The CEO's Reluctant Bride

The wheels of the jet kissed the tarmac with a jolt, and Aurora Thompson's breath hitched in her throat. She gripped the armrests, her knuckles whitening, as the aircraft rolled to a stop.

Outside, the city skyline stretched across the horizon. New York, her prison and her home.

She hadn't set foot in this city for years.

Not since she had escaped.

Not since she had sworn never to return.

Yet, here she was.

The driver waiting outside the private hangar held a sign with her name, his posture stiff, his face devoid of any expression.

Aurora adjusted the sunglasses perched on her nose and strode toward the car, her heels clicking against the concrete.

The wind carried the scent of the city: pavement, exhaust, and the faintest hint of impending rain.

The moment she slid into the backseat, the driver spoke. "You've grown," Michael said after a long silence.

Aurora huffed a quiet laugh. "That's what happens when years pass."

A pause.

"You didn't want to come back, did you?"

Aurora turned to him, meeting his gaze in the rear view mirror. He already knew the answer.

"No."

The car pulled through the massive wrought-iron gates of the Thompson estate, the mansion standing just as intimidating as she remembered.

Cold. Unwelcoming.

Home.

Michael opened the door for her, but before she could step inside, a voice cut through the crisp afternoon air.

"My, my. Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence."

Aurora's grip on her suitcase tightened.

Kylie.

Her stepmother stood at the entrance, dressed in a silk robe that clung to her frame in a way that was both effortless and calculated.

Her blonde hair was swept into an elegant bun, and the smirk on her lips sent a familiar wave of irritation through Aurora.

"Stepdaughter," Kylie purred, arms crossing. "Aren't you going to say hello?"

Aurora forced a tight smile. "Hello, Kylie."

"Good girl." Kylie turned, sauntering back inside. "Come along now. Everyone's waiting."

Everyone.

Her stomach clenched, but she followed.

The moment she stepped into the grand foyer, she was met with a sight she had not missed.

Julie, perched on the couch like a queen on her throne, examining her manicured nails. And leaning against the staircase, looking as unimpressed as ever. Alexa.

Her half-brother.

The golden child.

Favored.

Worshiped.

Given everything she had to fight for.

"Wow," Julie drawled, lazily glancing at her. "You actually showed up. I was betting you'd run off and disappear again."

"Still bitter I made it out and you didn't?" Aurora shot back.

Julie's smile faltered for half a second before she recovered. "Oh, please. I'd never leave this life. Unlike you, I enjoy luxury."

Aurora's lips parted for a retort, but Alexa cut in.

"You should be grateful, you know," he said, arms crossed over his chest.

Aurora turned to him, arching a brow. "Grateful for what?"

His smirk was lazy, arrogant. "For coming back to a family that still acknowledges you. Father could've cut you off completely."

Something cold settled in Aurora's stomach.

"Oh, don't look so shocked." He tilted his head. "You've been away for years. Did you really think you'd waltz back in without consequences?"

Aurora clenched her jaw, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted.

"I see you haven't changed," she murmured, stepping past him. "Still father's perfect little heir."

Alexa chuckled, shaking his head. "And you're still his biggest disappointment."

The words stung, but Aurora had learned long ago not to let them show.

She walked away, keeping her head high, but deep down, a sense of dread curled in her chest.

Something was coming.

Something bad.

And she had a terrible feeling she wasn't going to like it.

Her stomach clenched.

Of course, he was.

Footsteps echoed down the long hallway, drawing her attention to the man standing at the far end.

James Thompson.

Her father.

His face was unreadable, but his eyes, dark and calculating assessed her like a business transaction.

"You look well," he said.

Aurora stiffened. "Let's skip the pleasantries. Why am I here?"

His lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Straight to the point, as always." He gestured toward his study room. "Join me."

She hesitated but followed, every muscle in her body coiled tight. She perched on the edge of the leather couch, back straight, hands clenched in her lap.

James poured himself a drink. "You've been gone for too long."

"That was the plan." She replied nonchalantly

He chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "And yet, you came back the moment I asked."

Her jaw tensed. "I didn't come back for you."

"No, I imagine you didn't." He leaned forward, setting his glass down with a deliberate clink. "You came back because you had no choice."

A prickle of unease ran down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

James reached into a drawer and pulled out a single sheet of paper. He slid it across the table toward her. Aurora's fingers trembled as she picked it up.

A contract.

Her breath caught as she scanned the words, her heart pounding louder with each line.

Marriage.

Her father had arranged a marriage for her.

Aurora's vision blurred with fury. She shot to her feet. "You have got to be joking."

"I never joke about business." James's voice was calm, but there was an edge of finality to it. "It's already been decided."

Her fingers curled around the paper, crumpling it. "You don't control me."

His expression darkened. "You're mistaken. I do."

The room was silent, heavy with tension.

Aurora inhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay composed. "Who?" Her voice was low, dangerous.

James smirked. "Marcus Ryder."

The name sent a shockwave through her chest.

Marcus Ryder. The elusive, untouchable billionaire.

The devil himself.

Her pulse skittered. She had never met him, but she knew his reputation. Everyone did. Ruthless, brilliant, and wrapped in mystery. A man whose name alone struck fear into his enemies.

Aurora took a step back, shaking her head. "No. Absolutely not."

"You don't have a choice."

Her hands trembled. "Why?"

James leaned back in his chair, exuding a quiet dominance. "Because I made a deal."

Her stomach twisted.

"What kind of deal?"

He smiled, and for the first time that night, she felt genuine fear.

"The kind you can't escape."

A chill raced down her spine.

Aurora turned on her heel, storming toward the door. She needed to think.

To breathe.

To run.

But before she could leave, James's voice cut through the air like a blade.

"You leave, and I'll make sure you regret it."

She froze.

Slowly, she turned back. "Is that a threat?"

James lifted his glass again, taking a slow sip. "No, darling." His eyes gleamed with something ominous. "It's a promise."

Aurora's breath shuddered in her chest.

And for the first time in years, she realized...

She was trapped.

Aurora has no choice but to stay, but what exactly has her father done? And what kind of man is Marcus Ryder?..