working or pursuing our own interests." "Certainly." Tessa raised her hand. "Third, shopping." Adrian closed his eyes. "Here we go." Tessa ignored him. "We need a proper monthly shopping allowance. Not something that makes us calculate the price of every dress." Dominic leaned forward. "How much do you want?" Tessa named an amount. Ruby nearly dropped her notebook. Adrian stared at her. "Absolutely not." Tessa folded her arms. "Then we have a problem." Adrian looked genuinely surprised. "You are negotiating with me?" "Yes. Is that against the law?" Dominic started laughing again. Margaret looked between them. "I think we can reach a reasonable agreement." Ruby quickly nodded. "That's all we're asking for." Adrian picked up the document. "Fine. We'll discuss the figures with the lawyers." Tessa smiled. "Wonderful. I knew we could get along." "We aren't getting along." "Let's not focus on the negative." Dominic laughed so loudly that Ruby joined him. --- An hour later, the meeting was over. Margaret had arranged for the lawyers to prepare revised documents. The girls were escorted towards the entrance. Before leaving, Tessa turned around. "Adrian?" He looked at her. "What?" "One more thing." He looked tired already. "What now?" "Does your mansion have a cinema room?" Dominic burst into laughter. Adrian stared at her. "Yes." Tessa smiled. "Excellent. I love movies." Ruby pulled her towards the door. "Goodbye, everyone!" Once they were outside, Ruby turned to her friend. "You are going to give that man a headache." Tessa shrugged. "That's not my responsibility." --- Back inside the mansion, Dominic was still laughing. Adrian picked up his documents. "What's so amusing?" Dominic shook his head. "Nothing. I just think your life is about to become very interesting." Adrian gave him a cold look. "I don't need interesting. I need peace." Dominic smiled. "Then you definitely chose the wrong woman." Adrian ignored him. But for some reason, Tessa's confident voice remained in his mind. And he wasn't sure whether that was a good thing. Two marriage agreements were being prepared. Two weddings were approaching. And neither brother had any idea what they were getting themselves into.