Under His Dominion

Anna’s Pov The aroma of stale coffee lingered in the air as I mingled with chattering, impatient customers. My worn-out sneakers squeaked against the tiles as I tried to navigate through the restaurant to deliver an order. My shift was half over but the weight and pressure were second to none. “Anna! "Table five!” Pete, the owner of the diner, called out, snapping me out of my messed-up thoughts. “On it!” I yelled back, grabbing a tray and putting on a forced smile. Balancing a filled tray has become one of my natural talents after working here for many years with double shifts. I placed the tray in front of the couples who were so engrossed in their to even notice me. My little mind wandered again to Jake, my little brother. His weak face was the first thing I had seen this morning. It was pale with sweat dripping down his face from another sleepless night. His medical bills were all piling up and I could barely keep us afloat. The bell from the diner door dinged, indicating a customer, and I instinctively looked up. The man who came in was an imposing figure who took up the entire diner space. He wore a suit and his sharp features drew the attention of all the women in the diner. His icy brown eyes swept across the room like he owned it and landed on me. “Oh my goodness, that’s Alexander Cross”, I heard a girl from the diner whispering as they began to bring out their phones to record. I did not know him but everyone else did. The young billionaire, CEO of a huge company, was untouchable. The kind of person you don’t want to cross paths with or be on his bad side. Why was he here? He walked towards a booth which was at the corner, with an unreadable expression. Even the diner, which was always noisy, had stood still. I kept my head down and prayed to God that he wouldn’t notice me. “Anna…” Pete whispered, “Go take care of the big shot……” he said, and my eyes widened before I could say anything, “……and smile!” I swallowed hard, as I grabbed my notepad and put on the best smile I could conjure up. My legs were like jelly as I began to approach him. “Good evening sir….what… can I get for you?” My voice shook with fear as I cursed myself for being too timid. He did not look up immediately. Instead, he kept looking at his watch before meeting my gaze. His stares pinned me to my spot. “Coffee, Black,” he finally said, and I could swear someone cranked up the AC because of the way I shivered at the sound of his voice. I quickly nodded, “Of course, I will be right back.” I hurried to the counter. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why would a man like him come to a place like this? He surely has different assistants who could get him coffee. I returned with his order and I could see him scrolling through his phone, his jaw tight, “Here you go, sir!” I dropped the hot cup of coffee. He looked up from his phone, his eyes studying me for a bit, which made my skin itch, “You Anna Hayes, right?” My stomach dropped. How did he know my name? Hmmm… I….“Ahem.” I cleared my throat, “Yes…yes… I am. How do you…..” “Sit!” he interrupted, pointing to the empty seat opposite him. Hmmm…. “I’m working,” I said, my eyes glancing at Pete, who was staring at us from the counter. “You can spare a few minutes, sit!” There was no mistake. He was commanding me and I immediately slid into the booth, holding onto my notepad like a lifeline. “I have a proposition for you!” he cut straight to the point. “A proposition?” my voice low. “You are struggling, aren't you? Medical bills, rent, feeding? Barely making ends meet?” My cheeks turn red with embarrassment. How did he find out that information? He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "Don't play coy." “I don't have time for games, I can help you make your bills go away…..” he paused, looking at my face for a reaction, “but it comes with a price." He put his hand into his jacket and brought out a business card: “Meet me tomorrow at this address, noon sharp! If you don't show up, I would assume you are not interested!” I took the card. This man was not asking me to meet him, he was telling me to meet him. Before I could say anything, he stood up and dropped a few bills on the table. “Think it over!” his tone was dismissive as he walked out and, just like that, he was gone. Leaving me looking like a fool. *************** The Next Day I stood outside a tall skyscraper building, clutching hard at the business card, my hands shaking badly. The address brought me to Cross Enterprises, Alexander’s Empire! I walked into the company, straight to the receptionist's desk. She directed me to the top floor where I had to use an elevator. When the elevator door opened, his assistant stood there waiting for me with a smile. “Good day…. Mr Cross is expecting you, right this way.” We turned and began to walk to his office. When we got there, he gave a light knock and opened the door. Taking a deep breath, I walked into the office. There he was, Alexander. He sat at the massive desk with a cold expression. “You came,” he said, motioning for me to sit down. “I didn’t have much of a choice,” I replied, my voice steadier than I intended it to be. He gave a faint smirk, “Smart girl!” I tried my best not to roll my eyes, “Why am I here?” Alexander leaned back into his chair, his eyes as calculative as ever, “I need a fiancée.”