BROKEN IN HIS SHADOWS

ia's

OOD SO

Adrian Blackwood's world, clutching the marriage contract I'd signed yesterday, its ink a chain binding me to a man whose green eyes and cold commands haunted me. His w

Mr. Blackwood asked me to handle your transition," she said, her voice warm yet efficient, guiding me into a sleek office with minimalist decor.

"Your new apartment is arranged, fully furnished, down to the last detail. A wardrobe's b

d. "Your job's straightforward," Carla continued, her tone encouraging. "Manage Mr. Blackwood's sch

signed the contract, agreed to live in his penthouse, to be his wife on paper. Refusal wasn't an option, not with $2,500 in debts, an eviction noti

ed, my voice low, fo

ou'll be fine, Alicia. Ta

orphaned at 11 by a car crash, raised by my grandfather until cancer took him three years ago at my 21, his medical bills part of the debt

------------------------

THE AP

ndpa's old sketchbook, a photo of my parents, all that remained of me packed into three boxes. Exhaustion hit in waves, my head throbbing from the whirlwind of Blackw

his wiry frame and brown eyes cold, Adrian's driver and bodyguard a silent sentine

y face, my deep brown skin flushed with strain. "Yeah,

night air hit as we descended the stairs, my worn coat pulled tight, my heart heavy with finality. I was leaving behind t

entrance. "So, you got your boyfriend hauling your shit now?" he sneered, his eyes narr

es locking onto his. "I'm gone," I s

ng as he closed the gap, his breath foul

cutting between us, his voice a low growl. "Bac

ts clenching, but Vincent's unyielding stare broke him. Muttering curse

shield I hadn't expected. We reached the Rolls-Royce, and he opened the backseat door, his face expressionless as I climbe

g in. Vincent glanced at me in the rearview mirro

ing. "Sorry you had to deal with that," I murmured, my v

vy but not unkind. I had no words for this, my life rewritten in

------------------------

PENT

alth, and my nerves frayed as Vincent led me to the elevator, the polished interior reflecting my worn jeans and scuffed sneakers. The other passengers, sleek suits, sharp pe

Blackwood arranged a separate floor for you," Vincent said, his tone professiona

rniture, marble counters, and art that screamed wealth. A vase of white orchids perfumed the air, the space pristine, luxurious, everything my old ap

wn eyes scanning me. "You need anythi

roat tight. "Th

s mocking my isolation. I'd signed Adrian's contract, taken his job, moved into his penthouse, but what had I traded? My freedom? My s

art as Adrian's assistant, living under his roof, playing his game. For the first time in years, I didn