CHAPTER ONE — THE OFFER SHE COULDN'T REFUSE
Rain hammered against the city like it wanted to wash everything away—pain, debts, memories.
Elara Gray wished it could wash her worries too, but life wasn't that kind.
She hurried across the street, holding her thin jacket close as she stared up at the imposing building that sliced through the clouds. Aurelius Holdings.
Cold. Powerful. Untouchable.
Just like the man who owned it.
This wasn't a job interview.
This wasn't even an invitation.
It was a summons.
A letter had arrived two days earlier—no return address, no explanation, just a short command:
"Report to the top floor.
Your presence is required."
Her stomach twisted. She didn't owe anyone in this world—except the hospital that was threatening to release her father if she didn't pay the overdue fees.
So she came.
The lobby was bright and sleek, marble floors reflecting lights like a mirror. The receptionist glanced at her, checked a list, and stiffened slightly.
"You're expected," he murmured, almost nervously. "Top floor. He doesn't like waiting."
He.
Everyone knew who he was.
Elara swallowed her fear and stepped into the elevator, watching the numbers rise—10… 25… 40… then 60.
The doors slid open.
The top floor was silent, too silent.
A place where normal people didn't belong.
And at the end of the hallway, with his back turned, stood the man she had heard rumors about her entire life.
Damian Aurelius.
Billionaire. CEO. Cold as ice.
A man whose revenge was feared more than his success was admired.
He turned slowly.
His eyes—sharp, dark, calculating—locked onto her like he'd been watching the door for hours.
"Elara Gray," he said, voice smooth but dangerous. "You came."
Her pulse jumped. "I—I received your letter. I didn't know what else to do."
"Good," he replied. "Because you and I have unfinished business."
Elara frowned. "I've never met you before."
A humorless smile touched his lips. "You haven't. But your family has."
Before she could speak, he crossed to his desk and opened a black folder, sliding it toward her.
"Read."
Elara hesitated… then looked.
Her breath caught.
A marriage contract.
One year.
Strict rules.
Strict commitment.
Her name on one side.
His on the other.
"No," she whispered. "There has to be a mistake. Why me?"
Damian's expression didn't move.
Not sympathy.
Not warmth.
Just icy purpose.
"Your father was once connected to the man who destroyed my family," he said. "I need a bride to secure my next move. A bride outside my circles. A woman no one will suspect."
Her knees weakened.
"You want revenge," she breathed.
He didn't deny it.
"And you expect me to be part of it?"
"In exchange," he said quietly, "every cent your father owes will vanish. His treatment will continue. His room will be paid in full."
Elara froze.
He knew.
He knew everything.
Damian's gaze hardened.
"This is not romance. This is not fate. This is a contract. You get salvation. I get what I want."
A cold shiver travelled down her spine.
"Why force me?" she whispered.
"I'm not forcing you," Damian said. "I'm offering you the only rescue you have left."
Her eyes fell to the signature line.
Her heart pounded so hard she could barely feel the ground beneath her feet.
A billionaire with a vendetta.
A contract she never asked for.
A marriage built on secrets and revenge.
Her life would never be the same.
Elara exhaled slowly.
And lifted the pen.
— END OF CHAPTER ONE —