A SPELL TOO NEAR THE HEART
What I do involves a subtle craft. I feel an unseen link between two hearts, a delicate, almost undetectable thread that I may tighten with a simple flick of my wrist. The universe revolves around these threads, unbeknownst to us, as soulmates meet in the most unlikely locations and under the most bizarre conditions. I can help with it. I make certain the bonds are unbreakable.
I am Scarlet Winters, the notorious elite matchmaker, as the world knows me. But the narrative doesn't end there. The actual situation is significantly more nuanced. As the daughter of a long-standing witchcraft family pledged to uphold the sacrosanctity of love, I am Princess Annabella by birthright. I have a duty to use my abilities, not simply a gift. They are also not free. All I've worked so hard to build may fall apart with one incorrect step.
It is the same now. Another client, another unmatchable duo to bring together. My rooftop office's big windows let in the early light, which gives the clean, contemporary furnishings a golden tint. Everything is unspoiled, flawless, and perfect except for me. My mind is still racing after the spell I performed last night, so I've only gotten three hours of sleep. Now, oblivious to the enchanted link uniting them, a prominent CEO and an actress were smitten. But there isn't time to think about it. I'm brought back to reality when my phone rings.
"Scarlet Winters," I respond, trying to hide my tired voice in my most professional, businesslike manner.
"Ms. Winters, this is the assistant to Donovan Blake. He is hoping to see you today. noon. His workspace.
I wake up at the name. Everybody in the corporate world is afraid or amazed by Donovan Blake, the merciless millionaire. Donovan's reputation precedes him; he is ruthless, cunning, and very attractive. He is well-known for his real estate and technological empires. He had mentioned his name to me in the past, but what could he possibly want from me?
"I believe this to be urgent?" Stall for time as I ask.
It's crucial, Ms. Winters, anything pertaining to Mr. Blake. He dislikes having to wait around.
I wag my eyes. haughty, of course. I can't help but be curious. What can a guy such as Donovan Blake ask of me? He's a millionaire, therefore he must not need assistance finding his true match, right? Though I'm not as interested in the task as the guy is. However.
I hang up after saying, "I'll be there."
A weird feeling of dread twists my gut. This feels a little strange. However, I ignore the idea and make my way to the closet located in the office's corner. I had to look the part, smart, self-assured, uncanny, if Donovan Blake was waiting for me.
After sixty minutes, I find myself in front of Blake Towers, the center of his vast empire. Like the guy who owns it, the structure rises over me like an enormous monolith made of steel and glass. I inhaled deeply before entering. My heart rate quickens with every level as I take the elevator up, which seems to go on forever.
His assistant is waiting for me when the doors open; she's a little lady with spectacles balanced on the tip of her nose. She gives me a quick once-over and leads me into Donovan's office, looking plainly displeased.
There he is, too.
Donovan Blake is standing facing away from me, gazing out over the skyline of the city. Power radiates from his wide shoulders and immaculate clothing, but there's also a hint of something sinister and menacing hanging about him. Upon his eventual turn, I find myself gasping for air. He looks far better on photos than in real life. His flawlessly tousled black hair, bright blue eyes, and chiseled jaw all contribute to an unmistakably raw, manly energy. I hate that I've noticed that he's magnetic.
With a deep, silky, but authoritative voice, he says, "Scarlet Winters." "I am aware of your... abilities."
I attempt to maintain the upper hand in the discussion by joking, "And yet, here you are, still single."
Although his lips quiver, he does not grin. "I'm OK without your assistance. if not directly, at least.
My eyebrows shoot upward. Why am I here, then?
He moves over to his desk, grabs a folder, and throws it over the table to me. Everything you ought to know about Katherine Monroe is included inside. She is a business partner and is purportedly my soulmate, according to many accounts. The issue is that I reject destiny. or, conversely, love.”
I unfold the folder and go over its contents. Aspiring, stunning, and seemingly almost as cutthroat as Donovan is Katherine Monroe, the CEO of a global fashion corporation. I don't feel comfortable with the combination, even if the two of them together would be a power couple to rival any others.
"You're willing to pay for my services, but you don't believe in love?" With disbelief, I inquire.
"I think control is possible." I want to be certain whether Katherine is meant to be my soulmate because I know we would be unstoppable together. I want you to complete the transaction using whatever magic you say you possess.
I look him in the eye as I shut the folder. Would you want me to ensure that she falls in love with you?
"Exactly."
I waver. It screams against every fiber of my existence. It is not possible to purchase or coerce love. Even with magic involved, it's holy, sensitive, and meant to unfold organically. However, I've dedicated my professional life to not overly question things, and Donovan Blake is not the sort of guy you turn down.
What happens if I say no? I issue a challenge.
His face flickers with something deadly, and his eyes darken. "I don't think you should think about that as a possibility."
Though it's not overt, the danger is there. I ought to go now. I should let him know that his request is incorrect. Then something does, however. Regardless of what the universe says, Katherine may not be the ideal lady for him. However, perhaps, just perhaps, this is how Donovan is being introduced to someone else by the cosmos. A person similar to...
I push the idea from my thoughts. No, this isn't my concern. Never is it.
I respond, "Okay," getting up. "I'm going to accept the job. I do not, however, guarantee anything. Love is not always manipulable.
Then he grins, his lips curving slowly and dangerously. "Scarlet, I think you'll discover that everything can be controlled."
The discomfort intensifies as I turn to go. Something is lacking in my life, something he's keeping from me. And as the door closes behind me, I can't get rid of the feeling that maybe this time, I'm overwhelmed.
My phone starts to ring as soon as I get to the elevator. An unknown number has texted me.
You have no idea who you're interacting with, Annabella. While it's still possible, go on.
I stop and look at the screen. All I can think of is one question: how can they know my true name?
