A struggling student, driven by despair, wedded a wealthy 76-year-old woman, and just a week after their marriage, she presented him with a sh0cking proposal.
At twenty-three, Artem could hardly keep himself upright. Life had turned into a relentless battle for survival: his mother was gravely ill and unable to work for years, while his younger sister required constant care, food, clothes, and schooling.
Every expense—medicines, treatment, utilities, meals—fell entirely on his shoulders. He took any work available: courier, mover, private tutor for kids, yet the money was always insufficient.
The debts mounted, interest weighed heavily, and each day Artem asked himself: “How much longer can I endure this?”
Then, through a friend, he met an extraordinary woman. She was seventy-six, yet her mind was sharp, her humor intact, and her charisma remarkable.
She was a billionaire—used to luxury and admiration—yet shockingly lonely. On their first meeting, Artem realized she wasn’t just some rich elderly lady but an intelligent, confident woman who valued listening and respect.
When she unexpectedly suggested marriage, Artem spent sleepless nights in torment. His heart whispered one thing, but his mind reminded him of another.
His mother’s urgent treatment and his sister’s school expenses pressed him hard. Choosing wasn’t easy, but eventually, he accepted.
“I’ll endure living with this old woman for several years, but at least my mom and sister won’t lack anything,” he persuaded himself, believing the choice was right.
A week after the wedding, Artem was already accustomed to the restrained, somewhat cold life inside the enormous mansion. He and his wife stayed in separate bedrooms, spoke rarely—only at meals—and never shared life as a real couple.
Then one evening, she summoned him into her study with a proposal that stunned him.
Artem felt the air tighten. She observed him silently over her glasses before saying:
— “I have no heirs. No husband, no children. And I know exactly why you married me. Did you think I wouldn’t realize? You wanted money, not me.”
He tried to protest, but she raised her hand, halting him.
— “Don’t be quick. I don’t blame you. In fact, I admire your honesty with yourself. That’s why I’m offering you a deal. Until my last breath, you’ll stay by my side. To the world, we’re husband and wife. But I don’t require affection or intimacy. We’ll continue sleeping apart. Yet there’s one condition: remain faithful. No women, no scandals. Even suspicion—and you’ll receive nothing.”
She paused, then added firmly:
— “And another thing… never wish for my death. If it’s ever proven I died unnaturally, everything will be donated to charity. I don’t need a killer, but a loyal companion. Just someone to prevent my loneliness.”
Artem stayed speechless. His thoughts tangled: relief at avoiding a marital bed, dread of strict rules, and unexpected admiration for her clarity.
“Think it over, Artem. You’ll gain more than you ever dreamed. But only if you can withstand time,” she concluded.
He realized in that instant that his answer would shape not only his family’s destiny but his entire future.
