For Emma Montgomery, life as the pampered daughter of Manhattan's elite carried the weight of impossible expectations. Groomed from birth to lead her family's corporate dynasty, genuine love seemed an elusive dream amid the superficial trappings of wealth. That is, until a shocking proposal opened doors to an unexpected future.

When her father arranges for Emma to enter a marriage contract with James Reynolds, the charismatic heir to a powerful political family, she sees it as an escape from her turbulent past. But neither Emma nor James could foresee the firestorm of passion and betrayal that would be sparked by their convenient union. 

As the one-year countdown on their sham marriage begins, Emma finds herself falling for James's unexpected depths and charm. But James has his own demons - bound by duty to fulfill his father's Machiavellian ambitions while his own heart belongs to another. As cordial pretenses melt into smoldering intimacy, their worlds collide in a maelstrom of corporate greed, political ambition, and star-crossed desire.

In this sumptuous tale of love among New York's upper echelons, Emma and James become delicious pawns in a high-stakes game they never imagined playing. With every blistering secret revealed, every heart-wrenching choice posed, they must decide whether to surrender to the inescapable lure of power and privilege, or burn it all to the ground for a love too intoxicating to deny.

Twisted Fate: Power Plays

Emma's legs felt like lead as she walked down the long aisle, her father's grip on her arm vice-like. Memories of Mark's betrayal with Amanda flashed through her mind in agonizing flickers. 


There was Mark, whispering hushed endearments to Amanda as they embraced... Mark and Amanda kissing passionately, oblivious to Emma's stunned presence... The devastated look on Amanda's face when Emma confronted her about the affair... 


"Emma, keep it together," her father hissed through a frozen smile as they approached the altar. 


She blinked back tears, putting on a brave face as James came into view. His expression was stony, giving no hint of the emotional turmoil she knew he must be feeling. 


"Dearly beloved..." The priest's voice cut through her daze. 


Emma tuned out the droning speech, fighting waves of nausea. This was all wrong. She didn't love James, and he didn't love her. How could she go through with this sham? 


Chapter Thirteen: The Unholy Union