Bound by a contract: led by love.

ter

y decision, considered every consequence. But when she was offered a job at the pres

angston & Associates Wealth Management. She knew this was her one shot a

steady and measured. "I have a plethora of applicants for this position, all

e a passion for finance," she replied, her voice steady despite her n

for a moment, his expression unread

, "I must warn you that this position comes with some...special

qued. "What kind of requirements?" she

his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Preferences that I expect my employees to acco

ic words. His voice, low and measured, sent a shiver through her. And the way he looked

his handsome?! She

m, he was also a man of striking good looks-tall, dark-h

at these requirements are not illegal or immoral. They are simply...unconventional

to maintain her composure.

ocess." He stood up, his gaze still fixed on her, and began to walk around his

t six months after graduating with a beautiful degree. She couldn't back out now, not when this job represented a chance to prove herself in the cutthroat world of finance, not when it would provide her with the stabi

the contract," she said, her voice stea

a drawer and produced a thick, leather-bound document. He placed the document on his desk, his fingers tracing the edge of the cover. "This addendum outlines a unique arrangement bet

ind of events?" she asked,

as, dinners, charity functions. You will be my companion for these

'd expected at all. "Mr. Langston, I'm here for a f

gaze never leaving her face. "I want y

advisor, however, I'd require additional services

ent ball game. "Mr. Langston, I...I can't just agree

w even wider. " I

Bu

forward, his eyes darkening. "I am the CEO of a billion-dollar company, Ms. Blake. I don't

a serious commitment," she stammered, her hands shaking. "I can'

ommitted to a pauper like you? You should be grateful I've even considered you for

ger rising up her throat. "Excuse me

"That's your salary, Ms. Blake, for agreeing to this arrangement. Plus, the perks that come wi

on a month? It was almost too good to be true. But so

oney?" She spat out the words, barely able to keep her rage in check. "I'm not some

rst. "You may think you have self-respect, M

is chair, his smugness radiating off of him in waves. "You can walk away from this deal, but the

into fists. How dare h

e hissed, standing up from her seat. "I may be a pauper, but I'd rather be p

t draining from his features. He st

dangerous. "This isn't just a job you're turning down. It's your one chance to make someth

own. "You can threaten me all you want,

ake smirked as he watched her

*

chandelier lights. The delicate train cascaded behind her, a testament to the wealth and extravagance

ntion, however, it was quite simple, just with few friends an

rake's admirers burning into her, but she kept her head held high. As she reached the

to a smirk as she got closer to him.Evelyn wanted to spit in his face, but she coul

other, a towering woman in a garish gown, berati

or priest on the shoulder. "My son's got places to be, people to see." She vo

l vows, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. Drake and Evelyn ex

ld not be joined in holy matrimony, let them speak now or fo

she stood up, glaring at the guests. "Let me tell you this, any of you who dares to object to

iest mumbled, hastily dipping his qu

his mother intervened. "Hold up, son!" she

tension in the room palpable. Even the organis

the apple of my eye, the star in my sky. And I'll

ext, Father," she said, her voice sweet as honey. "You may kis

. And just as their lips met, Susan clapped her hands loud

s still tingling. She shot a sideways glance at his mother, who was

intain his composure, but a vein w

into the reception hall, her hips swaying like a pendulum in her daring red dress. T

t Drake's cheek. "Congratulations on your nuptials." Her gaze flicke

keep up with your needs, darling." She arched an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth turned up in a sm

ed dress," she uttered, her voice dripping with venom. "Shouldn't you be a

suppress a laugh. But she couldn't help but let

shade of crimson. "You old hag!" she hissed, her fingers

ween the two women. "I will not tole

their gazes locked in a battle of wi

•

, throwing confetti and cheering as the n

rling," Drake purred, kissing

coyly. "Why thank you, my love. Yo

ce and Evelyn's voice turned cold. "That performance was as authentic as your pr

ruck look you gave me was as fak

esses in your life, Mr perfect

drawled, his eyes flashing with mischi

proud of that? You're just a sleazy rich man who t

et's just one of my father's lousy bitch

"You can't tell me that my charms are getting to you already." He lea

ed, arrogant..." Her voice trailed off, remembering what Drake

keep your tempo down. I'm okay with your

r's mistress, huh? It seems like sleaziness runs in the family." She leaned forward, he

es turning to ice. "I made a

already scheduling a meeting with my lawyers to disc

me as his bride, you sure can't stand the sight of me for even a second." She crossed her arms over her chest, a

might want to watch your tone, Evelyn. I'm not sure I c

her eyes narrowing to slits. "You're the one

He gestured towards the house, his expression hardening. "Now, if

e door and Drake stepped out, leaving Evelyn alone in the car. As she watched him d

story fo