The rain pounded against the glass walls of Hale. Corporation's top floor, each drop a cruel remainder of how far I had fallen.
A year ago, my father's company stood tall among the giants. A year ago, we still had a home, a name that meant something. Now? He was gone, buried in debt and disgrace, and l was standing in front of the man responsible.
Damien Hale. The viper who smiled as he crushed us.
But it wasn't Damien's piercing eyes on me now. It was his son's.
Adrian Hale lounged in his father's leather chair, a glass of whiskey in one hand, his suit tailored to perfection. Cold. Arrogant. Untouchable.
You want save what's left of your family?" His voice was smooth, dangerous. Then marry me."
The words knocked the air from my chest. "You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm deadly serious." His lips curved in the faintest smirk. "It's simple, Ava. You get protection, your family 's name restored. In return..." He leaned forward, eyes darkening "...you become my wife."
I clenched my fists. He was offering me a gilded cage, nothing more.
Why me?" I demanded. "You could have anyone."
Adrian's gaze hardened. For the first time, the mask slipped, and l saw something flicker in his eyes - anger, pain, maybe even obsession.
"Because," he said softly, "you're the one woman my father can't control."
The room fell silent, except for the storm raging outside. My heart pounded. This wasn't just a marriage proposal. It was a declaration of war.
And I was the pawn caught in the middle.
"Marry me, Ava," Adrian whispered. "Or watch your world burn again."
✨End of Chapter 1 ( will she say yes or lose everything?)