Reluctant Bride for the Ruthless Billionaire

The rhythmic clicking of Lila Harrington's heels echoed off the marble floors as she hurried through the entrance of Westwood Enterprises. The imposing building stood like a sentinel in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, towering over the city's other high-rises. It was cold, modern, and sterile, much like the man she was on her way to meet-Dominic Westwood. The thought of him sent a chill down her spine, but Lila squared her shoulders and kept her pace steady. This wasn't just another business meeting. It was the beginning of her descent into a world she didn't understand.

"Ms. Harrington?" A voice startled her as she reached the sleek reception desk.

Lila looked up to find a tall, severe-looking woman with slicked-back hair and glasses perched on the edge of her nose. She gave Lila a once-over, as though trying to measure her up, before gesturing toward the elevator. "Mr. Westwood is expecting you. Top floor."

Lila nodded her thanks, though she could feel the nerves coiling in her stomach. She stepped into the elevator, watching the steel doors glide shut, trapping her in. It felt symbolic-like she was being sealed into a deal she hadn't even agreed to yet.

As the elevator ascended, Lila clenched her hands into fists. She had to keep reminding herself why she was here. Her family was on the brink of ruin. The debts her father had left behind were drowning them, and their home, the business-everything-was slipping away. Dominic Westwood had come out of nowhere, offering her a lifeline, but there was no denying the cost. His terms were still a mystery, though she had a sickening feeling they wouldn't be something as simple as signing a few documents.

The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open to reveal the top floor, all glass and open space. It was breathtaking in its starkness, the kind of place where the elite plotted their moves above the world they controlled. Lila stepped out, smoothing her hands down the front of her cream blouse. Her legs felt heavy as she walked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the office, giving her a panoramic view of the city below. Los Angeles, with its glittering skyline, felt distant. Cold.

Then she saw him.

Dominic Westwood stood with his back to her, staring out over the city like a king surveying his kingdom. His presence was commanding, even from across the room. He wore a tailored suit, the deep navy fabric sculpted to his broad shoulders, his hands tucked casually in his pockets. Everything about him screamed control.

"Ms. Harrington," he said, his voice low and smooth, without even turning around. "You're punctual. I appreciate that."

Lila swallowed, feeling the weight of his presence, and took a few steps forward. "I didn't think this was a meeting I could afford to be late for."

At that, Dominic turned, his sharp gaze locking onto her. His eyes were as cold as the rest of him-icy blue, calculating, and unreadable. He was devastatingly handsome, in a way that made her uneasy. Like a predator that had perfected the art of blending in among his prey. He studied her for a moment, as if assessing what she might be capable of, before a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"No, I suppose not," he said, crossing the room toward her with measured, deliberate steps.

Lila stood her ground, even as the space between them seemed to shrink too quickly. He stopped just short of her, and the proximity made her breath hitch. She could feel the intensity of his gaze, feel the unspoken power he radiated. Dominic wasn't a man who negotiated. He dictated terms.

"I assume you know why you're here?" he asked, his tone devoid of any warmth.

"To discuss the terms of the...arrangement," Lila replied, her voice steady despite the tight knot in her chest.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her choice of words. "Arrangement. That's a polite way of putting it."

"What would you call it?" she asked, her chin lifting slightly. She wouldn't let him intimidate her, not when so much was at stake.

"An exchange," Dominic said smoothly. "Your family is in debt, and I'm offering a solution."

Lila's heart pounded harder. This was the moment she had dreaded. "What exactly are you offering, Mr. Westwood?"

Dominic's smile faded, replaced by a look of cool detachment. "You marry me."

Lila felt the ground tilt beneath her. "What?"