"The Decision That Changes Everything"

For what seemed like an eternity, Elena stared at the contract. Every possible scenario kept going through her head. Was this a plan? A trap? Some elaborate scam?

But the words on the page didn't disappear.

sum of one million dollars. Her life could be altered by a single signature. She could get out of the stress of barely making ends meet and the constant worry that she would lose everything. But is she really going to wed a stranger? As she reached for her pen, she felt her hands shake. Simply sign it. Do it.

Before she could second-guess herself, she pressed the pen to the paper.

Elena Carter.

The moment she finished, a sharp knock at the door made her jump.

Her heart pounded as she stood, hesitating before opening it.

Unable to read his expression, the same man from yesterday in the sharp black suit stood in the hallway. He said, his eyes flickering to the contract in her hand, "You've made your decision." Elena swallowed. "Yes."

After giving a single nod, the man took his phone out of his pocket and pressed a single button. "She's ready."

Elena felt her stomach turn. Who was talking on the other end of that phone call? The man invited me to join him. Elena hesitated, glancing back at her tiny apartment one last time. This is it. You can't go back. She grabbed her bag, stuffed in the contract, and followed him.

---

Outside, a sleek black vehicle waited. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside.

The man instructed, "Get in." Before settling into the plush leather seat, Elena hesitated. Her fate was sealed when the door closed quietly behind her. The car was moving away from the curb smoothly as the man settled into the driver's seat. "Where are we headed?" She inquired. He said simply, "To meet your husband." Her breath hitched. Husband.

This was no longer merely a business transaction. It was true. As the city went by in a blur, she held onto the bag's edge with her fingers. What is his name? she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

In the rearview mirror, the man briefly met her gaze. "It is not my place to disclose that." Elena tightened her teeth. "You expect me to marry a man I haven't seen in a long time?" "You already agreed," he said smoothly. "You will meet him shortly," Elena took a big breath and pressed herself into the seat. This was insane.

And yet, she had already signed the contract. Now, there was no going back. ---

The car pulled up to a towering skyscraper, its glass exterior reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.

The driver stepped out and opened the door for her.

As Elena got out, she leaned her head up to look at the massive structure and forced herself to breathe. Is he employed here? She barely had time to process before the driver led her inside.

The lobby was vast, with marble floors and a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

As they passed, the receptionist didn't even turn to look up. It was as if they had been expected.

As they entered a private elevator, Elena's heels struck the ground. The doors closed silently, and the elevator began to ascend.

Every floor they went up, her nerves got worse. When they reached the top, the doors slid open to reveal a dimly lit office.

Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the far wall, the city skyline glittering beyond them.

A man stood with his back to her in front of the window. Tall. Broad-shouldered. The room was quieted and commanded by his presence alone. Elena's throat was full of air. The driver backed off. Mrs. Carter: Greetings, fiancé. Elena lost her ability to breathe as soon as their eyes met as the man slowly turned around. He had a stunningly beautiful face. chiseled jaw, piercing dark eyes, and a self-assurance that sent chills down her spine. But it wasn't just his looks that stunned her.

The familiarity was to blame. Because Nicholas Blackwell, one of the country's most powerful billionaires, was standing in front of her. And the man she had once despised.

---