DESTINED

THE DEAL

The knock came just before sunset.

Three slow, deliberate raps echoed through the apartment, cutting through the stale air like a blade. Emily was standing near the hallway when she heard it, her heart jolting violently against her ribs. Something about the sound told her this was not a neighbor, not a delivery, not an accident.

This was inevitable.

George was already on his feet, wiping his palms against his trousers as if preparing for an inspection. Margot hurried to his side, straightening her blouse and adjusting the silk scarf around her neck with trembling fingers. Even the apartment seemed to shrink under the weight of anticipation.

George opened the door.

Muse Mayer stepped inside.

Emily’s breath caught.

He was not what she had imagined—not even close.

Tall and broad-shouldered, he moved with a controlled ease that immediately commanded attention. His dark coat was impeccably tailored, expensive without screaming for notice. His hair was neatly styled, his features sharp and composed, his expression unreadable. There was no arrogance in him, no unnecessary display—only a quiet authority that settled heavily into the room.

And he was handsome.

Dangerously so.

The kind of man who didn’t need to raise his voice to be obeyed. The kind whose presence alone made people careful with their words.

Emily felt suddenly, painfully aware of herself—her simple clothes, her tied-back hair, her worn shoes. She stood frozen, hands folded in front of her, unsure whether to look at him or disappear entirely.

Muse’s eyes swept across the apartment in one slow glance, taking in the peeling paint, the outdated furniture, the faint smell of desperation that clung to everything. Then his gaze landed on Emily.

It lingered.

Not with desire. Not with disdain.

With calculation.

George cleared his throat nervously. “Mr. Mayer. Welcome. Please—come in.”

Muse stepped forward.

“The wedding is in two days,” he said calmly.

It was not a suggestion. It was not open for discussion.

Margot nodded quickly, forcing a brittle smile. “Yes, of course. We’re… very grateful. Everything has happened so fast.”

Muse gestured toward the door.

Two men entered behind him, carrying sleek black cases and a heavy leather briefcase. They placed them carefully on the coffee table—the same table where Emily’s medical textbooks still lay open, forgotten.

Muse opened the briefcase.

Stacks of money filled it.

Margot inhaled sharply. George stared, momentarily speechless.

“Gifts,” Muse said evenly. “And payment.”

George swallowed. “This is… more than we agreed on.”

Muse’s gaze flicked to him, cold and unimpressed. “I don’t underpay.”

Emily felt her stomach twist.

Margot: “Emily is very lucky,” she said sweetly. “Though she can be… difficult.”

Emily lowered her eyes.

She knew what was coming.

“She’s stubborn,” George added, emboldened now by the money in front of him. “Always chasing unrealistic dreams. Medical school, of all things. We’ve done our best to guide her, but she doesn’t always understand her place.”

Margot sighed theatrically. “Ungrateful at times. Always thinking she’s better than the family who raised her.”

The words settled over Emily like stones.

She stood silently, waiting for it to pass—as she always did.

Then the room changed.

Muse turned his head slowly toward Margot.

“No one,” he said quietly, “is allowed to insult my future wife.”

The air went still.

George stiffened. Margot’s smile faltered, her face draining of color.

Muse’s voice remained calm, but there was something lethal beneath it. “Not now. Not ever.”

Emily’s heart slammed violently in her chest.

George opened his mouth, then closed it again.

Muse took a step forward.

“I don’t care what you think of her,” he continued, his gaze never leaving Margot. “You will not speak of her that way in front of me—or behind my back.”

Margot nodded quickly, fear flashing in her eyes. “Of course. We didn’t mean—”

Muse lifted one hand.

She stopped instantly.

Even Leo, who had been hovering near the doorway, went silent.

Then May stepped forward.

“Mr. Mayer,” she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm, her voice gentle and coaxing. “Please, don’t be upset. We’re all family here.”

Her fingers brushed his sleeve.

Emily felt something sharp twist inside her chest—unwanted, unfamiliar.

Muse looked down at May’s hand.

His expression did not change.

He shoved her away.

Not violently—but firmly enough to make his point unmistakable.

May stumbled back with a small cry, humiliation flooding her face.

“Do not touch me,” Muse said coldly.

He turned away from her without another glance and walked toward Emily.

Emily froze.

Up close, his presence was overwhelming—controlled, dangerous, inescapable. He stopped in front of her, close enough that she could smell his cologne, clean and sharp, nothing like the apartment she’d grown up in.

“I’ve arranged everything for the wedding,” he said.

Emily nodded faintly, her throat tight.

“The planners will arrive tomorrow,” he continued. “You will cooperate with them.”

“Yes Mr Mayers,” she whispered.

Muse studied her for a moment longer. “I expect you to look your best. Do not embarrass me.”

“I won’t, Mr Mayers,” she said softly.

For a split second, something unreadable flickered in his eyes.

Then it vanished.

Muse straightened and turned toward the door. “I’ll see you in two days.”

And just like that, he left.

The door closed.

Silence followed.

George sank onto the couch, shaken. Margot pressed a hand to her chest, her expression tight.

“What kind of man is he?” Leo whispered.

“A cruel one,” Margot replied quietly.

May glared at Emily, fury burning in her eyes. “You’re marrying a rich man. A powerful one. Why should you get that?”

Margot scoffed. “Don’t misunderstand, Emily. You’ll be nothing but a maid in his house.”

Emily didn’t answer.

She picked up the dress and jewelry Muse had brought and walked to her room.

Inside, she closed the door and leaned against it, her hands trembling.

Muse Mayer had defended her.

She didn’t know whether to be afraid—or relieved.

She sat on her bed, staring at the unfamiliar gifts beside her, her thoughts tangled and restless.

Two days.

She had no idea what waited for her—but for the first time, the future felt uncertain in a way that wasn’t entirely hopeless.