Tempting The Billionaire: His dark desire

Chapter 2

Seren sat behind the sleek glass desk, the soft hush of the office filling the quiet room like a calming breeze. She signed the last document of the day, but her mind was far from the numbers and contracts. Tonight, she was supposed to meet the man her father had arranged for a business deal. Something about the whole setup didn’t sit right with her. Normally, she would’ve been pre-briefed, at least given a name or a company profile. But now, all she had was a time, a location, and a gnawing gut feeling.

Before she could get too deep into her thoughts, the door swung open. Camille stepped inside, lips curled in a smug little smile. Seren’s stomach clenched. She didn’t need this today. She needed to escape this life so badly. Why did her dad ever get married to her mom, what did he ever see in her because Camile is the exact copy of her mom and she doesn't seem to have any good traits. At the end of the day, it all comes down to money.

"So, how’s the perfect little businesswoman doing?" Camille asked, casually leaning against the desk like she owned the place. Seren hoped that ignoring her would get her to leave or at least understand that she doesn't want to have a conversation with her. Too bad Camille doesn't take hints.

“I just wanted to drop by with some big news—Josh and I are getting married. Shocking, right?”

Seren still didn’t look up but her grip on her pen tightened. She took in a deep breathe trying not to let her emotions get the best of her.

Camille tilted her head, seeing how Seren ignored her pressed further. “Oh, come on. Don’t be like that. Dad says it’s time you settled down too. Maybe he’ll marry you off to some stranger, just to get you out of the way.”

Seren finally looked at her, eyes cool and unbothered. “Is that all?”

Camille’s grin widened. “You know what your problem is? You think you’re better than the rest of us. But the truth is, you’re all alone. Dad has my mom. I have Josh. You have no one.”

She said it like it was a competition and she won. But Seren refused to think about it that way. If Josh jumped into Camille's arms at the first chance he got then it's him who doesn't deserve her. He never will.

Without waiting for a response, Camille turned and sauntered out. The door clicked shut, leaving only silence in her wake.

Seren exhaled slowly and leaned back in her chair. Her heart was heavy, and her thoughts were louder than ever. But tonight was important. She couldn’t fall apart now. She needed to be ready. Camille just wants to mess with her head.

She stood and walked to the restroom tucked beside her office. The mirror greeted her with a tired face — one that had cried too much last night. She removed her blazer, revealing the burgundy dress she’d picked earlier. It hugged her body perfectly, sharp yet elegant. Her armor.

She ran her fingers through her hair, letting it fall in soft waves. A touch of mascara, a gentle blush on her cheeks, and red lipstick that made her lips look like they were begging to be kissed. She sprayed on her perfume — warm and smoky — then stepped into her black stilettos and walked out.

***

The restaurant buzzed with soft conversations and the gentle clinking of glasses. Seren walked in like she belonged, her heels tapping against marble floors as she approached the table reserved in her name. But her eyes drifted to another table — a man sat alone, tall, sharp suit, dark hair that curled slightly at the ends. He looked like danger and wealth wrapped in one.

She hesitated, but something in her gut said this was him. Why would he reserve a table when her dad already did.

“Hi,” she said, sliding into the seat opposite him. Her voice was composed, but her heart thudded violently.

He looked up at her with piercing eyes and gave a small nod. “I’m looking forward to this.”

“Me too,” she lied, bringing out the contract documents from her purse. She began to speak about the companies, potential growth, alignment strategies — but she could feel his eyes on her. Watching. Studying.

The waiter poured wine. Seren drank more than she spoke. The pressure to appear composed was cracking at her. He was silent, unnervingly so, and it made her nervous. She didn’t know why, but she wanted his approval. Needed it.

She crossed her legs, letting the fabric of her dress rise just slightly, revealing more of her thighs. She leaned forward, her voice lower, more intimate. Beneath the table, her foot traced along his leg.

He didn’t flinch. Instead, he asked, “Do you know who I am?”

Seren blinked and took more wine now getting drunk . “Aren’t you the man I’m supposed to meet?”

“No,” he said softly, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. “But I’m glad you did.”

Panic twisted in her stomach. She reached for even more wine, swallowing hard, her confidence unraveling at least she would be free . Now drunk , she doesn't need to be soo composed anymore, she let herself go.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered sinking deeply into the seat . “I thought— God, I don’t even know anymore.”

He just kept on looking at her, In her eyes. But now she was too drunk to care.He might as well be a kidnapper for all she cares.

And then she laughed - a broken sound - and the tears came fast. “He cheated on me. With my sister. And everyone acts like I should just move on.”

The man continues to watch her, quiet. Calm. Dangerous.

“Are you going to marry me?” she blurted, eyes red, voice shaking. “I mean it. Marry me. Am I not beautiful enough? Am I not worth choosing?”

There was a long silence.

Then, with a slow tilt of his head, he said, “You are beautiful.”

Yh right. That's what Josh had told her for the past 3 years.

He leaned in closer, voice a whisper meant only for her.

“And if you want... I’ll marry you.”

Seren stared at him, wide-eyed, the wine making her head spin.

“You'll do what ???” she tried putting herself together. But her vision began to haze. she fell back to the seat.

Then everything went dark