Bound by Variables

Chapter 1

Leonia Black pushed open her apartment door, shoulders heavy with exhaustion from a day spent navigating office politics. The sight in the living room made her pause.

Paul, her roommate, was sprawled on the couch, controller in hand, grinning at the screen, and William-ever the uninvited, yet strangely tolerated visitor-was lounging beside him. Both were engrossed in a video game, the familiar hum of chaos filling the room.

"Oh, hi guys," Leo said, dropping her bag near the door, trying to sound casual despite her fatigue.

"Hey! How did it go today?" Paul asked without looking away from the screen.

"Don't even get me started. Steven is getting out of hand. It's beyond ridiculous at this point. I heard from a friend in HR that he's trying to get my work visa revoked. Can you even believe that?" Leo flopped onto the couch, letting out a long, tired sigh.

The two men paused the game, exchanging glances.

"What the-? Is that guy for real?" Paul muttered, disbelief in his voice.

William arched an eyebrow. "Is this Steven guy your higher-up or something?"

"Kind of. He's this Nepo baby hire who's been a total nightmare ever since his side-piece assistant got fired-by Leo, because the guy lost some important documents. Ever since then, he's been all sour and petty. Honestly, I don't even know how someone can act like such a spoiled toddler," Paul rambled, shaking his head.

Leo groaned, her frustration spilling out. "I'm so tired of his tantrums. I didn't spend so much money on college just to have my work life reduced to catering to fragile male egos."

William smirked. "If your visa's the problem, just marry some random guy. That's what's trending nowadays, isn't it?"

Paul suddenly sat up straighter, eyes lighting with mischief. "Holy shit! I just got the greatest idea ever."

Leo tilted her head. "Oh? Do tell."

"You should marry William."

Both of them froze, their eyes wide. "What? Are you insane?" they said in unison.

Paul waved his hands like it was obvious. "Think about it. You need a visa. And you"-he looked at William-"need to satisfy your grandfather and secure your position. Easy math."

William leaned back, shrugging, amusement dancing in his expression. "I am not marrying some random woman just for an inheritance, no offense."

"None taken. I'm not thrilled about marrying for a visa either. Especially to a rich kid who probably can't survive a day without spending thousands. Ah, no offense," Leo shot back.

The two stared at each other, annoyance simmering between them.

Paul grinned, clearly reveling in the absurdity. "Perfect! One year together, visas sorted, inheritance secured, and by the end, you'll probably never want to see each other again. Divorce? Easy. Meanwhile, I get a year of free live HBO drama."

Leo groaned, pushing herself up from the couch. "Sigh. I'm at my limit. I'm going to go have a bath and then sleep like the dead. Bye."

She walked past, leaving the two men alone in the living room, neither realizing that Paul's impulsive idea was about to become their inescapable reality.