Frozen Vows

Episode One:The Proposal That Wasn't Love

The wind howled like a warning across the quiet town of Sitka.

Natasha Nielson pulled her coat tighter around her body, her breath forming soft clouds in the frozen air. The streetlights flickered faintly, casting long shadows over the snow-covered pavement. Everything about this place felt still… almost too still. Like it was hiding something.

Or maybe—it was her life that had frozen over.

She stared at the message on her phone again.

“Be at the Shamrock Estate. 7:00 PM. Don’t be late.” — Joel

No explanation. No greeting. Just instructions.

Typical Joel Shamrock.

Natasha exhaled sharply. “You always did love control,” she muttered under her breath.

The Shamrock Estate stood on a cliff overlooking the restless ocean—grand, intimidating, and cold. Just like the man who lived inside it.

Natasha at the gate

Promises.

And then—betrayal.

Her fingers curled into a fist.

“Not tonight,” she whispered. “I’m not that girl anymore.”

She pushed the gate open.

Inside, the warmth hit her instantly—but it didn’t comfort her.

Joel Shamrock stood by the fireplace, his back to her. Tall. Imposing. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that screamed wealth and authority. He didn’t turn immediately.

He knew she was there.

“Still late,” he said calmly.

Natasha scoffed. “Still arrogant.”

That earned a small reaction. He turned.

And for a moment—just a moment—time paused.

Joel hadn’t changed much. Still devastatingly handsome. Still carrying that quiet intensity that made people uneasy. But his eyes… they were colder now. Hardened.

“Natasha,” he said, her name rolling off his tongue like something familiar… and dangerous.

“Jael.”

Silence stretched between them like a loaded gun.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” Joel said, walking toward her. “I need a wife.”

Natasha blinked.

Then laughed.

“Oh, that’s rich. You call me after years and that’s your opening line?”

“I’m serious.”

She searched his face for a hint of humor.

There was none.

“You’ve lost your mind,” she said flatly.

“No,” he replied. “I’ve run out of time.”

That made her pause.

“What does that mean?”

Joel walked past her, pouring himself a drink. “My grandfather’s will. I inherit everything… but only if I’m married within three months.”

“And you thought of me?” Natasha raised an eyebrow. “Wow. I feel so honored.”

“You’re the only one I trust.”

“Trust?” she snapped, stepping closer. “You don’t get to use that word with me, Joel. Not after what you did.”

For a split second, something flickered in his eyes.

Regret?

Gone just as quickly.

“This isn’t about the past.”

“It’s always about the past.”

Flashback hit her like a wave.

Rain pouring.

Her standing alone.

Joel walking away without looking back.

Her chest tightened.

“Why me?” she asked, her voice quieter now.

Jael met her gaze. “Because you won’t fall in love with me.”

The words landed heavier than anything else he’d said.

Natasha felt something twist painfully inside her chest—but she forced a smirk.

“You’re right,” she said. “That would be a terrible mistake.”

“Then we understand each other.”

He stepped closer now—too close.

“Three months,” Joel continued. “A contract marriage. You get paid. Generously. When it’s over, we go our separate ways.”

Natasha stared at him.

This man.

This offer.

This madness.

And yet…

Her mind flashed to her younger sister, Cassidy Rowett, sitting in a hospital room. Pale. Weak. Waiting.

Medical bills.

Time running out.

“How much?” Natasha asked quietly.

Joel didn’t hesitate. “Enough to save whoever you’re trying to save.”

Her breath caught.

“How do you—”

“I know everything, Natasha.”

Of course he did.

Silence fell again.

This time, it was heavier.

More dangerous.

“You always play dirty,” she said.

“I play to win.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You haven’t changed at all.”

“Neither have you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Natasha walked toward the window, staring out at the dark ocean crashing against the rocks below.

This was insane.

Marrying Joel Shamrock? Again, stepping into his world?

It was the last thing she ever wanted.

But Cassidy…

She closed her eyes.

“What’s the catch?” she asked without turning.

“No feelings,” Jael said simply. “No interference in my business. And you don’t ask questions about things that don’t concern you.”

She turned slowly.

“And what if I do?”

His gaze darkened.

“Then the deal ends.”

Natasha studied him for a long moment.

Then—

“Fine.”

Jael stilled.

“You’re agreeing?” he asked.

She walked back toward him, her heels echoing sharply against the floor.

“This is just business,” she said firmly. “Nothing more.”

“Nothing more,” he repeated.

But as their eyes locked…

Something unspoken passed between them.

Something dangerous.

Something unfinished.

Outside, the storm grew louder.

And somewhere deep beneath the surface of this deal…

Secrets waited.

Watching.