Episode 1: The Bargain That Broke Her
Ava Moore had learned to live with silence. It crept into the corners of her one-bedroom flat, followed her like a shadow, and sometimes screamed louder than any argument ever could. Tonight, it sat with her on the edge of the hospital bed where her little brother lay motionless, machines hissing rhythmically around him.
“He needs the surgery soon. The tumour’s pressing closer to his optic nerve,” the doctor had said gently, placing the estimate into her trembling hands.
£37,400. More than she could earn in a year. Maybe two. She’d smiled politely, nodded like she had options.
Now, hours later, Ava stared down at Sam’s pale face, brushing a curl away from his forehead. “I’m sorry I can’t save you,” she whispered, voice cracking under the weight of helplessness.
Her phone buzzed beside her. Unknown number. She almost ignored it, but something in her gut made her swipe.
“Miss Moore?” A crisp, male voice.
“Yes?”
“This is Lucas Vale’s office. Mr Vale wishes to speak with you. Now.”
Lucas Vale. Her stomach turned.
Of course she knew the name. Billionaire. Ruthless. Infamous. And once upon a time, her first kiss. Her worst mistake.
He was also Sam’s former employer, the man who fired him six weeks ago over a botched warehouse report. Sam never said exactly what happened, but whatever it was, it crushed him.
Ava took a breath. “Put him through.”
A second passed. Then came the voice.
“Ava.” That voice hadn’t changed. Rich, smooth, cold.
“Lucas.”
“I heard about your brother. Tragic.”
“Don’t pretend you care.”
“Care?” A chuckle. “No. But I do have an offer.”
Ava froze.
He continued, calm and deliberate. “I’ll pay for Sam’s surgery. Every penny. On one condition.”
“What condition?”
“You marry me.”
Silence.
Ava laughed. Short. Humourless. “Is this a joke?”
“I don’t joke,” he replied.
Her throat tightened. “Why? Why would you want to marry me?”
There was a pause. “Let’s just say I have unfinished business.”
The words dropped like a stone in her chest. This wasn’t a favour. It was a transaction.
“I won’t be your puppet,” she said through gritted teeth.
“You already are,” he said quietly. “You just haven’t signed the papers yet.”
