Alicia Hayes is a talented interior designer juggling the pressure of raising her younger brother, Noah, while trying to rebuild her life after escaping a toxic relationship. She's sworn off controlling men-especially the rich and powerful. But when an unexpected job offer pulls her into the world of Alexander Blackwood, a cold and arrogant billionaire bound by an arranged engagement, her resolve is tested. Alicia's heart isn't the only thing at risk. An obsessed ex refuses to let go, a mysterious enemy hides in the shadows, and as chaos unfolds, the people closest to them are keeping secrets. Meanwhile, Noah faces his own challenges navigating young love and high school rivalries-unaware that his world is about to collide with Alicia's dangerous new reality. In a story of love, betrayal, and hidden motives, Alicia will have to decide whether to guard her heart-or risk everything for a man who might break it.
Chapter 1 A NEW DAY, AN OPEN WOUND.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the small but cozy apartment, cutting through the cool morning air. Sunlight spilled through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow across the pale blue walls and the mess Alicia Hayes had yet to clean up. Empty cereal bowls cluttered the counter. Her half-drunk cup of coffee sat next to her laptop, the screen glowing with the never-ending list of bills she had to pay.
She rubbed her temples, trying to wash away the ache that had settled behind her eyes since last night. Another sleepless night. Another anxiety-filled morning.
"You're gonna be late, Noah!" Alicia called out, forcing some cheer into her voice. She didn't need her little brother worrying about her, not when his life was supposed to be simpler. Carefree.
"I'm not gonna be late," Noah shouted back, his voice muffled from behind his closed bedroom door. "Relax, Mom."
Alicia rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Watch it, kid," she warned, but there was no real bite in her voice.
At seventeen, Noah had mastered the art of pushing her buttons. Some days, it drove her insane. On other days, like today, it was the only thing keeping her from drowning under the weight of responsibility.
She checked the time, 7:15 AM. If he didn't get moving, he'd miss the bus. Again.
Moments later, Noah strolled into the kitchen, wearing his usual confident smirk and a hoodie two sizes too big. His dark hair was a mess, sticking out in every direction, but somehow it still worked for him. He grabbed an apple from the bowl on the counter and tossed it in the air like he didn't have a care in the world.
"You know, one day that attitude is gonna get you in trouble," Alicia said, narrowing her eyes.
"And one day," he grinned, taking a bite out of the apple, "you're gonna stop worrying so much."
She sighed, leaning against the counter. "I have to worry, Noah. Someone has to make sure you don't burn the place down while I'm working."
"Wow. You wound me," he said, placing a dramatic hand over his chest.
Alicia shook her head, but the warmth in her chest grew. She didn't say it often enough, but Noah was the reason she kept pushing forward. After their parents died, it had been just the two of them. Every choice she made, every extra hour she worked was for him.
"You've got your homework, right?" she asked, lifting her coffee to her lips.
"Yes, Mother," he groaned.
"And you're not going to punch Chase Whitmore in the face today?"
His jaw tensed just enough for her to notice. "Depends. If he keeps running his mouth-"
"Noah," she warned. "I mean it. You're on thin ice with the school already. One more fight and-"
"And I'm suspended. I know, I know." He dropped onto one of the kitchen stools. "But you don't get it. Chase is a-"
"I don't care what he is," she interrupted. "I care about you not throwing away your future over some entitled jerk."
He exhaled, shoulders slumping. "Yeah. Okay."
Alicia softened. "I know it's hard," she said quietly, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. "But you're better than that. And besides, I can't handle another phone call from the principal while trying to keep us afloat."
His eyes met hers, the humour fading. "I'll behave. Promise."
"Good." She stepped over, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "And hey, don't be too cool to check in with me later, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah." But there was a glimmer of affection in his voice as he slung his backpack over one shoulder.
She watched him head for the door, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and worry.
"You've got this," she called out as he opened the door.
He turned back, flashing her a grin. "Always."
The door clicked shut, and the silence settled in like an old, familiar ache.
---
Alicia let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. For a few minutes, she allowed herself to enjoy the quiet. No teasing little brother. No buzzing phone. Just her, the coffee, and the faint hope that today wouldn't completely fall apart.
Her laptop chimed, dragging her back to reality. She sank into the chair and scanned her emails. Nothing but overdue bills and rejection clients backing out, projects on hold. She was good at her job, great, even but talent didn't pay the rent.
Her finger hovered over the "Last Notice" email from her landlord. A knot twisted in her stomach. If she didn't land a big contract soon, they'd be out of options.
Her phone buzzed beside her, shattering the quiet. Unknown number.
She hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
"Alicia Hayes?" a smooth, female voice asked.
"Speaking."
"This is Evelyn Bennett, executive assistant to Mr. Alexander Blackwood."
Alicia blinked, coffee halfway to her lips. Blackwood Enterprises?
"We received your proposal for the corporate redesign project," Evelyn continued. "Mr. Blackwood is interested in a meeting. Are you available today at 3 PM?"
Alicia's breath caught. She'd sent that proposal weeks ago, more out of desperation than expectation. Blackwood Enterprises was a multi-billion-dollar empire with its fingers in everything from luxury hotels to cutting-edge technology. If she landed this contract, it could change everything.
"Today?" she repeated, heart thudding in her chest. "Uh, yes. I'll be there."
"Excellent. Check-in with me when you arrive."
The line went dead before Alicia could even thank her.
She set the phone down, her hands trembling slightly. This was it, her shot.
Her gaze flicked toward the door, where Noah had just left. Maybe just, things were finally turning around.
---
By 2:45 PM, Alicia stood in front of the sleek glass tower of Blackwood Enterprises, heart pounding against her ribs. Her navy blue blazer hugged her frame, heels clicking against the marble floor as she entered the lobby.
She could do this. She had to do this.
As she approached the reception desk, she plastered on a polite smile. "I'm here for a meeting with Mr. Blackwood. Alicia Hayes."
The receptionist barely looked up. "Take the private elevator to the thirty-seventh floor. Someone will meet you there."
Private elevator. Of course.
The ride-up was smooth, but her nerves spiked as the doors slid open. She stepped into a minimalist office space bathed in sunlight, and a tall, elegant woman with sharp cheekbones approached.
"You must be Ms. Hayes," she said, offering a brief smile. "I'm Evelyn Bennett. Follow me."
Alicia inhaled deeply, squaring her shoulders as she followed Evelyn through a set of double doors.
And that was when she saw him.
Alexander Blackwood.
He stood behind a massive mahogany desk, sleek and commanding in a tailored black suit. His presence filled the room with broad shoulders, chiselled jawline, and cold, piercing gray eyes that locked onto hers the second she entered.
Alicia's breath hitched.
Whatever she had expected, it wasn't this.
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