Episode 2: Trapped in a Deal
908 Words
Emma Carter had always believed that she was in control of her life. She built her career with dedication, stayed away from unnecessary drama, and never allowed anyone to dictate her choices. But now, as she sat across from Ryan Walker, trapped in a forced engagement, she realized—she had no control at all.
The room was filled with tension. Her father sat with an authoritative expression, while her mother avoided eye contact. Ryan, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed, as if this entire situation was nothing more than a business negotiation.
Emma finally found her voice. "I will not marry a stranger, especially not for a business deal."
Ryan smirked. "Then don’t think of it as a marriage. Think of it as a partnership—mutually beneficial."
Emma’s eyes narrowed. "Beneficial for whom?"
Ryan leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "For both of us. Your father needs this alliance for his company’s future, and I... well, I have my reasons."
Emma turned to her father. "Why are you doing this?"
Mr. Carter sighed. "Emma, our company is in trouble. Walker Enterprises can save us. This marriage will secure our future."
Emma felt like the walls were closing in. She had worked so hard to build her own name in the architectural world, and now she was being used as a pawn?
"I won’t do it," she said, standing up. "Find another way."
Her father’s voice was cold. "There is no other way."
Ryan stood up too, buttoning his suit jacket. "You can fight all you want, Miss Carter, but in the end, you’ll have to say yes."
Emma turned to him, fire in her eyes. "You’re overconfident, Mr. Walker."
He chuckled. "I prefer the term realistic."
Without another word, Emma stormed out of the room, her heart pounding.
------
Emma couldn’t sleep that night. Her mind kept replaying the conversation. There had to be a way out. She refused to be caged in a loveless marriage.
The next morning, she walked into her father’s office, determined. "I will leave this city if I have to. You can’t force me into this."
Mr. Carter looked at her with an unreadable expression. "If you leave, Emma, you will no longer be my daughter."
Emma’s breath caught. "You’re choosing a business deal over me?"
"I am choosing what’s best for this family," he said firmly.
Emma felt a lump in her throat. Was this what she meant to him? Just a bargaining chip?
Before she could respond, the door swung open, and Ryan walked in as if he owned the place. "If you’re done with your rebellion, Miss Carter, I have a proposal."
Emma folded her arms. "I don’t want to hear anything from you."
Ryan ignored her and turned to Mr. Carter. "Give us one month. Let Emma and me pretend to be engaged. If, after that, she still doesn’t want this marriage, I’ll walk away."
Emma’s eyes widened. What kind of game is he playing?
Mr. Carter hesitated, then nodded. "One month."
Ryan smirked at Emma. "Let’s see how long your stubbornness lasts."
Emma clenched her fists. One month? She would make sure Ryan Walker regretted ever thinking he could control her.
---
Emma thought she could avoid Ryan, but she was wrong. The very next day, a luxurious black car pulled up in front of her house.
Ryan stepped out, looking effortlessly handsome in a casual white shirt and black jeans. "Pack your bags, sweetheart. We’re moving in together."
Emma’s jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"
Ryan held up a contract. "Clause number one—cohabitation for the duration of the engagement. My lawyer suggested it. And your father agreed."
Emma snatched the contract from his hand and scanned it. Her father’s signature was at the bottom.
"You’ve got to be kidding me!" she muttered.
Ryan grinned. "I don’t kid when it comes to business. Get in the car."
Emma wanted to scream, but she knew arguing wouldn’t change anything. Instead, she grabbed her bag, took one last look at her house, and got into the car—stepping straight into the lion’s den.
Ryan’s penthouse was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows, a panoramic city view, and luxurious modern décor.
"This place is ridiculous," Emma muttered as she walked in.
Ryan smirked. "I prefer the term comfortable."
Emma dropped her bag on the couch. "Where’s my room?"
Ryan pointed down the hallway. "Last door on the right."
Emma walked toward it, only to find... one bed.
She turned around. "Where’s your room?"
Ryan leaned against the doorway. "Same room."
Emma’s eyes widened. "You’re joking!"
Ryan’s smile grew. "You should get used to sharing space, fiancée."
Emma grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Ryan laughed, dodging easily.
"This is going to be fun," he said.
Emma glared at him. For you, maybe.
The next morning, Emma woke up to the smell of coffee. She walked into the kitchen, half-asleep, and froze.
Ryan was standing shirtless, making coffee. His toned abs and broad shoulders were impossible to ignore.
"Morning, fiancée," he said, smirking.
Emma quickly looked away. "Put on a shirt!"
Ryan chuckled. "Why? Feeling distracted?"
Emma rolled her eyes and grabbed a cup of coffee. "I don’t have time for your games."
Ryan sipped his coffee, watching her. "You should. Because this is just the beginning."
Emma knew one thing for sure—this month was going to be hell.
----
To be continued...
- Writer
