Lauren Hayes is a poor orphan trapped in a circle of sadness, juggling dead-end jobs to live. Life has been cruel, leaving her with nothing but her resolve and a quiet hope for a better future. When fate leads her to Dennis Caldwell, a cruel and powerful wealthy CEO, her life takes an unexpected turn. Dennis, cold and emotionally detached, sees Lauren as the perfect choice for his plan to recover his public image a contract marriage. Bound by a deal that bans love, they are two enemies thrust together in a world of high stakes, betrayal, and business warfare. But as secrets unravel and sparks flare, Lauren starts to find the man behind the icy facade, and Dennis learns that Lauren is much more than the meek woman she appears to be. Together, they must handle dangerous enemies, cunning ex-lovers, and their inner problems. Will their differences tear them apart, or will they learn that love can mend even the most broken souls?
Chapter 1 A Job And A Cold CEO
Lauren's POV
I was holding my battered leather bag so tightly that my knuckles were white as I stood in front of Caldwell Enterprises' tall glass skyscraper. I glanced at the whirling doors, my heart racing.
I wiped my sticky fingers on my skirt and murmured to myself, "Get a grip, Lauren." If I get the job, this interview may be the turning point in my life.
It has been a nightmare for the last few months. Life has been an uphill battle ever since my parents' terrible disaster. To survive, I had sold everything. I had a mountain of bills, and my landlord was getting impatient.
My final hope was this. If it did, it would be a miracle.
As I made my way to the receptionist's desk, I said, "Good morning," my voice trembling just enough to reveal my nervousness.
The woman at the counter hardly gave me a look. She exuded intimidation with her flawless manicure and crisp bob. She looked up after tapping on her computer.
"Name?"
Lauren Harper. Mr. Caldwell is interviewing me here.
Her gaze swept over my entire body, pausing on my worn shoes and blouse from a thrift store. "Top floor," she remarked in a contemptuous tone. "Mr. Caldwell dislikes being held waiting.
"I'm grateful," I whispered.
There was a painfully slow elevator journey. As the floors rose higher and higher, my heart pounded with each ping. Dennis Caldwell was what kind of a man? He was a vicious businessman who crushed everybody who stood in his way, according to the rumours.
I wasn't sure whether I could make it as a worker for someone like them, but I had no other option.
The uppermost floor was a separate universe. Cold, sleek, and modern. Although there was a broad view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the atmosphere was oppressive.
A deep, authoritative voice shouted out, "Miss Harper."
I snapped around, gasping for air when I saw him. Caldwell, Dennis.
He sat with an authoritative stance behind a huge black desk. His ice-blue eyes appeared to pierce right through me, and his dark hair was combed to perfection.
Without introducing himself, he said, "You're late."
"I apologize, sir," I stumbled. "The train was"
With a tone as icy as his eyes, he broke off, "I don't care about excuses." "Why should I waste my time interviewing you if you can't be on time?"
I blushed with embarrassment. "Sir, I get it. However, I can assure you that I am more than competent in managing this role.
His eyes narrowed a little like he was looking at me closely. According to your résumé, you have never held a position as a personal assistant. Why do you believe you are a good fit for this position?"
I forced myself to stand up straight and swallowed hard. Even though I lack firsthand knowledge, I work hard and pick things up quickly. I've learned resilience and adaptability from overcoming obstacles.
As he continued to examine me, Dennis steepled his fingers and leaned back in his chair. "Difficulties, huh? Want to go into more detail?"
I paused, gripping my bag's strap with tighter fingers. "Mr. Caldwell, life hasn't been simple. Let's just say that hard effort doesn't scare me.
I briefly believed I caught a glimpse of something curiosity in his icy gaze. But it was gone as fast as it had come.
"Interesting," he responded in a bland tone. But hard labour isn't enough for this profession. I need someone who can stay on top of my schedule, manage the pressure, and anticipate my demands. Are you able to do that?"
I firmly answered, "Yes," disregarding the shaking in my palms. "I can."
He leaned forward one more and said, "Good." "That's it for the moment."
As I walked past her desk on my way out, the receptionist's grin bordered on mockery. "How did it go? Without trying to conceal her laughter, she asked.
I didn't respond. I was unable to. My thoughts were racing with frustration and self-doubt.
I was defeated by the time I got to the elevator. However, my phone buzzed in my purse as soon as I entered. My hands were shaking as I struggled to respond to it.
"Hey?"
The voice on the other end was curt and stated, "Miss Harper." Caldwell Enterprises is this. Mr. Caldwell has decided to employ you. You must return tomorrow at precisely eight o'clock.
I went cold. "What? Wait a minute. Did he hire me?"
The speaker said, almost impatiently, "Yes." "Congratulations."
Before I could reply, the line died.
My heart was racing as I gazed at my phone. He had hired me, but why? He didn't appear to like me at all.
I was determined to show myself, so I got to Caldwell Enterprises early the following morning. Dennis was standing near his desk talking on the phone when I got out of the elevator.
His speech was clear even though he was facing away from me.
"I need her for this," he stated in a sombre and hushed voice. Nobody else is going to do it. She must be the one.
My stomach turned over. Was I the subject of
Chapter 1 A Job And A Cold CEO
06/01/2025
Chapter 2 A Loyalty Test
06/01/2025
Chapter 3 The First Betrayal
06/01/2025
Chapter 4 The Contract Proposal
06/01/2025
Chapter 5 The Sealed Agreement
06/01/2025
Chapter 6 An Increasing Bond
06/01/2025
Chapter 7 The Villains Conspiracy
06/01/2025
Chapter 8 Betrayal
06/01/2025
Chapter 9 Past Revealed
06/01/2025
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