Shadow of love and power

tment. I settled onto my old, worn-out couch, trying to focus on the

dollars. Six mo

mance novels Sarah from work loves to rave about. Bu

ent, taking in the peeling paint and the flickering light above. The pile o

oor jolted me ou

Emily! O

. When I opened the door, she rushed in, two cups

on the table. "You've been acting strange all day

to share. Sarah was my best frie

I finally said, re

spotted the contract. "

started reading. I watched as her eyes widened with

uted a second head. "This is crazy! Who is this Adrian Blackwood guy, an

billionaire. CEO. I met him once at a diner. He needs a f

ing everything. Then sudden

t break of your life," she said, shaking her head. "

hat much money could fix everything for me, but... i

handle. But seriously, think about yourself. If you

-

Blackw

Adrian's office, heart racing. The contract fe

his deep vo

The walls were dark wood, giving off a serious vibe. A big piece of abstract a

hat was just cozy enough t

hat cool confidence of his. His eyes were locked on

ision," he said, soun

before I nodded.

cross his face as he leaned back in his

a seat. I felt a bit like

"You'll attend events with me and go on trips when necessary. In public,

c," I muttered

u'll get clothes, a place to stay, and a monthly allowance. Plus, you

he knot in my stomach. "What if

ion darkene

my spine. It was clear Adrian was so

eeping my voice steady, eve

e sliding a pen across the de

-

g Away

ike a turning point. I shot a glance at Adrian, w

, I signed my name at th

ckwood," he said, his voice carryin

s too thick. I realized I had just made a life

-

rst Ch

rs that detailed our agreement, I couldn't shake t

e next day, I was taken to a fancy boutique. A

holding up a sleek black number that pro

wear that?" I asked,

t, shot me a hard look. "Mr. Blackwood ha

n't embarrassing enough, now I had to dress up

outing as Mrs. Blackwood, I had the cree

he back of my neck. With ea

as I scanned the crowd, looking for the source of my unea

shadows, his gaze fixed on me. His star

id it seem like he kn