The Deal Sealed
568 Words
The morning air was crisp and cold as Olivia stood outside the towering Caldwell Industries building, its reflective glass windows catching the pale sunlight. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her handbag, her mind spinning with questions she didn't want to answer.
Why had she agreed to this?
The doors swung open, and a well-dressed woman with a tight bun and an even tighter smile motioned for Olivia to enter. "Miss Steele? Mr. Caldwell is expecting you."
"Of course he is," Olivia muttered under her breath, stepping into the marble-floored lobby. Her flats squeaked slightly as she followed the assistant to the elevator.
The ride to the top floor was silent and suffocating. When the doors slid open, Damien Caldwell was already waiting in his office, his sharp suit immaculate, his expression unreadable. Behind him, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city.
"Punctual," Damien remarked, his tone as flat as the glass that surrounded him. "I like that."
Olivia stepped inside, her heart pounding. She couldn't let him see her fear. "You summoned me. What do you want now?"
Damien gestured to the sleek leather chair across from his desk. "Sit. We have details to finalize."
"Details?" Olivia repeated, reluctantly taking the seat.
"Every aspect of our arrangement will be documented," Damien said, sliding a stack of papers across the desk. "You'll be Mrs. Caldwell for a year. In return, your family's debts will be erased. However..."
"However?"
"There are rules," he said, his gaze piercing. "First, you'll move into my home by the end of the week. Second, you will accompany me to all public appearances as my wife. Third..."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "You will not pry into my personal affairs. Is that clear?"
Olivia's fingers tightened around the edge of the desk. "Crystal," she replied, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
"And one more thing," Damien added, his tone turning almost amused. "You'll wear this."
He reached into his pocket and produced a ring-an elegant band with a single diamond that caught the light in a way that seemed to mock her.
"Symbolism is important," he said, placing the ring in front of her.
Olivia hesitated, her mind screaming at her to walk away, but she slipped the ring onto her finger. It felt heavier than it should, a tangible reminder of the chains she had willingly stepped into.
"Congratulations," Damien said, his lips curling into that same predatory smile. "You're officially mine."
That night, Olivia returned to her apartment feeling hollow. Ethan greeted her at the door, his face lighting up with a smile. "Liv! You're home early. I was just about to order pizza."
She forced a smile, ruffling his hair as he bounded past her. "Sounds great, Ethan. I'll be right out."
In her room, Olivia stared at the ring, her chest tightening. Was she making the right choice? Could she trust Damien, even a little?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a message on her phone. She unlocked it and froze.
From Damien Caldwell: "Be ready tomorrow at 8 AM. Our engagement announcement won't wait. And remember: you belong to me now."
The message sent a chill down Olivia's spine, but it wasn't the only thing that made her stomach twist. As she reread it, another message popped up-a blocked number with no name.
"You're making a mistake. Stay away from Damien Caldwell, or you'll regret it."
- Writer
