Summer Jackson, a small-town girl from Willow Creek, inherits a substantial sum of money from her mother's passing and decides to pursue her dreams in New York City. She starts working at a prestigious art gallery in Chelsea and meets Alexander Grayson, a handsome and charming billionaire who is immediately drawn to her. As they spend more time together, Summer and Alexander grow closer, but Summer begins to suspect that Alexander is hiding something from her. When she confronts him, he reveals that he is a billionaire with a large corporation and many responsibilities. Despite their differences, Summer and Alexander can't deny their feelings for each other. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but their love is forbidden due to Alexander's wealth and status, which makes him a target for gossip and scrutiny. As they navigate the challenges of their relationship, Summer and Alexander must confront their own insecurities and fears. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles in their path, or will they succumb to the pressures of Alexander's high-society world?
Chapter 1 Summer in the City
Summer Jackson stepped off the subway and onto the bustling streets of Manhattan, feeling a rush of excitement wash over her. She had dreamed of living in New York City for as long as she could remember, and now, at the age of 22, she was finally making it a reality.
As she walked down the sidewalk, Summer couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. The towering skyscrapers and the endless stream of people rushing to and fro were a far cry from the quiet, small-town life she was used to. But she was determined to carve out a new life for herself here. She had inherited a substantial sum of money after her mother's passing-enough to pursue her dreams in the city. She had always been passionate about art and was determined to make a name for herself in New York's competitive art scene.
Her eyes scanned the crowded streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. She passed street performers and vendors, the smell of hot dogs and pretzels wafting through the air. She felt an energy unlike anything she had ever experienced before-a sense of endless possibilities.
After a few minutes of walking, Summer arrived at her new apartment, a small studio in a high-rise building on the Upper East Side. She had rented it without seeing it in person and was thrilled to find that it was even more beautiful than she had imagined. As she unpacked her boxes and settled into her new space, excitement buzzed through her. She was finally living her dream, and she was determined to make the most of it.
Just as she was unpacking, her phone rang, its shrill tone cutting through the silence. She hesitated for a moment before answering, wondering who it could be.
"Hello?" she said, keeping her voice calm despite the uncertainty gnawing at her.
"Hello, Summer. It's Alexander Grayson," a deep, smooth voice said on the other end of the line. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Her heart skipped a beat. She let go of the bag she was holding, wondering how Alexander Grayson, the billionaire CEO of Grayson Enterprises, had gotten her number.
"Who is this?" she asked, trying to sound firm.
Alexander chuckled. "I think you know who I am, Summer. I've been following your career, and I must say, I'm impressed."
Her eyes narrowed. What did Alexander Grayson want with her?
Clearing her throat, she spoke with as much confidence as she could muster. "I'm flattered," Summer said, keeping her voice steady. "But what can I do for you, Mr. Grayson?"
A pause stretched between them, long enough that she briefly wondered if the call had disconnected.
"I'd like to meet with you, Summer," Alexander finally said. "I have a proposition that I think you'll find interesting."
Her heart thudded. What kind of proposition could Alexander Grayson possibly have for her?
"I'm listening," Summer said after a brief hesitation, her curiosity piqued.
"I'll send a car for you at 7 p.m. tomorrow night," Alexander said. "Be ready."
And with that, the line went dead.
Summer stood frozen in her apartment, staring at her phone. What had she just gotten herself into?
Even after she finished unpacking, she couldn't shake the unease that lingered. The conversation with Alexander Grayson had left her with more questions than answers. Who was this mysterious billionaire, and what did he want with her?
She tried to focus on settling into her new space, but her mind kept drifting back to their conversation. Summer had always been cautious-especially when it came to strangers-and Alexander Grayson was the very definition of one.
Yet despite her reservations, she couldn't ignore the spark of curiosity that had been ignited within her.
Who was this man? And what did he really want?
As the night wore on, she found herself glancing at the clock every few minutes, her mind racing with possibilities. What would tomorrow night bring? Should she accept Alexander's invitation? And what exactly did he mean by "a proposition"?
The questions swirled in her mind, refusing to let her rest.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with visions of Alexander Grayson and his mysterious invitation.
The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed and resolute. Whatever tomorrow night brought, she would face it with courage and confidence.
As she went about her day, a sense of excitement built within her. She had always been someone who shied away from the unknown, but something about Alexander Grayson's invitation stirred an unexpected sense of adventure in her.
As the day drew to a close, Summer found herself standing in front of her closet, debating what to wear. What was the appropriate attire for a mysterious dinner invitation with a billionaire?
As she deliberated, her phone rang, its shrill tone snapping her back to reality.
"Hello?" she answered, Alexander already on her mind.
"Summer, it's Alexander Grayson."
She jolted upright at the familiar voice.
"I hope you're getting ready for tomorrow night," he said smoothly.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"I..." She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I am."
"Good," Alexander said. "I'll send a car for you at 7 p.m. sharp. Don't be late."
And once again, the line went dead.
Summer frowned, tossing her phone onto the sofa before collapsing onto it herself.
Confusion swirled through her, a sense of trepidation crawling up her spine.
What had she just agreed to?
She sat there, trying to process the conversation, but she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even begin to imagine.
A thought rushed through her mind-calling her best friend, Rachel, to confide in her. But something held her back.
Maybe it was the fact that Rachel was always so cautious, always warning Summer to be careful. Or maybe it was the undeniable thrill of excitement at the prospect of meeting Alexander Grayson.
Whatever the reason, she decided to keep the conversation to herself. At least for now.
As the night wore on, she found herself lost in thought, wondering what the next day would bring.
Should she accept Alexander's proposition?
And what exactly did he mean by "a proposition"?
The questions circled in her mind like a storm, refusing to let her go.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she drifted into sleep once more-her dreams filled with visions of Alexander Grayson and the mysterious night ahead.