Shadow of love and power

The city always felt cold. Even in summer, the air was chill. I got used to it over time. People rushed by, too busy to notice each other. The streetlights barely pushed away the shadows. Tonight was just the same, but I felt a knot of anxiety in my chest. I found myself in a crowded coffee shop on a shady block of the city, staring at my phone like it was about to explode.

The message on my screen was from my landlord. It was short and to the point. I had three days to pay my rent, or I'd have to move out.

Three days.

I looked around the shop, hoping to calm myself down. The place was buzzing with students and freelancers. They chatted away, so carefree. I couldn't help but feel envy twist in my stomach. I took a sip of the worst coffee I could find to try to soothe the nerves. It tasted as bitter as my reality.

I pulled out my sketchpad, hoping that putting pencil to paper would clear my mind. But my hands were shaking too much. I was broke, out of ideas, and feeling completely alone.

I looked at my phone again. The same address stared back at me. My diner was just a block away. I usually served drinks and sandwiches there, chasing tips to keep the landlord off my back. Tonight, though, I was not there. I was about to do something that might be the biggest mistake of my life.

The text had come out of nowhere. Be at 315 Hudson at 7 PM. Alone. It was strange and creepy.

I don't usually react to weird texts. But the name at the bottom made me freeze-Adrian Blackwood.

Yes! That Adrian Blackwood! The billionaire CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. Everyone knew him. He was known for his cold demeanor and his stunning looks. I had no reason to be in his world.

Still, there I was, standing outside a tall glass building with his name on it. I felt small, like a stray cat standing at the entrance of a lion's den.

"Ms. Moore?" A voice shattered my thoughts. I turned to see a well-dressed man in a sharp suit. He had a serious look. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Please, follow me."

I wanted to say something. I wanted to ask so many questions. But my mouth went dry, and only a nod came out. I followed him through the grand revolving doors.

---

The Meeting

The elevator ride seemed to last forever. My heart pounded as I tried to focus on the soft hum of the machine. I knew I had to stay calm. Whatever was waiting for me, I needed to handle it.

Finally, the doors opened. I stepped into an office that looked like a scene from a movie. Huge windows gave a stunning view of the city skyline. There was a sharp scent of leather and cologne in the air.

Adrian Blackwood stood by the window, facing away from me. Even from behind, he had a commanding presence. He turned slowly, and his sharp blue eyes met mine. It felt like an electric shock to my stomach.

"Emily Moore," he said, his voice cold but smooth. "Thanks for coming."

I swallowed hard. "I didn't feel like I had a choice."

Adrian's lips curled, but it didn't come across as a real smile. "Fair enough. Have a seat."

I slid into the chair he pointed to. I felt small in his huge office. Adrian took the seat across from me, his gaze unblinking.

"You're probably wondering why you're here," he started.

"That might be an understatement," I replied, my voice quivering a bit.

He leaned back, scrutinizing me. "I have a proposal for you."

Those words felt heavy. A proposal? My mind raced, spinning with wild thoughts. What could he possibly want?

---

The Shocking Offer

"I need a wife," he said, breaking the tense silence.

I blinked, convinced I misheard him. "I'm sorry, what?"

"A wife," he said again, sounding as if he were chatting about the weather. "It's a business deal. Six months. You play the role, and I'll give you five hundred thousand dollars."

I stared at him, shocked. "You can't be serious."

His face didn't change. "I assure you, Ms. Moore, I am serious."

The room felt like it was spinning. This had to be a prank. People like Adrian Blackwood didn't just toss such huge sums of money to people like me.

"Why me?" I finally managed to whisper.

Adrian's eyes darkened a little. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a hint of human emotion. "Because you fit the role perfectly. You're quiet and unnoticed. Also, you have nothing to lose."

His words cut deeper than I expected. He was right. I had nothing-no family, no great job, and barely any cash. But the way he said it made me feel like a chess piece in a game I didn't know how to play.

"And what do you gain from this?" I shot back, crossing my arms to feel more in control.

"That's not your concern," he replied smoothly. "Just know that it's good for both of us."

I wanted to say more, to press for answers, but his intense stare made me feel trapped.

---

The Decision

Adrian pushed a folder across the desk to me. "The terms are in here. You have 24 hours to decide."

I hesitated, my hands shaking as I picked it up. "And if I say no?"

His face stiffened. "Then you leave empty-handed."

The weight of his words filled the room. I looked down at the folder in my lap. The thought of half a million dollars was life-changing. It could wipe out my debts and help me start fresh. But what would I lose if I said yes?

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Adrian's jaw tightened. For a moment, it looked like he might tell me. But then he stood, signaling it was over. "Think about it, Ms. Moore. This chance won't come back."

I stepped out of his office, my head spinning. I clutched the folder as I walked outside. The air felt colder, everything around me faded as I tried to absorb what just happened.

Walking down the street, I felt eyes on me. I glanced back, but the sidewalk was empty. Still, the feeling clung to me. Something told me Adrian Blackwood's offer was darker than it appeared.