MASKED AFFECTION

Maya walked out of the police station with tears bursting her vision as the bright light of the city shimmered around her.Her purse was clutched tightly,almost like a lifeline in the chaos surrounding her. Isabella had been missing for like two days now,and each moment felt like a painful reminder of her sister's absence. Despite the officers' sympathy they were limited to as what they could do as Maya was an adult, and there was no concert evidence of foul play.

Maya leaned against the cold brick wall, desperate for some sign of hope. Surrounded by a chaotic whirlwind of unfamiliar faces, each lost in their own hustle and bustle, she felt like time had frozen for her while everyone else marched on. With a heavy heart, she shut her eyes, trying to push back the crushing weight of despair. The cacophony of the city - blaring car horns, distant sirens, and the indistinct murmurs of passersby - felt suffocating. Isabella was her sole remaining anchor in the world following the loss of her parents, and the mere idea of losing her was too much to bear. She knew she needed assistance, but she was at a loss.

As she opened her eyes, a figure stepped into view, his silhouette sharp against the streetlight. His presence was commanding, and his gaze steady and assessing. Maya recognized him immediately; he was Ben, a friend of Alexander Ryder. She had heard his name before, whispered in conversations and mentioned in the news. Rumors swirled around Alexander-his wealth, his power, and the mysterious aura that surrounded him. What could a man like Ben want with me? He approached with a calm smile, his voice low but confident. "Maya, I believe we may be able to help each other I presume." Maya wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to regain her composure. "And if I may ask what can I do for you?" The edge in her voice was unintentional, but the weight of her despair made her defensive. She wasn't in the mood for platitudes or empty promises.

Ben seemed unfazed by her tone, his expression remaining composed. "I know what you're going through. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you, but I think you might need a different approach to find Isabella." His eyes were piercing, as if he could see right through her. "You might feel powerless now, but you're not without options."

Maya's heart raced. "What do you mean? What options?" She ask skeptically,but something in his demeanor drew her in, urging her to listen.

"I work closely with Alexander Ryder," Ben continued, taking a step closer, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's someone who knows people,very important personnel who can help you get information that the police can't. But there's a catch."

Maya narrowed her eyes. "A catch? What kind of catch?"

Ben's calm demeanor didn't falter. "Alexander needs a favor in return. He's looking for someone to pose as his girlfriend for a short period of time. It's strictly business, and it would just be a façade, but it would allow you to access resources and connections that could aid in your search for Isabella."

Maya felt a swirl of emotions. The thought of pretending to be involved with a man like Alexander Ryder-famed for his cold ambition and ruthless business tactics-felt surreal. "You want me to play the role of a girlfriend to a total stranger? And how would that help me find my sister?"

"Alexander is powerful and rich,and his network is extensive. The higher you climb in the social ladder, the more doors will open for you," Ben explained, his voice steady. "You'd have access to information that might lead you to Isabella. And in return, Alexander gets the image of a committed partner to counteract the gossip swirling around him."