A Dangerous Game Begins
Elena sat in the back of her car, gripping her phone as the mysterious message burned into her vision.
You thought you won? This is only the beginning.
Her fingers tightened around the device.
A threat.
She had expected Dominic to retaliate, but this? This felt different.
Dominic was a spoiled man-child who threw tantrums when things didn't go his way. But this message? It carried an air of calculated menace.
Who else had she angered?
Her mind raced through possibilities as the city lights blurred outside the car window.
One thing was clear—whoever sent this wasn't just warning her. They were watching.
And if they thought she would be afraid… they were wrong.
She exhaled slowly and tucked the phone away.
There were bigger things to deal with tonight.
Like the fact that she was about to sign a contract marriage with Alexander Reid.
The Deal is Sealed
Elena arrived at Alexander's private office in one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city.
The moment she stepped in, his presence filled the room.
He stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands in his pockets, looking every bit the powerful, untouchable CEO.
"You're late," he murmured without turning around.
Elena raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize we were on a schedule."
He finally turned, his gaze sweeping over her with quiet amusement.
"We are now," he said, stepping forward. "Do you have second thoughts?"
She straightened. "No."
Alexander studied her, then nodded toward the sleek black folder on his desk.
"The contract."
Elena walked to the desk, flipping it open. The terms were clear:
One year of marriage.
Public appearances together.
No romantic entanglements outside the marriage.
Mutual protection against enemies.
No expectations of love.
She picked up the pen. "No room for negotiation?"
Alexander smirked. "Do you want to negotiate?"
She met his gaze and, after a beat, signed her name.
Alexander took the pen from her fingers—his touch brief but firm—and signed his own name beneath hers.
Just like that, the deal was sealed.
The First Challenge – Moving In
"Elena," Alexander said as he closed the contract folder.
She looked up.
"Pack your things."
She frowned. "Excuse me?"
Alexander leaned back against the desk, watching her. "We need to live together. For credibility."
Her stomach tightened. She had expected this, but still…
"Where?" she asked.
Alexander smirked. "Where else? My penthouse."
Elena inhaled sharply. "We never discussed this."
"We didn't have to." His tone was smooth, authoritative. "This is how it works, Elena. If you want my protection, you live under my roof."
She clenched her jaw. "And if I say no?"
He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something dark. A challenge.
"You won't," he murmured.
Damn him.
He was right.
If she wanted this deal to work—if she wanted to win—she had to play by his rules.
Even if that meant stepping into the lion's den.
Dominic's Rage – A Dangerous Warning
Meanwhile, at the Sinclair estate, Dominic Sinclair smashed his whiskey glass against the wall.
"Elena Carter… you really think you can escape me?"
His mother, Miranda Sinclair, sighed. "Throwing a tantrum won't fix this."
"She's making a fool out of me," Dominic snarled. "First, she exposes my business, and now she's marrying Alexander Reid?"
Miranda's expression darkened. "That man isn't someone you want to provoke."
Dominic gritted his teeth. "I don't care. Elena was supposed to be mine."
His phone buzzed.
A message from an Unknown Number.
You want revenge? I can help you.
Dominic narrowed his eyes.
Then, slowly, he smirked.
Elena Moves In – A New Power Struggle
Elena stepped into Alexander's penthouse, her suitcase in hand.
Everything about the space screamed power.
Dark marble floors. Expensive, minimalist furniture. A breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Alexander stood near the entrance, watching her with mild amusement.
"Welcome home," he said smoothly.
Elena set her suitcase down, exhaling. "Let's get one thing straight," she said, turning to face him.
He raised an eyebrow.
"I agreed to this marriage," she continued. "But don't expect me to be some obedient wife."
Alexander chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
She narrowed her eyes. "Good."
But as she turned to walk toward the bedroom, his voice stopped her.
"One more thing."
She looked back.
Alexander leaned against the doorway, his smirk turning into something more dangerous.
"If you think you can outplay me, Elena… you're in for a long year."
Her pulse quickened.
So was he.
A Clash of Power – The First Night
Elena stood in the master bedroom of Alexander's penthouse, staring at the massive space that now belonged to her—at least on paper.
The room was dark and luxurious, just like its owner. A king-sized bed sat in the center, draped in deep gray sheets. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering skyline.
And there was only one bed.
Her fingers tightened around the handle of her suitcase.
Behind her, Alexander leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Problem?"
Elena turned, her expression cool. "Where am I sleeping?"
Alexander's lips curled into a slow smirk. "Where do you think?"
Her stomach clenched. "We agreed this is a business arrangement."
He tilted his head. "It is. But married couples don't sleep in separate rooms, Elena."
She lifted her chin. "I'm not sleeping with you."
Alexander's smirk deepened. He pushed off the doorframe and walked toward her, his presence overwhelming.
"I never said you had to," he murmured. "But if you want people to believe this marriage, you'll stay here."
Elena met his gaze, refusing to back down.
Fine.
She would share the room.
But he wouldn't win.
She rolled her suitcase toward the closet. "I want the left side of the bed."
Alexander chuckled. "Of course, darling."
Her pulse quickened at the way he said that. Darling. He was toying with her.
She clenched her jaw. Let the games begin.
A Silent War – Midnight Standoff
Later that night, Elena lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Alexander was on the other side, his back turned to her.
The room was silent, but tension filled the air.
She wasn't used to sharing a bed.
Especially with him.
She shifted slightly. The mattress dipped, making her hyper-aware of his presence.
"You're still awake," Alexander murmured, breaking the silence.
Elena turned her head toward him. In the dim light, his profile was sharp and unreadable.
"So are you," she countered.
He let out a quiet chuckle. "Thinking about backing out?"
She scoffed. "Not a chance."
Silence stretched between them.
Then
"You'll need to get used to this, Elena," Alexander murmured. "We're in this together now."
Something in his voice sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.
She turned away, closing her eyes.
This was only the beginning.
A Storm is Coming – The First Threat Arrives
The next morning, Elena woke to the scent of coffee and something else—trouble.
She found Alexander in the kitchen, reading a document. His expression was unreadable, but something about his posture put her on edge.
"What is it?" she asked.
He handed her the document without a word.
Elena's breath caught.
It was an anonymous warning.
"A pretty little contract marriage won't protect you, Elena Carter. Watch your back."
Her fingers tightened around the paper.
"Dominic?" she asked, her voice steady.
Alexander shook his head. "No. This is someone else."
A chill ran through her.
She had known marrying Alexander would make her powerful.
But power comes with enemies.
Alexander watched her closely. "Still think you can handle this?"
Elena lifted her chin. "I don't scare easily."
A shadow of a smirk crossed his lips. "Good."
Because this was war.
And neither of them could afford to lose.