Episode 1: The Price
Riya's POV
If I could turn back time, I would never have walked into that building.
People always say love makes you brave.
They never tell you that love can also make you foolish.
I never imagined that the greatest mistake of my life would be giving my body to a man I didn't love... All so the man I did love could have the future he dreamed of.
Even now, I still remember every step I took that day.
The thought ran through my head.
The cold air brushing against my skin.
The way my hands trembled so badly that I had to hide them behind my back.
I stood in front of the tallest building in Los Angeles, staring at the words carved into the glass entrance.
BLACK RAVEN GROUP.
Everyone knew who owned it.
Luke Williams.
A man people feared more than they respected.
Some called him a businessman.
Others called him a monster.
But everyone agreed on one thing.
He always got what he wanted.
I swallowed hard and stepped inside.
The receptionist looked up.
"Do you have an appointment?"
I shook my head.
"I... I need to see Mr. Williams.
She frowned.
"Mr. Williams doesn't meet people without an appointment."
"Please." My voice almost broke. "Tell him Riya Ashford is here. It's important."
She studied my face for a few seconds before picking up the phone.
I couldn't hear what she said.
After a moment, she looked at me again.
"The boss will see you.
My heart skipped.
I wasn't sure if I should feel relieved... or terrified.
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding.
Each floor made my chest tighter.
By the time I reached the top floor, I could barely breathe.
A tall man in a black suit opened a pair of heavy doors.
"Mr. Williams is waiting.
I nodded weakly.
The office was larger than my entire apartment.
Floor-to-ceiling windows look richly designed
Dark furniture.
Cold silence.
Everything inside the room screamed power.
Then I saw him.
Luke Williams sat behind a large desk, dressed in a black suit that fit him perfectly.
His sharp almond-shaped eyes lifted from the papers in front of him and settled on me.
Those eyes didn't hold warmth.
They didn't hold curiosity.
They simply... watched.
As if he could see every secret I was trying to hide.
He leaned back in his chair.
"You asked to see me.
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
I forced myself to speak.
"My name is Riya Ashford."
"I know.
That surprised me.
"You know me?
"I know everyone who walks into my office.
My mouth went dry.
"I... I came to ask for your help.
His expression didn't change.
"What kind of help?"
"My boyfriend...
The words caught in my throat.
"He applied for a management position in your company.
Luke remained silent.
"He deserves it," I continued quickly. "He's hardworking. He's talented. If you could just give him a chance...
Luke folded his hands on the desk.
"So you're asking me to hand someone a contract because you asked nicely?
Heat rushed to my face.
"No... I..
He stood.
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Every step he took toward me made my heartbeat louder.
He stopped only a few feet away.
"What makes you think your boyfriend deserves special treatment?
I lowered my head.
"I don't know.
"I just..
"I love him.
The words came out as a whisper.
For the first time, something flickered in Luke's eyes.
Not kindness.
Interest.
He looked at me for a long moment before speaking.
"In my world, Miss Ashford...
"Nothing is free.
A chill ran down my spine.
"I don't have money," I admitted quietly.
"I wasn't asking for money.
I looked up.
Our eyes met.
His face remained unreadable.
Then he spoke the words that changed my life forever.
"Spend one night with me..
"And your boyfriend gets the contract.
My world stopped.
The air disappeared from my lungs.
I stared at him, unable to believe what I had just heard.
"What. Did you say?
Luke didn't repeat himself.
He simply looked at me and said,
"Think about it.
"You can walk away now.
"Or pay the price.
