Annie Hale, a tough, impoverished architecture student, has an unexpected one-night encounter with Hendrix Lane, a cold, reserved real estate tycoon. To solve the problem of needing a parent to attend the school anniversary, she, out of options, boldly begs Hendrix to play the part. She planned to leave immediately after the event, but the incident leads to rumors that Hendrix has an unwed daughter, sending the group's stock price plummeting. To calm the public storm, Hendrix offers Annie a one-year contract forcing them into a binding relationship. Annie only wants to graduate smoothly, so she complies with the terms, but as they spend time together, her sunny personality slowly wins Hendrix over. Initially dismissive and critical, Hendrix grows attracted to Annie's resilience and kindness, gradually falling for her on his own.
