A Contract with the Billionaire

The fading light of a winter afternoon streamed in through the large windows of the Solhart mansion, casting long shadows on the Persian rugs. Lyana stood straight in the main living room, her hands clenched on the armrests of the chair. Across from her, her mother, elegant but ruthless, observed her with a mixture of impatience and triumph. His father, stoic as always, absentmindedly adjusted his cufflinks. They had just dropped the news like a bomb, shattering the illusion of precarious peace in his already unstable daily life.

"You will marry Draven Blackthorn in two weeks. »

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Lyana felt her heart tighten, her mind desperately trying to grasp the meaning of those words.

" Pardon  ? » she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to sound calm.

Her mother placed a glass of champagne on a coffee table and stood up, her heels clicking on the marbled floor. "Don't act ignorant, Lyana . This marriage is the best thing that could happen to our family. You should thank us. »

"Thank me? Do you want me to thank those who use me as a bargaining chip? » Lyana 's gaze darkened, her tone becoming sharp. "Why Draven Blackthorn ?" Why me? »

His father, until then silent, intervened with his deep and authoritative voice. " Draven is a powerful man, far more powerful than you or even this family. Their support is crucial to get us out of this financial impasse. You should be honored that he chose you. »

A joyless laugh escaped Lyana . "Chosen? Do you really think a man like him *chose* me? He only saw me as a pawn, a practical solution. Just like you. »

Her mother's face hardened, but she maintained a posture of icy superiority. "It's not about your feelings or what you think. This marriage is recorded. You are a Solhart , and your loyalty to this family comes first. »

Lyana felt a burning anger rise within her, but she refrained from responding, knowing that any resistance would be useless at the moment. However, deep inside her, a promise was born: she would not let herself be crushed so easily.

---

The next day, Lyana was taken to a large hotel in the city to meet Draven Blackthorn in person. She had heard of him: an enigmatic billionaire, renowned for his business genius, but also for his complete lack of scruples. As she got into the elevator that led to the luxurious suite where he was waiting for her, she couldn't help but feel a slight apprehension mixed with anger.

When she entered the room, the first thing that struck Lyana was the coldness emanating from the man sitting by the window. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, Draven seemed to be the epitome of elegance and power. His dark eyes turned towards her, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made Lyana shiver despite herself.

"Miss Solhart . » His voice was low, controlled, but with a hint of sarcasm that did not escape him. "Sit down. »

She hesitated for a moment before sitting down in the armchair opposite him, trying to maintain an air of indifference despite the tumult that was rumbling within her.

Draven stared at her for a moment in silence, as if weighing each word before speaking. "You know why you're here, I suppose." »

Lyana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Because my family sold their daughter to you to settle their debts? »