Chapter 1: The Midnight Mistake
Scene 1: The Late Night Shift The rain was pouring heavily over New York City. Mia stood behind the counter of the luxury hotel, wiping the marble surface for the third time. It was 2:00 AM, and the lobby was completely empty.
Mia rubbed her tired eyes. She had been working double shifts for the past three weeks just to pay off her brother’s medical bills and her family’s rising debt.
"Just two more hours, Mia. You can do this," she whispered to herself.
Suddenly, the heavy glass doors of the hotel flew open. Cold air rushed into the warm lobby, followed by three men dressed in tailored black suits. The atmosphere in the room changed instantly. It felt heavy, dangerous, and suffocating.
Scene 2: The Arrival of Alexander Vance In the center walked a man who looked like he commanded the entire world. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp jawlines and dark, piercing eyes. His cold aura could freeze anyone in their tracks.
It was Alexander Vance—New York’s most powerful billionaire, and secretly, the feared boss of the Vance Syndicate.
Mia’s breath hitched. She quickly looked down, trying not to draw any attention to herself.
Alexander walked straight toward the private elevator reserved for VIPs. His guards stood at a distance, scanning every corner of the lobby.
"Get the documents ready for the midnight deal," Alexander said, his voice deep and smooth like dark velvet. "If anyone interferes, eliminate them."
"Yes, Boss," his right-hand man, Lucas, replied with a nod.
Mia’s hands trembled as she overheard the word 'eliminate'. She quietly backed away toward the staff room, wanting nothing more than to run away.
Scene 3: The Fatal Witness An hour later, Mia needed to restock the towels in the VIP lounge on the top floor. Thinking the lounge was empty at this hour, she pushed the service trolley down the dimly lit hallway.
As she passed Room 501, the door was slightly ajar.
Curiosity got the better of her. She glanced inside through the narrow gap.
Her heart dropped.
Inside the room, a man was on his knees, bleeding profusely. Standing over him with a silver g*n pointed at his head was Alexander Vance.
"You thought you could leak my company's secrets to my rivals and get away with it?" Alexander said coldly.
"Please, Mr. Vance! I have a family! Mercy!" the man begged, tears mixing with blood on his face.
"Mercy is for the weak," Alexander replied calmly.
Clank!
Mia accidentally bumped her elbow against the metal trolley behind her. The sound echoed loudly in the quiet corridor.
Scene 4: Trapped in the Shadow Inside the room, Alexander’s eyes snapped toward the door.
"Who's there?" Lucas barked, instantly drawing his weapon.
Panicking, Mia dropped her clipboard and ran down the hallway as fast as her legs could carry her. Her pulse hammered in her ears.
"Catch her! Now!" Alexander ordered.
Mia reached the emergency stairs, her chest heaving for air. But before she could open the heavy door, a strong, gloved hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her scream. Another powerful arm wrapped around her waist, locking her in place.
She struggled furiously, but it was like fighting against a solid wall of steel.
"Shh... quiet little mouse," a dangerous, deep voice purred right against her ear.
It was Alexander. His cold scent of expensive cologne and tobacco wrapped around her senses.
Scene 5: The Confrontation Alexander spun her around and pinned her against the cold concrete wall. Mia looked up, her eyes wide with terror. His dark eyes locked onto hers, analyzing her trembling lips and tear-filled eyes.
"A hotel maid..." Alexander sneered softly, eyeing her uniform. "Tell me, little mouse, how much did you see?"
"I... I didn't see anything! I swear!" Mia sobbed, her voice shaking violently. "Please, let me go! I won't say a word to anyone!"
Alexander leaned in closer, his thumb roughly tracing her lower lip. "People who enter my world don't just walk away alive."
Lucas stepped forward, holding his g*n. "Boss, should I handle her?"
Mia squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the worst.
Alexander stared at her face. He noticed the raw fear in her eyes, but also a spark of innocence that he hadn't seen in years. A twisted idea formed in his mind.
"No," Alexander said, shocking Lucas. "Don't kill her."
"Boss?" Lucas asked, confused.
Alexander grabbed Mia's chin, forcing her to look directly into his cold, hypnotic eyes.
"She saw too much. If I let her go, she's a risk. If I kill her, it leaves a mess," Alexander smiled, a dark, dangerous smile. "Bring her to my estate. She is coming with us."
"What?! No! Please!" Mia cried out, trying to push his chest, but he didn't even budge.
"You have two choices, sweetheart," Alexander whispered, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Either you end up in the river tonight... or you become my wife."
Mia stopped breathing. "W-Wife?!"
"A contract marriage," Alexander smirked. "To protect my reputation and keep you quiet. What is your choice, little mouse?"
(To be continued in Chapter 2...)
