Lena Johnson sat across from Damien Blackwood, the cold, calculating billionaire whose name sent ripples through the business world. He was a man of power, known for his ruthless drive, and the last person Lena would have ever wanted to rely on. But with her family's business on the brink of collapse, she had no other choice.
Damien's offer was blunt-an engagement in name only. A fake relationship, a façade. In exchange, he would use his influence to secure her family's company a lifeline. The arrangement was clear: no emotions, no attachments, just business.
Her family's future rested on her ability to convince the world-and herself-that she was in love with him. She wanted to reject him, to refuse his cold proposition, but desperation gnawed at her. The alternative was watching her father's legacy crumble.
Lena met Damien's steely gaze. His eyes betrayed nothing, the man as enigmatic as he was dangerous. "Do we have a deal, Miss Johnson?" His voice was smooth, controlled.
She inhaled sharply, fighting the unease that settled in her stomach. Her mind screamed to walk away, but her hand extended, sealing the deal. "Deal."
The weight of her decision pressed down on her, and she wondered if she had just signed away her freedom.