"The Man Behind the Contract

Elena stopped breathing in her throat. Christopher Blackwell The name alone sent a jolt through her chest, tightening around her ribs like a vice.

He hadn't changed even though she hadn't seen him in years; rather, he had become even more intimidating. Tall and commanding, with sharp features and dark, piercing eyes that seemed to strip away every layer of defense she had.

She had promised herself that she would never again be in his orbit when they had last crossed paths. Yet, here she was.

Her alleged partner. Nicholas looked at her with a deliberate smirk. "Elena Carter," he murmured, as if tasting her name. "I didn't think it would be you," Her pulse pounded in her ears. She forced herself to meet his gaze, refusing to show weakness.

She said, her voice being sharper than she intended, "Believe me, the feeling is mutual." Nicholas laughed softly and smoothly. "But you signed the contract nonetheless." The fingers of Elena curled into fists. He knew.

The liar was aware that she had no choice. She bowed her head. "I didn't sign up for you," I said. His dark eyes sparkled with laughter. "And yet, here we are."

Elena clenched her teeth. "Why me?"

Nicholas didn't answer immediately. The air between them was shifting and crackling with tension as he moved closer. "There were other candidates," he said casually, as if discussing a business deal. "But none of them met my... requirements." She felt a cold chill down her spine. "Needs?"

He tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "Let's just say you fit the profile."

The force of Elena's heart slammed into her ribs. Nicholas Blackwell was not a man who acted erratically. It was deliberate if he chose her. Calculated.

And that terrified her.

She concentrated and took a deep breath. "This is just business, right?"

Nicholas's smirk deepened. "Yes, of course. strictly commercial. However, the manner in which he said it made her skin itch. as if something was not said. There is something beneath the surface. Elena worked hard to keep her cool. "Fine. When should we begin? Nicholas did not pause. He reached into his desk drawer, pulled out another document, and slid it across the desk toward her.

"Tomorrow," he said smoothly. "We get married."

Elena looked up. "That quickly?" Nicholas leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

"You'll move into my house tonight," he said, his voice firm. "I anticipate you to be prepared." Her stomach twisted. "And what if I say no?" Nicholas never wavered in his grin. "You won't," She felt a chill run down her spine due to the assurance in his voice. Because he was right.

She had already renounced her choice in writing. There was no going back at this point. ---

After Five Hours As she packed the last of her clothes into her suitcase, Elena felt her fingers shake. She was still unable to comprehend it. Nicholas Blackwell.

Her spouse. She still wanted to run in part. To find some loophole, some way out of this mess.

However, there was none. She required the cash. And Nicholas? He required a partner. For what purpose, she still didn't know.

She was knocked out of her thoughts by a loud knock at the door. After bracing herself, she swallowed and opened it. In the hallway, the same black-suited driver with a neutral expression stood. He proclaimed, "It's time." Before grabbing her suitcase and stepping out, Elena only paused. She felt an odd numbness as they got closer to the sleek black car that was waiting for them outside. This was real.

She was leaving behind her old life.

And walking straight into Nicholas Blackwell's world.

---

The Penthouse of Nicholas As Elena entered the enormous penthouse, her heels clanged against the marble floor. The room was bathed in a golden glow thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the glittering city skyline. The air smelled of expensive cologne and polished wood, an unsettling mix of cold sophistication and power.

Nicholas stood near the window, his back to her, hands in his pockets.

He remained still for a brief moment. After that, he said, "You're late," without turning. Elena's jaw tightened. "I didn't know I was on a schedule," she said. Nicholas finally turned, his sharp gaze meeting hers.

"You are now."

Her hands twisted around her suitcase's handle. "So, what now?"

Nicholas's lips curved slightly. "Now, we discuss the rules."

Against her ribs, Elena felt her heart beating. Rules?

She should have known. Nicholas Blackwell followed the rules at all times. And something told her these weren't going to be easy.

---