Chapter 4: A Dangerous Proposal
451 Words
Emily barely slept.
Alexander King's words echoed in her mind all night.
"Your life will never be the same after today."
She tried to convince herself that meeting him had been a mistake, but deep inside, she knew it wasn't over.
The next morning, her phone rang.
An unknown number.
"Hello?"
A calm voice answered.
"Good morning, Miss Emily. Mr. Alexander King requests your presence at King Corporation at 10:00 a.m."
"What if I don't come?"
There was a brief silence.
"Then you'll walk away from an opportunity most people would never get."
The call ended.
Emily stared at her phone for a long moment before making her decision.
At exactly 10:00 a.m., she stepped into the breathtaking headquarters of King Corporation.
The luxurious lobby was filled with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and employees dressed in expensive suits.
Everyone seemed to know who she was.
"Welcome, Miss Emily. Mr. King is waiting for you."
The private elevator carried her directly to the top floor.
The doors opened.
Alexander King stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city skyline.
Without turning around, he said,
"I knew you would come."
Emily crossed her arms.
"I didn't come because I trust you. I came because I want answers."
Alexander smiled slightly.
"I expected nothing less."
He placed a black folder on the table.
"Read it."
Emily opened the file.
Her eyes widened.
It was a one-year contract.
"What is this?"
"My proposal."
She looked at him in disbelief.
"You want me to pretend to be your fiancée?"
"Yes."
"Have you lost your mind?"
"No."
"Then why would I ever agree?"
Alexander's expression turned serious.
"My family is forcing me into a marriage I don't want. My business rivals are waiting for any sign of weakness. I need someone I can trust."
"And you chose me?"
"I chose you because you can't be bought."
Emily laughed bitterly.
"You don't even know me."
"I know enough."
The room fell silent.
Just as Emily was about to speak, the office door burst open.
A stunning woman walked inside.
She froze the moment she saw Emily.
"Alexander... who is she?"
Alexander calmly answered,
"This is Emily."
The woman's eyes narrowed.
"And soon, the world will know her as my fiancée."
Her face turned pale.
She stepped closer to Emily and whispered,
"You have no idea what you've just walked into."
Without another word, she turned around and left.
Emily looked back at Alexander.
"I haven't signed anything."
"I know."
He slid a pen across the table.
"But when you do..."
"...everything will change."
Emily stared at the contract.
One signature.
One decision.
One dangerous future.
She took a deep breath...
Then reached for the pen.
To Be Continued...
- Writer
