THE LOVE DEAL

Lure In

The next morning, I stood outside the towering skyscraper that was Blackwell Tower. The gleaming glass windows reflecting the bright city around it. The building felt clinical as if it had been designed to make people feel small. I certainly felt small as I walked through the lobby, my boots echoing against the marble floor. Inside everything was slick and modern- polished surfaces, minimalistic décor and sharp lines that felt intimidating. The receptionist sent me up to the top floor without a second glance and the elevator doors opened to Damien Blackwell’s office I was met with a view that took my breath away. The entire wall was made of glass revealing the sprawling city below like he owned not just this building but the entire skyline. I felt out of place in my simple dress and worn boots, like I was intruding on a world that wasn’t meant for people like me. Damien Blackwell was already seated at his desk, his dark hair perfectly styled, his expression unreadable. He didn’t stand to greet me, just watched as I walked in, his gaze steady and assessing. “Miss Parker,” He said, his voice smooth but cold, “You’re here about the vineyard.” Straight to the point. No small talk, no room for pleasantries. I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’d like to discuss the terms of selling…” He raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair, “You’ve changed your mind. Interesting.” I clenched my hands together to stop them from shaking “I didn’t want to sell, but circumstances have changed and now you are desperate.” It wasn’t a question but a statement he knew. He always knew. I swallowed hard, “Yes.” Damien stood and walked toward the window, his hands in his pockets as he gazed out at the city below. “You want to save your father’s legacy,” he said, more to himself than to me, “But you don’t have the means to do so…” I bristled, hating how easily he summed up my entire life in one sentence. “I’m not here for a lecture, Mr. Blackwell, I’m here to negotiate.” He turned, his eyes locking on mine. “Negotiate?” His voice was laced with amusement Yeah, I know. Last minute decision. I had told Mira and Peter of my fears of selling the vineyard, “If I sell to Blackwell, what’s left?” I had asked at the café. “A fresh start.” Mira answered. Peter had reluctantly nodded, “and maybe- just maybe, if you negotiate, you won’t have to lose everything.” So this is me trying my luck at negotiating, but with not much to offer. Oh my God, what was I thinking? I should’ve just stuck with selling. “You have nothing to negotiate with, Miss Parker.” Damien snapped me out of my reverie. “I have the Vineyard…” I said “The vineyard is a liability.” My heart sank. He wasn’t wrong. “I’m offering you a way out,” he continued stepping closer, “But it won’t be on your terms…” I felt the walls closing in the weight of my failures pressing down on me. I had nothing left. “What do you want?” I asked defiantly, not wanting to give him the satisfaction that he had successfully riled me up. Damien studied me for a long moment, his gaze, cold and calculating. “Marry me.” I blinked, sure I had misheard him. “What?” “Marry me for one year, in return I’ll pay off your debt, save the vineyard, and when the year is up, you’ll be free to go.” I stared at him like he just grew a second head, my mind racing to make sense of his words. “Do you drink during the day Mr. Blackwell?” I asked slightly confused and amused at the situation. Surely he must be joking, or making fun of my situation. “You’re asking me to marry you? Why?” “Because I need a wife.” He said simply as if that explained everything, “And you need me. It’s a business arrangement. Nothing more.” What sort of a business arrangement meant marrying a total stranger when seconds ago we were discussing selling the one thing I treasure. My mouth went dry. “And what happens after the year?” “You get your vineyard back, and I get what I need.” His voice was calm, but there was something in his eyes; something dangerous. He wasn’t offering me a way out, he was offering me a deal with the devil. I scoffed and turned away, making my way towards the door. It was a mistake coming here, I should’ve known he was going to be shady – just like the rest of them who belong in this uptight world. My hands held the cold door handle. Do I want to walk away? After now, nothing else was going to make Damien want to have anything to do with me or The Parkers Vineyard. Do I really want to throw away the only opportunity I’ve got? Destroy the vineyard for good? But at what cost? Selling my soul instead? Getting married to a man I know nothing about other than the not-so-good rumors that have always circulated the city… But what choice did I have? I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I let go of the door handle. “Fine, I’ll marry you.” Damien smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Good. I’ll have the contract ready by tomorrow.” He said flatly, like that was enough to dismiss me. As I left his office, the weight of my decision settled over me like a heavy cloak. I had just agreed to marry a man I didn’t know. A man who saw me as nothing more than a tool in his grand plan. But at least I wouldn’t lose the vineyard. At least not yet.