Chapter 1: The Proposal
Rain slammed against the dusty windows of the Hart estate. Elena stood still, clutching the edge of her grandmother's favorite armchair, her breath caught somewhere between disbelief and dread.
Across from her, dressed in a charcoal suit worth more than her entire house, sat Damien Blackwood, the infamous billionaire with a reputation colder than his eyes.
"I'll save your home," Damien said, voice smooth and deadly, "but you'll marry me."
Elena's mouth parted, then closed. The words didn't register immediately. "You... what?"
Damien stood, buttoning his jacket with precise grace. "You heard me. A one-year marriage. You'll play the doting wife in public, stay out of my way in private. In return, I'll cover your father's debts and restore your family's estate."
"Why me?" she asked, almost a whisper.
"You're beautiful, discreet, and desperate. You're also not in love with me—just the way I like it."
The bluntness struck her like a slap.
"And what do you get out of this?" she asked.
"My board wants to see me 'settled'. Investors don't trust a lone wolf anymore. You'll be my leash. My shield."
Her heart thudded painfully. "And if I say no?"
His eyes darkened, sharp as razors. "Then your father's name goes bankrupt by next week. And this house? Bulldozed."
Silence stretched like a blade between them.
Finally, Elena lifted her chin.
"I'll do it," she said. "But don't expect me to fall in love with you."
Damien's lips curved into a cold, unreadable smile.
"Perfect. I'd hate to break your heart."