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

The flashing lights were blinding, the crowd overwhelming, but none of it seemed to faze Damien Blackwood. He led Elena forward with effortless confidence, his grip on her waist firm but not possessive, guiding her through the chaos like he had done this a hundred times before.

Elena, on the other hand, felt her pulse quicken with every step. She had covered events like these as a journalist, but being on this side of the camera—being the story—was an entirely different experience.

"Damien, is this your new girlfriend?"

"Elena Carter, how did you two meet?"

A dozen reporters shouted questions at them, cameras clicking furiously. Damien didn't even flinch. Instead, he turned to Elena, his expression softening into something dangerously convincing.

"Shall we give them a show?" he murmured.

Before she could respond, he pulled her closer, his lips brushing against her temple in a move so natural, so intimate, that for a brief moment, Elena forgot it was staged.

She forced a smile, tilting her head toward him as if she belonged there, and the cameras went wild.

Inside the grand ballroom, the atmosphere shifted. The chaos of the paparazzi was replaced by the low hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the soft melody of a string quartet. Wealth and power filled the room, every guest draped in designer labels, their smiles practiced and polite.

Damien's hand remained on her waist as he guided her through the crowd, stopping only when an older man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes stepped forward.

"Damien," the man greeted smoothly. "I was wondering when you'd finally make an appearance."

Elena felt the subtle shift in Damien's posture, the way his fingers briefly tensed against her waist before relaxing again. Whoever this man was, he wasn't just another business associate.

"Richard," Damien acknowledged. His voice was polite, but Elena detected an underlying edge.

Richard's gaze flickered to her. "And you must be the woman everyone's talking about."

Elena extended her hand, keeping her smile composed. "Elena Carter. It's nice to meet you."

Richard shook her hand, his grip firm. "Elena Carter… the journalist?"

She stiffened slightly, but before she could respond, Damien smoothly intervened. "She's with me," he said, his tone final.

Richard chuckled. "Of course she is." He studied Damien for a moment before nodding. "We'll talk soon."

As he walked away, Elena exhaled. "That was intense. Who is he?"

Damien's jaw tightened. "No one you need to concern yourself with."

Something about his tone told her the conversation was over. But as the night continued, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that she had just witnessed something deeper than a simple business rivalry.

And for the first time, she wondered—how much of Damien Blackwood's life was she really stepping into?

Chapter 5: Blurred Lines