The contract of Ruin
1040 Words
POV: Aurora Maxwell
I never thought that rescue could look that good in a suit and a smile that means. On the other hand, when people are desperate, demons look like gods.
The Sterling Tower's doors hissed open like a beast's jaws. It felt like the marble floors went on forever under my shaking shoes, and the air smelled like greed, power, and cruelty.
I had no place here. Not in my cheap shoes. Not while my nails are being chewed up. And especially not when their dad is in jail for a crime he didn't do.
As I walked toward the front desk, my heart was racing.
"Miss?" the woman asked with a blink, barely covering her dislike.
"Major Aurora. I have a meeting with Mr. Damon Sterling."
She looked me over once and then pushed a button. "Miss Maxwell is here."
Soon after, a tall man in a dark suit showed up out of nowhere. "Follow me."
As we walked toward the lift, I held on to my bag tighter. Each step felt heavier than the last. My throat felt dry, and I felt like I had nothing with me but hope and a tight black dress that cost me my last paycheck.
A soft ding let the elevator doors open. 90th floor. The top.
We walked into a huge office made of glass and steel that looked out over the city like a throne room in the sky.
He was right there. Roger Federer. CEO. Rich person. The person who, with one phone call, could end my dad's worst fear.
He didn't get up from his pretty black desk. Not a single handshake. His eyes were as cold and dangerous as the Arctic.
He said, "Aurora Maxwell," as if he could taste the name.
"Yes." I tried not to blink when he looked at me.
In quiet, he looked at me. Then he leaned back and folded his hands like he owned me.
He told her, "I know why you're here." "Your dad stole thirty million dollars from St. Morris Bank." It's awful having him in jail.
I took a breath. "He's not guilty." "He's—"
"In a hurry?" Damion spoke up. "You must be so desperate that you came to me, but what are you offering?" Your tears? "Are you innocent?"
My face turned red. "I needed help and came here."
With the grace of a cat, he stood up and walked around the desk. "What are you going to give me in return, Aurora?"
"I'm going to work." I'll pay you back in time, I promise—
"No." He laughed. "The pay of a barista is too low for you to repay thirty million."
I jerked. He knew everything.
"Then why did you agree to meet with me?" I asked with a shaky voice.
Damion got closer until he was just a few inches away. His silver-gray eyes showed that a storm was coming. I could see the cut on his jaw.
For the same reason I do. "And you're the best answer."
I held my breath. "What's the matter?"
He turned around, took out a file, and threw it on the table between us. I slowly opened it. News stories. Picture. Thoughts.
"The Sterling Empire Is Under Attack—Where Is Damon's Wife?"
"Stewart Heir: Billionaire Playboy or Shy CEO?"
I looked up. "Do you need a wife?"
He said, "Not a wife." "A writing."
I opened my eyes. "What?"
He bent down and spoke in a low, dangerous voice. "Get married to me." Two years. Show up at events. For the cameras, smile. Don't say anything. I'll get rid of your dad's case in exchange.
"Are you sure?"
"I already have the proof to either bury him or save him." You get to decide.
My legs were shaking. "Why me?"
He gave a cold smile. "Because I can't see you." Not a story. No ex-lovers. Not a goal. Just a girl in need.
My eyes hurt with tears. "This is crazy."
"No," said Miss Maxwell. "This is business." The deal was moved across the table by him. "You need to be saved. I need to be alone. Mrs. Sterling, please sign the contract.
I took my time sitting down. I felt like the pen I was holding was a weapon.
I said in a whisper, "This isn't a marriage."
"There is a deal." Damon's voice stayed the same. "You'll live on my top floor." Go to events. We both leave in two years.
"What if I say no?"
He made a face. "Then your dad dies in jail."
Keep quiet.
I said in a whisper, "You're heartless."
Damon leaned in closer, and I felt his breath on my cheek. "No." I am sensible. There was a miracle you came here for. "I'm the only god left in your broken world."
I could feel the pen shaking in my hands.
"What if I do something wrong?" I asked.
His eyes got darker. "Then I'll break you."
I meant to run. Make a noise. Tell him to set his deal and business on fire. But I thought of my dad's face—his arms were cuffed, and his eyes were empty.
I had no choice. Not at all.
As I picked up the pen, my pride was bleeding. When I signed, my name looked like a death sentence on the paper.
Damon smiled like he had just won a war as he took the deal.
"Mrs. Sterling, welcome to your new life."
He said one more thing as I stood there, confused.
"Oh yeah, and Aurora?"
As I turned, my heart was racing.
"Don't bring lovers." Not a secret. Don't lie.
I looked at him. "Why?"
He went to his desk and then came back to me. "Because my enemies are looking at me." They will bury you next to your father if you cross me.
There was a fake diamond ring on my finger when I left that room. My legs were shaking.
I knew I had just sold my freedom to the devil in a suit as the elevator doors shut behind me.
I didn't know that Damon Sterling wasn't the only scary person waiting for me on the 90th floor, though.
- Writer
