You are not ugly. You just need to dress a little better and marry me. Lise Hansen could not believe her own ears. There she was, rummaging through a trash bin for scraps of food in the main square of Aarhus, when a flawlessly dressed man approached her and made the most absurd proposal she had heard in her entire thirty-two years.
It was when he knelt down right there in the middle of the crowd, holding a small red box with a ring that glinted in the evening sun. I know you do not know me, said the man, ignoring the curious stares from passersby who had begun to gather around them. My name is Frederik Møller, and I desperately need your help. Lise took a few steps back, clutching the plastic bag where she kept her few belongings.
Her brown hair was tangled, and her torn, dirty clothes told the story of the last six months on the street. But her brown eyes still held a spark of intelligence that had caught Frederik’s attention the moment he saw her. Are you insane? she whispered, looking around, noticing that several people had stopped to witness the scene.
Get up. You are making a fool of yourself. I am not insane. I am desperate, Frederik replied without moving from his position.
I need to be married before the end of this month. Otherwise, I will lose everything I have built in life. Lise felt a mix of anger and shame. How dare this man appear out of nowhere and make such a humiliating suggestion?
She, who had once been a respected librarian at the University of Aarhus, was now being treated like someone in need of charity. I do not need your pity, she said, trying to walk past him. Find someone else for your little game. But Frederik stood up quickly and blocked her path, though he always kept a respectful distance.
It is not pity. It is a business arrangement. A contract. You help me, and I help you.
It is that simple. What kind of help can a man like you need from someone like me? Lise crossed her arms defiantly. My grandfather left a clause in his will.
To inherit the family business, I must be married before I turn thirty-five. I have exactly twenty-three days to find a wife. Otherwise, everything goes to my cousin Pernille. Lise studied his face.
Frederik had sharp features, piercing blue eyes, and appeared to be around forty-three years old. His suit was clearly expensive, and the watch on his wrist looked like it cost more than she had earned in a year when she still worked. But there was something in his expression that did not seem fake. Why me?
she asked, still suspicious. There are thousands of women in Aarhus who would marry you for your money. Why would I want their money? Frederik replied, slipping the ring box back into his jacket pocket.
I have seen you here in the square several times over the past few weeks. Always polite to everyone. Always grateful even when people treat you badly. You have dignity, and that is rare.
Lise felt a knot form in her chest. It had been so long since someone had spoken respectfully about her that she had almost forgotten what it felt like. You know nothing about me, she mumbled. I know you were not always like this, Frederik said, gesturing toward her clothes.
I know that something happened in your life that brought you here, and I know you are not here by choice. Lise felt tears begin to form in her eyes, but she forced them back. She would not cry in front of a stranger. Even if I wanted to help you, what you are suggesting is insane.
A marriage is not a game. It will only be on paper, Frederik explained. A business deal. You marry me, help me secure the inheritance, and after a few months, we get divorced.
In return, I will give you an amount of money that will allow you to restart your life. Lise stared at him. Restart her life. Those words sounded like a dream she had almost stopped allowing herself to have.
And what if I say no? she asked quietly. Then I will find someone else, Frederik admitted. But I would rather it be you.
You have nothing to lose, and I have everything to gain from your honesty. Lise looked at him for a long moment. Then she shook her head. I need to think about this, she said, and before he could respond, she turned and walked away, vanishing into the evening crowd.
That night, Lise lay in her makeshift bed under a bridge, staring at the dark sky above her. She could not stop thinking about the stranger and his bizarre offer. He was clearly rich, clearly successful, and clearly out of his mind. Yet there was something about him that made her want to believe him.
Over the next two days, Lise found herself going over the proposal again and again. She had spent the last six months surviving on the streets, fighting for scraps, sleeping in doorways, and pretending that she did not care about the looks people gave her. But she did care. She cared more than she had ever admitted to herself.
She had not always been homeless. Once, she had a life. A job. A future.
But that was before the scandal, before the accusations, before everything she had built was ripped away from her. Lise had been working as a librarian at the university, and she had been researching a corruption scandal involving a local politician. She had found documents that proved he had been embezzling public funds, but before she could go public, someone had found out what she was doing. They had planted evidence in her apartment, and she had been fired and disgraced.
No one would hire her, and eventually, she lost everything. Now she was here, standing in the cold morning air, watching as Frederik approached her again. I hope you have thought about my proposal, he said. Lise looked at him.
He was wearing a different suit today, but it was just as expensive as the one from before. His smile was tentative, as if he was not sure if she would reject him again. I have considered it, she said slowly. But I have some conditions.
Frederik’s eyebrows rose slightly. I am listening. First, I need to know the real reason you chose me. And second, if I do this, I will not be some kind of hired helper who is kept in the background.
I will be your wife, even if it is just on paper. That means I will have opinions, and you will listen to them. Frederik nodded. That seems reasonable.
Is there anything else? Lise took a deep breath. I also want to know what happened to you. Why do you need a wife so badly?
Frederik was quiet for a moment, then he gestured toward a nearby café. Shall we go somewhere more private? It has been a long week, and I could use a cup of coffee. They sat in a corner booth, and Frederik ordered them both coffee and sandwiches.
Lise could not remember the last time she had eaten something so warm and substantial. My grandfather was a harsh man, Frederik began. He built his fortune from nothing, and he expected his children to carry on his legacy. But my father died young, and I was raised by my mother.
My grandfather never approved of her, and he always blamed her for my father’s death. He paused, taking a sip of his coffee. When he died, he left everything to me, but with one condition. I must be married by the time I turn thirty-five.
If I am not, the entire fortune goes to my cousin, Pernille. And I can assure you, Lise, Pernille is not a good person. She has spent her entire life manipulating people, and she would ruin the company within a year. Lise frowned.
So this is all about money? Partially, Frederik admitted. But it is also about something else. My grandfather had a partner, an old friend who had been with him from the beginning.
That partner passed away recently, and he left a large sum of money to the company. But the will is being contested, and the judge has said that until the case is resolved, the money is frozen. The only way to access it is if I can prove that I have a stable family life. Marriage is a way to prove that.
Lise studied him. And why not just tell people the marriage is fake? Because it cannot be fake, Frederik said, leaning forward. If anyone finds out, the whole deal collapses, and I lose everything.
So we have to be convincing. We have to act like a real couple, in public and sometimes even in private. Can you handle that? Lise nodded slowly.
It is not as if I have anything to lose. Over the next few days, they met several times to plan. Frederik had a lawyer who drafted a contract, and Lise read every word carefully. The contract stated that the marriage would be for one year, after which they would get a divorce.
In return, Frederik would pay her a generous salary and would give her a lump sum at the end, enough to restart her life. But there were other clauses too. Lise was to act as his wife in public, accompanying him to events and dinners. She was to live in his house and maintain the appearance of a happy marriage.
And most importantly, she was to stand by his side when he faced his family and his business partners. Do you think you can do it? Frederik asked one evening, as they walked through the city park. Lise considered the question.
She had been living on the streets for too long to be afraid of a little acting. And the thought of having a warm bed, regular meals, and a chance at a new life was almost irresistible. Yes, she said finally. I can do it.
Frederik smiled, and for the first time, Lise saw a genuine warmth in his eyes. Then there is only one thing left to do, he said. Get ready to be a bride. The wedding was held quietly at the registry office.
Frederik’s sister, Marianne, was the only guest, and she watched with sharp eyes as her brother slipped a ring onto Lise’s finger. Are you sure about this? Marianne asked Frederik quietly, while Lise was speaking to the registrar. She is a stranger.
I know what I am doing, Frederik replied, his voice low. Trust me. Marianne did not look convinced, but she said nothing more. The first few weeks of married life were awkward.
They slept in separate rooms, and they had to remind themselves to hold hands in public. Lise was given her own credit card and her own car, and she slowly began to adjust to a life of comfort she had almost forgotten existed. But the tension was always there. Frederik was often stressed, spending hours on the phone with his lawyers and business partners.
And Lise could not help but notice that he was watching her when he thought she was not looking. One evening, he came home looking more tired than usual. Lise was in the kitchen, making tea, and she poured him a cup without being asked. Rough day?
she asked. Frederik nodded, sinking into a chair. My partner is being difficult. He is threatening to pull out of the deal unless I can provide further proof that the marriage is genuine.
What kind of proof? Lise asked, frowning. He wants to see us together. In public.
At a formal event. He has invited us to a gala next Saturday. Lise nodded slowly. Then we go to the gala.
It is not a problem. Frederik looked at her, surprised. Are you sure? It is going to be full of people, my family, my business partners.
They are all going to be watching us. Then we will give them a show, Lise said, taking a sip of her tea. That is what I am here for, right? Frederik was quiet for a moment.
Then he smiled faintly. Yes, he said, his voice soft. I suppose it is. The gala was held at a grand hotel in the city, and Lise wore a deep blue dress that matched her eyes.
She had her hair done, and when she looked in the mirror, she almost did not recognize herself. You look beautiful, Frederik said, offering her his arm as they walked into the ballroom. Lise felt her cheeks flush. Thank you.
You do not look so bad yourself. They mingled with the guests, Frederik keeping a hand on the small of her back. He introduced her as his wife, and Lise smiled and made small talk, playing the part of the devoted spouse perfectly. But she could not shake the feeling that someone was watching her.
She glanced around the room and saw a woman in a crimson dress staring at her with open hostility. Who is that? Lise whispered to Frederik. Frederik followed her gaze and stiffened.
That is Pernille. My cousin. Lise felt a chill run down her spine. Pernille was beautiful, with dark hair and sharp features.
She was smiling, but there was no warmth in her eyes. Hello, Frederik, Pernille said, gliding over to them. I see you have brought a date. She is my wife, Frederik corrected, his voice cold.
Wife? Pernille laughed. Oh, darling, do not be ridiculous. We both know this is nothing but a business arrangement.
I have already heard about it. Lise felt her stomach drop. She glanced at Frederik, who was staring at Pernille with barely controlled rage. I do not know what you are talking about, Frederik said.
But if you will excuse us, we have to greet the other guests. He began to pull Lise away, but Pernille reached out and grabbed Lise’s wrist. You should be careful, my dear, Pernille whispered in her ear. My cousin may seem charming, but he is not a good man.
He is only using you. Do not let him ruin your life like he ruined mine. Lise pulled her hand free. I am not afraid of you, she said, her voice steady.
Pernille smiled, then turned and walked away. Lise felt Frederik tense beside her, and she reached out and took his hand. She is just trying to get under your skin, Lise said softly. Do not let her.
Frederik nodded, but he did not look convinced. The rest of the gala passed in a blur. Lise talked to the other guests, smiled, and pretended that everything was fine. But she could not shake the feeling that Pernille was watching her, waiting for the right moment to strike.
On the way home, Frederik was quiet. Lise sat beside him in the back of the car, watching the city lights pass by. Are you okay? she asked finally.
Frederik sighed, running a hand through his hair. I do not know how much more of this I can take, he admitted. Every day, it is something new. The lawyers, my business partners, my family.
Everyone is waiting for me to fail. Lise reached out and touched his arm. You are not failing. We are doing this together, remember?
Frederik looked at her, and for a moment, she saw a vulnerability in his eyes that he usually kept hidden. Thank you, Lise. I do not know what I would do without you. Lise felt her heart skip a beat.
She did not know what to say, so she just squeezed his hand and said nothing. Over the next few weeks, Lise began to notice things about Frederik that she had not noticed before. He was kind to the staff, always polite and patient. He left flowers in her room when he knew she was feeling down.
He remembered her favorite tea and made sure it was stocked in the kitchen. And slowly, almost against her will, Lise began to develop feelings for him. She knew it was wrong. She knew their marriage was nothing but a business arrangement.
But she could not help it. One evening, they were sitting in the garden, watching the sun set over the bay. Frederik, she said suddenly. Can I ask you a question?
He turned to look at her. Of course. Why did you really choose me? I mean, you said it was because I was dignified, but there are plenty of dignified women who would have jumped at the chance to marry a wealthy man.
Why me? Frederik was quiet for a long moment. Then he sighed. Because I saw myself in you, he said finally.
When I look at you, I see someone who has been broken but is still fighting. Someone who has every reason to give up, but has not. That kind of strength is rare, Lise. It is beautiful.
Lise felt tears prick her eyes. She did not know what to say. And besides, he added, a small smile playing on his lips. You are the only one who did not try to take advantage of me.
Lise laughed, a wet, shaky sound. Well, do not count on that, she said. I am planning to be a very expensive wife. Frederik laughed too, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders.
Later that night, Lise found an old letter in her room. It was addressed to her, and it was from the university. She had forgotten that she had kept it, a reminder of the life she had lost. She opened it and read it slowly.
It was a letter from the dean, confirming that her contract had been terminated and that she was no longer welcome on campus. Her throat tightened. She had given everything to that job, and they had thrown her out like garbage. She was so lost in thought that she did not hear Frederik enter the room.
Are you okay? he asked, his voice soft with concern. Lise looked up, quickly wiping her eyes. It is nothing.
Just an old letter. Frederik walked over and sat down beside her. He did not say anything, but he did not have to. He just reached out and put a hand on her shoulder.
Lise leaned into him, letting herself cry for the first time in months. She cried for the life she had lost, for the years she would never get back, and for the woman she used to be before everything fell apart. And when she was done, Frederik pulled her into a hug. It was the first time they had embraced, and it felt strange and wonderful at the same time.
I am going to tell you something, my husband whispered. It is not too late for you. You can still have a good life, a happy life. You just have to be willing to let go of the past.
Lise nodded. She had heard similar words before, but coming from him, they sounded different. They sounded like a promise. The following weeks brought more challenges.
Pernille continued to make trouble, spreading lies about them and trying to undermine their marriage. But each time, Lise and Frederik faced the problem together, presenting a united front. The final test came when an old business partner of Frederik’s came forward, claiming that the marriage was fraudulent. He produced documents that supposedly proved they had only met a few months ago, and he demanded that the company cut all ties with Frederik.
Frederik was in a panic. He paced the living room, his phone in his hand. This is a disaster. He has ruined everything.
Lise watched him, her mind racing. Then she stood up. No, she said firmly. He has not.
I have been thinking about this, and I think I have an idea. Frederik stopped and stared at her. What do you mean? What if we fight back?
Not with documents, but with the truth. Tell them that we fell in love. Tell them that even though the marriage started as a business arrangement, it turned into something real. People believe in love stories, Frederik.
Give them one they can believe in. Frederik looked skeptical. But is that true? he asked.
Did you fall in love with me? Lise felt her breath catch in her throat. It was a question she had been avoiding for weeks. She knew what the answer was.
She had known for a long time. Yes, she said quietly. I did. Frederik stared at her, and then he crossed the room and took her in his arms.
I did too, he whispered. I think I have loved you since the moment you told me to get off my knees and stop making a fool of myself. Lise laughed, tears streaming down her face. So, what do we do now?
Jette’s hand was on her shoulder, warm and steady. She looked up and met his eyes. There was no hesitation in them, only certainty. Well, I am not a reporter, so we are going to have to do this the old-fashioned way, he said.
We are going to tell our story, in our own words. And we are going to prove that our marriage is real. They spent the next few days crafting their message. Lise wrote a heartfelt letter, describing how she had gone from being penniless and homeless to falling in love with a man who had seen her worth when no one else had.
She talked about the small moments, the quiet conversations, the way he had helped her learn to trust again. Frederik, in turn, arranged to have their story published in a local news outlet. He knew it was a risk, but he trusted her. He trusted that the truth was more powerful than any lie his cousin could tell.
On the morning of the publication, they sat together at the breakfast table, holding hands. Lise felt sick with anxiety. She had never shared anything so personal with the world before. What if it does not work?
she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Then we deal with that together, Frederik said. No matter what happens, Lise, I am here with you. And that is not going to change.
The article came out, and the response was overwhelming. People were moved by their story, and soon, the online rumors were replaced with support and sympathy. Even the business partner who had tried to ruin them began to soften. That night, they received a phone call from Frederik’s lawyer.
The board has decided to drop the investigation, he said. They have seen the article, and they believe that the marriage is genuine. The company is yours, Frederik. Frederik hung up and turned to Lise, a dazed smile on his face.
We did it, he said. You did it. Lise shook her head. No, we did it.
Together. Frederik pulled her into his arms, and they stood there in the middle of the living room, holding each other. And for the first time in a long, long time, Lise felt like she was home. The ceremony to finalize their union, a real ceremony this time, was a small affair.
They invited Frederik’s sister, Marianne, and a few close friends. Lise wore a simple white dress, and Frederik could not take his eyes off her. You look beautiful, he whispered as she walked down the aisle. You already said that, she smiled.
Well, I mean it. They exchanged their vows, not just a legal contract but a promise to each other. And when the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Frederik pulled Lise into a kiss that made her toes curl. Later that evening, as they sat on the balcony of their villa, looking out over the bay, Lise leaned her head on Frederik’s shoulder and let out a contented sigh.
Can I ask you a silly question? she said. What is it? That letter you wrote me.
The one with the first draft of our contract. Why did you write it? Frederik was silent for a moment. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a worn piece of paper.
Because, he said, I wanted to have something to remember you by. In case you said no. Lise took the paper and unfolded it. It was the exact same contract he had shown her all those months ago, except there was a note at the bottom that she had never seen before.
“If you are reading this, it means I fell in love with you. And I hope one day you can love me too. ”
Lise looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. I love you, too, she said.
I have for a long time. Frederik smiled and pulled her close. I know. It took you long enough.
They stayed there for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the stars came out one by one. And Lise knew, with a certainty she had not felt in years, that her life had finally begun.