The air inside the towering skyscraper was cold and sharp like the man who owned it
Emma stood in front of the glass doors wearing a plain beige coat her hands clutched tightly around a manila folder
She hesitated for a moment looking at her reflection her large brown eyes filled with fear and determination
Today she would walk into the lion's den
Today she would sell herself for her brother's life
Inside the private office on the top floor Damon Lancaster leaned back in his leather chair his expression unreadable his gray eyes scanning the contract on the table before him
Everything was perfect legal cold
Just the way he liked it
He glanced at the digital clock on the wall and then at the security camera monitor showing the woman standing at his front door
Right on time
He pressed a button and spoke into the intercom
Send her in
The door opened slowly and Emma walked in her footsteps soft against the marble floor
She tried not to stare at him not to be intimidated but his presence filled the room
Tall powerful dressed in a dark three piece suit Damon looked like a man sculpted out of ice
Miss Roselyn he said his voice deep and calm take a seat
She nodded and sat opposite him carefully placing the folder on the table
He did not offer her a smile or greeting just silence and pressure
Do you understand the terms he asked finally
She nodded again her voice almost a whisper
Yes
He tapped the contract
This is a marriage not a relationship not love
You will live in my house follow my rules attend the events I ask you to and stay silent about your personal feelings
Emma lowered her eyes her heart racing
In return your brother will receive the full payment for his surgery in three days
She whispered
Yes
Damon leaned forward
You will be Mrs Lancaster in the eyes of the world but in private we are strangers
Do you agree
Emma looked up her eyes locking with his for the first time
His gaze was cold emotionless yet something about it burned her from within
I agree
He nodded
Then sign
She picked up the pen her fingers trembling and wrote her name beside his
Emma Roselyn Lancaster
The name felt like a cage
Damon stood and buttoned his jacket
The wedding is in two days your dress fitting is tomorrow
You will be picked up at eight
He paused then added
You may go
Emma stood slowly and walked out each step heavier than the last
Behind the closed door Damon watched her leave then turned toward the window overlooking the city
He had married a stranger
But nothing he did was without purpose
Everything was a move on his chessboard
And Emma Roselyn had just become his most important pawn