CHAPTER 002

Ciel shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He spreads his legs, hoping to get more comfortable but as the seconds drag by, he feels like he's soon going to lose his mind. He glances at Lucas who sits beside him on the sofa, looking polished and professional—Lucas only casts him a look that makes him sigh.

He keeps himself busy by looking around his surroundings for the nth time. The office is sleek, vast and intimidating. Floor-to-ceiling window showcasing the beauty of Manhattan—a black table and seat adding a feel of cold luxury.

They are in the small setting area, paired with a low glass coffee table and matching armchair. He sighs for the nth time in 30 minutes since they've been waiting.

“We have been waiting for 30 minutes. This is ridiculous.” he throws his head back dramatically. “If he's this late for a meeting, I can only imagine how bad he is in bed.”

“Ciel, not here.” Lucas grits through his teeth and shoots him a warning look.

He shrugs. “Hey, I'm just saying, punctuality says a lot about a man.”

“Can you for the sake of world peace act like a professional for once.” Lucas barks, his patience running thin as he looks down at his wrist watch.

“I can fake professionalism when it counts, but this…?” He gestures to the whole office. “...this is a power play. It's his way of saying he's more important than us.” He leans and rests his head on Luca's shoulder who shoves him off.

“Quit acting like a spoiled child. This man has the power to save your career, if we have to lick his boot, so be it.”

“He's probably stuck in traffic or staring at his reflection in some expensive mirror.” Ciel laughs at his own joke and immediately shrugs when Lucas casts him an unimpressed look. “What? He's a billionaire. I bet he's got one of those talking mirrors and goes ‘Mirror mirror on the wall, he's the biggest prick of them all.”’

Suddenly, the door opens with a dramatic click. Ciel's sarcastic immediately dies in his throat and he sits up instinctively, then watches as a man who's no doubt, Xerxes Laurent enters the room, followed closely by a sharp-suited assistant with a murdering gaze

Ciel's mouth slightly opens as he takes in Mr. Laurent—looking like he's made and carved from stone. He moves effortlessly towards them, his tailored suits hug his strong physique perfectly and it blends well with his dark hair that's brushed off his smooth forehead and striking shades of icy gray orbs that look cold and calculative.

He sits on the armchair in front of them and crosses one leg over the other while his assistant stands behind him. “Mr. Reid, Mr. Lucas.” He acknowledges them, his voice is deep and commanding. “I trust you've been comfortable as you waited?”

“Thanks for the hospitality,” Lucas answers drily, not being able to conceal the distaste in his voice.

Ciel instantly snaps out of it. “Oh, it was riveting.” He sneers. “Loved the decor, very bold villain chic.”

“I'm glad it made an impression.”

Ciel's gulps as Xerxes speaks. His deep, velvety voice seems to echo and it makes Ciel's stomach churn. Not wanting to beat around the bushes, Ciel leans forward, his green eyes pinned on the man who looks like he can command an entire army with just his gaze. “Let's cut to the chase, why me? You've got the money, the connection, hell, you look like you can snap your finger and the whole world will come at your feet, begging. So, why me? Especially with my reputation?”

Lucas at the moment resists the urge to facepalm and almost steps in to apologize but Xerxes beats him to it.

“Your reputation is precisely what I need.”

Ciel blinks, caught off guard. “I beg your pardon.”

“Your reputation is almost irrelevant to me, I don't care for the scandals, headlines or the arrests, what I care about is what you can deliver in front of a camera. I agreed to have you on this project because you intrigue me.”

Ciel raises an eyebrow. “Intrigue, huh? That’s a new one. Usually, people just call me a train wreck.”

“Oh, you are,” Xerxes says, leaning back in his chair. “You’re talented but talent isn’t enough in this business. You’re reckless, and undisciplined, and every headline about you reads like a punchline. You’ve become a liability. You’re exactly what I need.”

“Wow, I should hire you for motivational speeches,” Ciel verbalizes, slightly intimidated by the man and his strange way with words but more intrigued.

“I don’t waste my time motivating people. I make them useful.”

“What do you want from me? What's the catch?”

Suddenly, a sinister glint flashes in Xerxes’ eyes and a faint smirk spreads on his lips while his assistant drops a file on the table. “I need the public's attention off me for a while. For the duration of the production, you will be my fiancée.”

The room goes silent.

Ciel blinks,  almost certain he misheard, he shares a glance with Lucas who looks speechless for the first time. “I’m sorry, did you just say fiancée?”

“Yes,” Xerxes replies calmly.  “You’ll attend events with me, act the part of a devoted partner, and follow my instructions without question. In return, you’ll star in the film and rehabilitate your image. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“Mutually beneficial?” Ciel repeats, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sounds more like you’re buying a human prop.”

Xerxes rises to his feet. “Call it whatever you want, Mr. Reid. But the fact remains—without my help, your career is over.” he looks down at his expensive wrist watch. “You have 48 hours to think about this and sign the contract. There are the terms and rules you need to follow as my fiance. If there's anything you need, inform my assistant, Sebastian. Have a lovely day, gentlemen.”

Without another word, he leaves, walking out of the office majestically with his assistant following him.

Lucas picks up the contract.

“Told you this guy is a prick.”

“Yeah, you are right.” Lucas retorts as he skims the contract. “A very big prick.”