Every human has a price, Miss Bennett. I think i just found out yours.
Those were the first words Ethan Blackwood said to her.
Aria's hands trembled around the contract on his glass desk.
Her father's signature, clearly written bold stared back at her. It was all that remained of the company that once carried their family name.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" she whispered.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, "There's always a choice," he said calmly. You can walk out that door and watch your father's empire burn… or you can marry me.
Aria lifted her chin, anger flashing through the fear in her eyes. Why me? You could have anyone else.
He smiled gently. Because you're the only one who hasn't begged me for mercy. I like that.
Silence filled the office. The ticking of the clock seemed louder than her heartbeat.
A year. That was what the contract said. One year of pretending. One year of belonging to a man who didn't believe in love.
Aria exhaled shakily and picked up the pen.
If I say yes, she asked softly, what do you get out of this?
Ethan's gaze darkened.
Control, he said simply. And the satisfaction of owning the one person who still dares to defy me.
Her hand froze, with a trembling breath she signed her name.
Ethan stood, his expression unreadable. Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Blackwood, he said out loudly.
And as the pen fell from her fingers, Aria realized something chilling. She hadn't just signed a contract, she had signed away her freedom.