Joanne Ogoin's life has never been easy. As the third daughter of a wealthy family, she's always felt like an outcast. Her chronic illness has made her parents all but dismiss her, favoring her healthier, more vibrant sisters instead. But when Joanne's family arranges her marriage to Marcus Thompson, the wealthy and ruthless CEO, she's horrified. Marcus is notorious for his brutal business tactics and acidic tongue, and Joanne knows she's in for a world of pain. What she doesn't expect, however, is the complex, vulnerable person beneath Marcus's harsh exterior. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, Joanne begins to chip away at Marcus's defenses, revealing a deep well of emotion and longing. But as they struggle to overcome their pasts and the societal expectations that haunt them, Joanne and Marcus must confront the darkest corners of their own hearts. Will their love be enough to heal the wounds of their past, or will it succumb to the crushing weight of their families' ambitions?
Chapter 1 The Bargain
Joanne Ogoin sat rigidly in the backseat of the luxury black sedan, her fingers clutching the hem of her dress as if the fabric could ground her. The city lights blurred past the tinted windows, but she barely noticed. Tonight wasn't about the city. It wasn't about the expensive restaurant her parents had insisted on. It was about the man waiting for her inside.
Marcus Thompson.
The ruthless, cutthroat CEO of Thompson Enterprises. A man whose name was synonymous with power and destruction. A man she was being forced to marry.
Joanne's stomach twisted as her mother's voice echoed in her head. "You should be grateful, Joanne. Any woman in her right mind would kill for a chance like this."
Grateful?
She wasn't foolish. She understood what this marriage meant to the Ogoins. Their business had been bleeding money for years, and Marcus Thompson, with his wealth and influence, was the only man powestruck- Joanneo save them. A deal had been struck- Joanne, the sickly, unwanted daughter, was the price.
Her father's voice had been dismissive when he told her. "You should consider yourself lucky, Joanne. It's not like you had any better prospects."
A sharp pain shot through her chest, but she ignored it.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of Echelon, an exclusive restaurant known for hosting billionaires, politicians, and the kind of people who made and destroyed lives with a single word.
The driver opened the door, and Joanne stepped out, smoothing down the silk of her dress. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she walked into the restaurant.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of expensive wine and truffle-infused dishes. A waiter guided her toward a private section, where only the most elite dined.
And then, she saw him.
Marcus Thompson sat at the corner table, his presence commanding the entire space. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his sharp jawline and piercing gray eyes made him look more like a predator than a man. A sleek, black cane rested against the table beside him.
Joanne's breath caught in her throat.
The world spoke of Marcus Thompson as if he were invincible, a force of nature that crushed anything in his path. But the cane told a different story.
For a split second, their eyes met,, something flickered in his gaze-something sharp, guarded.
Then, his lips curved into a smirk.
"Sit." His voice was smooth but edged with steel. A demand, not a request.
Joanne forced herself to move, settling into the chair across from him. The moment she did, Marcus leaned forward, studying her like she was an unsolved puzzle.
"I expected someone more... fragile," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
Joanne straightened her spine. "I expected someone less rude."
Marcus chuckled, swirling his drink. "You don't seem like the type to enjoy arranged marriages."
"I don't."
"Good," he said, leaning back. "Neither do I."
Joanne blinked. "Then why agree to this?"
A flicker of something-annoyance? Amusement?-crossed his face before he answered.
"Because, Joanne, I never turn down a challenge."
Her heart pounded.
A waiter arrived, placing a plate of delicately arranged seafood in front of her. She barely noticed.
Marcus took a slow sip of his drink before setting it down. "Here's how this is going to work. You will play the role of the perfect fiancée in public. Smile when necessary, attend the events, and do whatever is needed to keep up appearances. In return, I will ensure your family's company survives."
Joanne's fingers curled into her lap. "And in private?"
"In private," Marcus murmured, his eyes locking onto hers, "you will stay out of my way."
Her throat tightened.
This was nothing more than a business transaction to him.
It shouldn't have surprised her. It shouldn't have hurt.
She lifted her chin. "Fine. But I have my own conditions."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do you?"
"I may be forced into this marriage, but I refuse to be treated like an inconvenience." Her voice didn't waver, even as her pulse raced. "You want me to smile in public? Then I expect you to show me at least the same courtesy."
A slow, dangerous smile spread across Marcus's face.
"Interesting." He took another sip of his drink, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "You're not as weak as they say."
Before Joanne could respond, Marcus's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it, his expression darkening. Without a word, he stood, reaching for his cane as he pushed back his chair.
"Dinner's over," he said.
"What?" She frowned.
Marcus pulled a thick envelope from his suit pocket and tossed it onto the table.
"Your engagement contract."
Joanne's breath hitched.
"I'll see you soon."
And with that, Marcus Thompson walked out, his cane tapping against the polished floor, leaving Joanne alone with nothing but a stack of cold legal documents and the sinking realization that her life would never be the same again.
Chapter 1 The Bargain
23/03/2025
Chapter 2 The Chains that Bind
23/03/2025
Chapter 3 The Ogoin Household
23/03/2025
Chapter 4 The Man in the Shadows
23/03/2025
Chapter 5 The Price of Power
23/03/2025
Chapter 6 The Weak One
23/03/2025
Chapter 7 The Engagement Party
23/03/2025
Chapter 8 Contract Bound
23/03/2025
Chapter 9 New Waters
24/03/2025
Chapter 10 House of Strangers
24/03/2025
Chapter 11 The Weight of Silence
24/03/2025
Chapter 12 Brushstrokes
24/03/2025
Chapter 13 A Canvas of Possibilities
24/03/2025
Chapter 14 Brushstrokes Between us
28/03/2025
Chapter 15 Unraveling
28/03/2025
Chapter 16 Recovery
28/03/2025
Chapter 17 The Invitation
28/03/2025
Chapter 18 Appearance
28/03/2025
Chapter 19 Glimmer and Shade
28/03/2025
Chapter 20 The Parcel
28/03/2025
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