Chapter 1: The Deal
Emily’s hands trembled as she stared at the contract in front of her.
“Sign it,” Alexander said coldly, his voice echoing through the silent office.
She looked up at him, her eyes burning with anger.
“You destroyed my family. And now you want me to marry you?”
Alexander didn’t even flinch. He simply leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
“You don’t have a choice.”
Her chest tightened. He was right—and she hated it.
Her father’s company was drowning in debt. The bank had already given their final warning. If she didn’t agree to this… everything would be gone.
“You’re a monster,” she whispered.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
“Maybe. But I’m the only one who can save you.”
Silence filled the room.
Emily lowered her gaze to the contract again. Marriage. One year. No love. No questions.
Just a business deal.
Her fingers tightened around the pen.
“Why me?” she asked, her voice barely steady.
For the first time, something flickered in Alexander’s eyes—something dark… something dangerous.
“Because,” he said slowly, “you belong to me.”
Her heart skipped.
That wasn’t part of the deal.
But before she could think any further…
she signed.
And in that moment—
Emily Carter sealed her fate.