BROKEN IN HIS SHADOWS

ia's

The silent ride from his mansion had been a storm of fear and confusion, a strange pull tugging at my heart, as if I'd crossed a line I couldn't uncross. Vincent

sing, $2,500 in debts from rent and Grandpa's medical bills, an eviction notice looming, Langley's vile propositions. Now, a marriage contract with a man

t. His eyes crawled over me, lingering on my curves, my deep brown skin prickling with revulsion. "Well, well," he sneered, his voice dripping

hand reaching. Instinct took over, my body moving faster than thought. I twisted, slamming my knee into his gr

ked, his face twist

door and locking it. Langley's roars echoed through the hall

its peeling walls mocking my broken dreams. My hands trembled as I pulled the contract from my pocket, Adrian's name stark in cold i

ger than you know, Ali", felt hollow. Eviction loomed, no job, no one left. With a shaking

. Bound to Ad

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d, commanding emblem. My faded jeans and scuffed sneakers screamed my displacement, my dark curls loose, my hazel eyes wide wi

y feet. The lobby was a temple of wealth, sleek walls adorned with vibrant art, the scent of polished leather and citr

aid, her voice crisp.

etter, my lifeline. "I'm Alicia Carter.

ered in her eyes. "Of course. Please, take a

wer, cast sidelong glances, their eyes judging my worn clothes, my out-of-place presence. I didn't belong, a painter with nothing

e my spiral. "Ms. Carter, Mr.

mile directing me to the elevator.

oft ding a heartbeat, the other passengers' polished shoes and sharp cologne a stark contrast to my fa

screamed wealth, each step amplifying my dread. At the corridor's end, tower

thoritative voice cal

n, stepping into Adri

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an's

ort as Alicia Carter entered, my tailored suit sharp against my frame. She was striking, curvy, fierce, her deep brown skin glowing, her dark curls framing her face, her hazel eyes a mix of defiance an

w, edged with command, gesturing

s and worn shoes clashed with my world, yet her lifted chin spoke of strength, a fire I wanted to

ed, a velvet blade. "You resisted last

m. "I was out of options. No home, no job, d

l, but it was more, a game where I held the pieces, a world where I dictated

spicion flaring. "What

're in my domain now," I said, my tone softening, a l

ropped, cau

r tension palpable. "You'll work for me, at Blackwood Software.

sion in her eyes. "Work?

mine, Alicia, in ways I'll define. Do as I ask, and

resolve warring in her

g's vow. "You won't. I c

e steady despite the tremb

g. "Good. My assistant will brief you tomorrow." My voi

answers I wouldn't give. As she turned to leave, I pau

penthouse tomorrow,"

d, spinning

, my gaze steady

flaring. "You didn't mention a

ties back to me in one way or another. If you're to be my wife, even if it's just on paper,

in her eyes. "This isn't real,

ed. "It

, trapped again, her

ted. "Good. Tomorrow morning,

ched. "You m

ssed my face. "So, you did

As she left, my gaze followed, a king watching his queen, knowing she'd jus