I Walked Into The Devil’s Lair!

CHAPTER ONE: THE OFFER “Could you drive any faster?!” Lena urged. leaning forward from the backseat. Her eyes flickered to the time on her phone again, then back to the road ahead. “I’m already late”. The driver glanced at Lena through the rearview mirror, wondering what the rush could be. “Yes ma’am”, " he replied, pressing harder on the accelerator. “f**k”. Lena cursed in her mind. She knew she’d forget to set an alarm last night, “I’m never getting that drunk again”, she whispered to herself as her thoughts raced back to the night before. She gently massaged her temple, the throbbing pain she felt in her head, reminding her she forgot to pop an ibuprofen before heading out, “way to go, Lena”, she whispered to herself mockingly. The car’s tires screeched to a sudden halt in front of the courthouse, Relief washed over Lena. She pushed the door open and hopped out of the car, throwing a quick “Thank you!” over her shoulder before rushing towards the entrance, Lena stood before the entrance steps for a brief moment, taking a deep breath. She began walking into the building. Adrenaline rushed through her veins, with every step her stiletto heels took she felt her chest tighten, clenching her fists to her chest. She couldn't believe it, her younger brother, Noah, who had been accused of a crime he didn't commit was having his final court hearing in a few minutes. She shivered as she walked the hallway, the air smelling faintly of polished wood and paper. The high ceilings made her feel nauseous, and unfamiliar whispers swept across the room, accompanied by the sound of paper shuffling, tingling her ears. Noah had always been careless with paperwork, but this?, being accused of stealing sensitive paperwork from his company… it was a disaster, utterly unfair, if the judge ruled against him, he’d be gone for years and she’d never forgive herself, Lena’s vision blurred as she was lost in thought. She instinctively paused, then scanned around the hallway hoping she’d see Noah, fists clenched around her shoulder bag. Lena didn’t believe in miracles. Still, at that moment, she desperately needed one. She slumped her shoulders in defeat, slowly turning to twist the door handle. A man in a sharply tailored suit stepped from the hallway shadows. Lena watched as he approached her, holding a leather briefcase. “Who’s this?” she wondered, with a confused expression. He looked at her. “Miss Hart, right?”. His voice was smooth, measured, carrying authority that made her stop in her tracks, “I know about your brother’s case.” Her brows knitted together. “And who are you?”, she demanded. her voice sharp, despite the tremor. “If you’re a reporter, then I’m not interested.” The man said, shaking his head slightly, unfazed. “I’m not a reporter”, his tone remained calm and unwavering. “But I am someone who knows that the judge assigned to your brother’s case has already reviewed the evidence”. Lena stared at the reporter curious, lips pursed, “And”, she pressed, her fingers tightening around her bag strap “And”, he continued smoothly. “ The evidence doesn’t look quite good for him”. Her chest dropped, she couldn’t believe it. None of it. Was the entire thing orchestrated…. Will this be used against her in court?, She couldn’t fall for it. “That’s impossible”, Lena dismissed quickly. “My brother didn’t steal those documents”. The man studied her for a moment as though measuring her reaction. He hesitated a little before adding. “Whether he did or not is not the issue, what matters is that the court believes”. Lena felt the hallway suddenly grow colder “W…What do you mean?”, she asked cautiously. A faint smile touched the man’s lips almost like a smirk. “I have an offer that could save your brother..” Lena said in disbelief, eventually gathering some composure; then the words spilled out. “What?”. She mumbled in disbelief at what this random stranger had just offered her. He opened the leather suitcase and brought out a brown file. “If you agree to a marriage contract, all these will be behind you”, he added Lena froze, her mouth went dry. “A marriage contract?” She whispered. The courthouse noise faded, leaving only her racing heartbeat. His hand stretched out to her, urging her to collect it. Her sweaty palms hovered over the contract, trembling. “If I sign this… you’re sure my brother walks free?”. “Yes”, he responded, poker-faced. Lena hesitated. “And if I don’t?”. For the first time, the man glanced towards the courtroom doors. “Well,” he continued. “His case will be called any moment from now” Lena’s heart pounded, “That’s not what I asked.” “I know”, he said looking back at her. He glanced at his golden Cartier wristwatch. “The court meeting will be proceeding any moment from now“. “You'd better make your decision ”. Lena took a deep breath. It’s now or never.