Jiya_Maggo

When struggling journalist Elena Carter gets the chance of a lifetime to interview Damien Blackwood, a ruthless and enigmatic billionaire CEO, she expects nothing more than a headline-worthy story. But when Damien makes an unexpected proposal—a contract relationship in exchange for exclusive access to his life—Elena finds herself caught in a web of power, passion, and secrets.

As their professional arrangement turns dangerously intimate, Elena discovers that beneath Damien’s cold exterior lies a man haunted by his past. But when hidden enemies threaten to destroy him, will their love survive, or will it become just another business transaction?

Terms of Desire

Elena had spent the entire day memorizing the details of her fabricated relationship with Damien Blackwood. Every line, every story, every shared "memory" was carefully crafted to convince the world that they were a couple.

Now, standing in front of the mirror in a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, she wondered if she had truly understood what she was getting herself into.

Damien: Car will pick you up in five minutes. Be ready.

Elena exhaled, grabbing her clutch before stepping out of her apartment. True to his word, a black luxury car was waiting at the curb. The driver nodded politely as he opened the door for her.

Inside, Damien was already seated, his presence as overpowering as ever. He looked effortlessly handsome in a tailored black suit, his sharp features illuminated by the city lights streaming through the window.

"You're on time," he noted as she settled into the seat beside him.

"You sound surprised," she shot back.

He smirked slightly. "Pleasantly so."

The car pulled away from the curb, and Elena clasped her hands together, her nerves tightening as they approached their destination.

"The event is a charity gala," Damien informed her. "We'll arrive together, stay close throughout the evening, and leave together. The press will be watching, so you'll need to play your part well."

She nodded, mentally preparing herself. "And what exactly does 'playing my part' involve?"

He turned to her, his gray eyes darkening. "You'll smile at me like you adore me. Let me touch you. Laugh at my jokes, even if they aren't funny."

A teasing glint flashed in her eyes. "So you admit you're not funny?"

He let out a quiet chuckle, the sound deep and unexpected. "Careful, Miss Carter. That sharp tongue might get you in trouble."

Before she could respond, the car slowed as they reached the venue. Through the tinted windows, Elena could see the blinding flashes of cameras, reporters gathered at the entrance, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the city's most powerful elites.

Damien reached for the door handle but paused, turning to her with an unreadable expression. "Last chance to back out."

Elena inhaled deeply, meeting his gaze. "I don't back out, Mr. Blackwood."

A flicker of something—approval, maybe—crossed his face before he stepped out of the car. Almost immediately, the cameras went wild.

Then, Damien extended his hand to her.

She hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his. His grip was firm, warm, steady—completely in control, just like the man himself.

As she stepped onto the red carpet, he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist with effortless ease. To the world, they were the perfect couple.

And for the first time, Elena realized how dangerously easy it would be to forget that none of it was real.

Chapter 4: The First Public Appearance