**Chapter 2: A Helping Hand**

Religious sat on the steps of the grand mansion, feeling defeated and alone. The stranger's words of comfort had brought a small smile to her face, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of despair that had settled in her heart. King, with his kind face and piercing blue eyes, seemed to understand her pain. "So, what do you plan to do now?" King asked, his voice gentle and concerned. Religious shrugged, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I don't know. I have nowhere to go. My husband and best friend have betrayed me. I feel like I'm all alone in the world." King nodded sympathetically. "You're not alone, Religious. I'm here to help you. And I have a proposal that might just change your life." Religious raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of proposal?" King smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm a wealthy man, and I'm looking for a wife. Someone who can be a partner to me, someone who can help me with my business and my social life. And I think you might be the perfect person for the job." Religious was taken aback. She had never expected King to propose marriage to her, especially not after just meeting her. But as she thought about it, she realized that it might not be such a bad idea. She had no money, no home, and no job. And King seemed kind and genuinely interested in helping her. "What do you get out of it?" she asked, trying to sound practical. King chuckled. "I get a beautiful and intelligent wife, someone who can help me navigate the complexities of my business and social life. And I get to help you, someone who is in need of a helping hand." Religious thought about it for a moment. She had always been independent, but she had never been in a situation like this before. She had no other options, and King's proposal seemed like the best way out. "Okay," she said finally, making a decision. "I accept your proposal." King smiled, relief written all over his face. "Excellent," he said. "I'll make all the arrangements. We'll get married as soon as possible." Religious felt a rush of emotions as she stood up, her heart racing with excitement and uncertainty. She had just agreed to marry a stranger, a man she barely knew. But she had no other choice, and she hoped that this was the start of a new chapter in her life. As they walked towards the mansion, King took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Religious," he said. "I'll take care of you. You'll be safe with me." Religious smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in days. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of a new beginning. As they entered the mansion, Religious couldn't help but notice the opulence and grandeur that surrounded her. She had never seen anything like it before. King led her to a beautiful room, with a stunning view of the garden. "This will be your room," he said, smiling. "You can make it your own, decorate it as you like." Religious was touched by King's kindness. She felt a sense of gratitude towards him, and she knew that she had made the right decision. As she looked around the room, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of a new life, one that would bring her happiness and fulfillment.