The Proposal

Odessa, walked into the upscale café, looking forward to a quiet afternoon of studying. She spotted a vacant table by the window and made her way towards it, unaware of the unexpected encounter that awaited her.

As she sat down, she noticed a tall, imposing figure clad in all black wearing a hat that covered half of his face was standing by the bar, scanning the room. Their eyes met, and Odessa felt a shiver run down her spine. There was something about him that seemed...familiar.

The man's gaze lingered on hers for a moment but she couldn't quite tell since she couldn't see his face before he nodded curtly and made his way towards her. Odessa's heart skipped a beat as he approached.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his deep voice sending a thrill through her.

Odessa shook her head, still feeling a little dazed. "No, please do."

The man sat down across from her, his gaze never leaving hers. "I'm Zaynix Darco," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Odessa's eyes widened as she realized who he was - Zaynix Darco, the world's infamous CEO who was also rumored that no one has ever seen his face except he wants you to

"What brings you here?" Odessa asked, trying to sound casual despite her racing heart.

Zaynix leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I've been looking for someone, and I think I've found her."

Odessa raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?"

Zaynix eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "You, Odessa. I want to propose a contract marriage to you."

Odessa's jaw dropped. "What? Why me?"

Zaynix let out a small smile and said

"Because it is you I choose"

Odessa said apprehensively "Mr. Darco, there are many other girls around who would love to marry you so you have to tell me the reason"

Zaynix shrugged. "That's none of your business. Just think about it."

Odessa's anger flared. "There's nothing to think about. I'm not interested."

Zaynix expression remained impassive. "I'll give you time to reconsider.

Odessa's eyes narrowed. "What do you want with me? There are plenty of other girls out there."

Zaynix gaze never wavered. "Like I said, that's none of your business."

With that, Odessa stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "I'm not interested, Mr. Darco. Leave me alone."

Zaynix eyes seemed to bore into hers, but he said nothing. Odessa turned and stormed out of the café, leaving Zaynix sitting alone at the table, a small smile playing on his lips.

Zaynix, sat on the bed in his luxury hotel suite, his eyes fixed on the phone in his hand. The city skyline stretched out behind him, a stunning view that he barely registered.

His best friend, Julian, was on the line, his voice urgent. "Zayn, we've been hit," Julian said, his words cutting through the air.

Zaynix expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to gleam with a cold intensity. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his deep voice firm.

"There's been an attack on one of our warehouses," Julian replied. "The guards are dead, and our merchandise is gone."

Zaynix grip on the phone tightened. "I know you can handle it, Julian. Take care of it."

Julian hesitated. "Zayn, don't you want to know more about the attack?"

Zaynix waved his hand dismissively, even though Julian couldn't see him. "I don't have time for details, Julian. Just handle it."

Julian nodded, even though Zaynix couldn't see him. "Got it."

Zaynix voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. "Find out who's responsible for the attack. And when you do, I want you to call Lucas."

Julian's voice was firm. "Consider it done."

Zaynix eyes seemed to narrow. "Tell Lucas to torture the boy and send me a video of it."

Julian was confused "Which boy is that"

Zaynix narrowed his eyes "Please Julian, just do as I say without questions"

Julian voice didn't falter. "Will do."

As Zaynix ended the call, his gaze seemed to bore into the wall, his mind already focused on the next move in his ruthless game of power and revenge. The luxury hotel suite, with its plush carpet and floor-to-ceiling windows, seemed to fade into the background as Zaynix thoughts turned to vengeance

Odessa's phone buzzed, breaking the silence of her evening. She hesitated, wondering who could be messaging her at this hour. Her heart sank as she saw the unknown number on her screen.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Odessa opened the message. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched the video attachment. A little boy, no more than ten years old, was being tortured by a group of men. Odessa's mind reeled as she realized the boy was, Aiden

A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she read the message accompanying the video:

"If you want to save Auden, meet me at the Red Diamond Bar tonight. Come alone, and you might want to rethink that contract"

Odessa's hands trembled as she tried to process the message. At once she knew who sent the message, what does this guy want from her she thought to herself, for years she has kept Auden a secret from the world, how come he found out about him.

That night, Odessa made her way to the Red Diamond Bar, her heart heavy with worry. She wore a simple yet elegant black dress, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. The bouncer at the entrance gave her a once-over before nodding and letting her in.

As she entered the dimly lit bar, Odessa was directed to the VIP section. She made her way up the stairs, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Zaynix

At the top of the stairs, Odessa saw him - Zaynix Darco, sitting on a plush couch, sipping a glass of whiskey. Their eyes met, and Odessa felt a shiver run down her spine.

Zaynix gaze seemed to bore into hers, his expression unreadable. Odessa steeled herself, ready to face whatever lay ahead.