It's been a week since I woke up in the past.
Every morning, I remind myself this isn't a dream.
Every night, I plan my next move.
I know what's comingIsabella's betrayal, Adrian's rejection, my downfall.
But this time, I'll be the one in control.
Today, I start my plan.
I sit in my father's study, looking through company papers. The Blackwood Group is in trouble. Back then, I didn't know how bad it was until it was too late. Now I do.
The contracts, the debts, the silent partnerseverything is clear.
Our company was already sinking, and Adrian's company was the only one strong enough to save it. That's how Isabella got close to him. That's how I lost everything.
I won't let history repeat itself.
My father walks in. "Emma, what are you doing with those files?"
I look up and smile. "Just checking our numbers, Father. I think I can help."
He laughs lightly. "You? These are tough deals, my dear. Leave the business to me."
I nod and hide my thoughts. I remember how those "deals" ended with him losing everything and me being used as a pawn in his business war.
Not again.
That evening, I sit in my car outside Blackwood Tower, where Adrian's company is based. My heart beats fast.
I haven't seen him since the dinner.
"Stay calm," I whisper to myself. "You're not the same Emma."
I walk into the building. The marble floors shine, the air smells like money and power. I walk straight to the receptionist.
"Tell Mr. Adrian Blackwood that Emma from Blackwood Group would like a meeting," I say firmly.
The woman looks at me in surprise but nods. "Please wait a moment."
Minutes later, she leads me to the elevator. My palms sweat, but I keep my face calm.
When the doors open, Adrian is standing by the window, his back to me. His voice is smooth and cold.
"Miss Blackwood. To what do I owe this visit?"
I take a deep breath. "I have a business proposal for you."
He turns slowly, his eyes sharp. "Oh? You came alone this time. No father, no sister?"
The mention of Isabella makes my stomach twist, but I don't show it.
"This is between us," I say.
He gestures for me to sit. "Go on."
I place the papers on his desk. "The Blackwood Group is struggling. You already know that. I'm offering an apprenticeship that could benefit both sides."
He studies me for a moment, unreadable. "And what kind of partnership are we talking about?"
I look him straight in the eyes. "A marriage contract."
He blinks, taken off guard. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," I say, my tone calm. "A marriage between us. On paper, it will merge our companies and strengthen your hold in the market. For me, it will save my family's name. It's clean, legal, and temporary."
He leans back in his chair, watching me closely. "You're serious?"
"Yes."
Silence fills the room. I can hear the faint sound of rain outside. He finally stands and walks around the desk until he's right in front of me.
"Why me?" he asks softly. "You could choose anyone else."
I meet his gaze. "Because you're the best option."
He smirks slightly. "That doesn't sound very romantic."
"It's not supposed to be," I say.
For a long moment, he says nothing. Then, slowly, he nods. "You've changed, Miss Blackwood. You weren't this bold before."
"People change," I reply.
He looks amused, but there's curiosity in his eyes now. "I'll think about it," he says finally. "But if I agree, I want to know what's in it for me, besides the business advantage?"
I hold my breath, forcing a calm smile. "You'll find out soon enough."
He studies me one last time, as if trying to see through me, then says, "Very well. Come back tomorrow. We'll discuss the terms."
When I leave the office, my legs feel weak, but inside, my heart is steady.
It worked. He took the bait.
I walk out into the cool evening air, the wind brushing against my face. The city lights reflect in the glass doors as I pass by.
This is the start. The first step in my plan.
Adrian once broke my heart. Now, he'll sign his name next to mine on a contract that will destroy him.
I smile to myself, a small, cold smile.
"Let the game begin," I whisper.