Chapter 2 Jack’s Proposition

The man at the head of the conference room was as emotionless and frigid as the space itself. Although the antiseptic design of polished steel and glass echoed the emptiness I felt inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows provided a breathtaking view of the metropolitan skyline. Opposite me, Jack Sterling sat with perfect posture and an impenetrable look. He resembled the vicious billionaire whose name was muttered in fear and wonder.

With sweaty palms, I gripped my handbag hard. I felt the weight of his presence weighing down on me while I waited for him to speak, the buzz of the air conditioner becoming deafening.

"Miss Amelia," Jack murmured at last, his tone cold and his voice smooth. "I trust you’ve had time to consider my offer."

When his piercing blue eyes met mine, my throat constricted. "Yes, if a night of tossing and turning can be referred to as "thought." I've given it some thought.

The tiniest trace of a smile curled his lips, but it was more akin to a predator exposing its teeth. "And?"

I inhaled deeply while making myself look into his eyes. "Why me? Anyone might be yours. Is it worth the bother to offer to save my family? What do you stand to gain?

Jack observed me while steepling his fingers and leaning back in his chair. "Really, it's easy. Let's concentrate on your reasons, but I have mine. You will lose everything in a matter of weeks, including your home, legacy, and name. Your father's debts are enormous, and your family's reputation is in ruins. Amelia, I'm giving you a lifeline."

I couldn't show him how much it hurt, even though the truth of what he said struck me like a slap. "And all I have to do is marry you," I added, with a hint of resentment in my voice. "Like a pawn in one of your corporate games."

"It's not a game," Jack shot back, his voice piercing. "There is a contract. And the basis of civilization is contracts, Miss Amelia.

I looked at the pile of papers neatly stacked in front of him, and my stomach rumbled. "You’ve already drafted the agreement?"

He responded, "Of course," as though it were the most apparent thing in the world. "I don’t waste time."

I paused, holding onto the table's edge with my fingertips. "What are the terms?"

There was something flickering in Jack's eyes that I couldn't quite make out. Victory? Laughter? "One year will pass throughout the marriage. You will perform all of the responsibilities expected of a wife throughout that period. social interactions, public appearances, etc. I'll pay off all of your father's obligations in return, and your family's house will stay the same."

"And after a year?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Jack leaned forward and remarked, "Your family's legacy will be restored and you'll be free to walk away after a year."

I looked at him, trying to figure out what was going on. "Why? Why would you do this?

His face grew stern. "I have my motives, let's say. All you need to know is that.

I was about to press him further, but I was stopped by the iron resolve in his eyes. His motivations, whatever they were, were not debatable. Even though I detested the idea of being used, there was no other option.

"What if I say no?" I tried to sound firm, but my voice was trembling as I asked.

Jack's eyes narrowed and his jaw tensed. "The vultures then descend as I turn to leave. Everything will be lost for your family.

His comments became like a smothering blanket, weighing me down. I considered the mansion that had been the site of generations of memories, the heritage my mother had always been so proud of, and my father, broken and defeated. Was I truly going to let it all go?

Tears pinched my eyes as I looked down at the contract, the words blending together. "This is insane," I muttered to myself.

Jack's voice grew softer but still forceful. "Amelia, it's survival. Making compromises is sometimes the only way to preserve what is most important.

I took a trembling breath and closed my eyes. He was not mistaken. However, the thought of committing to this man and sacrificing my independence for a year was horrifying. What option did I have, though?

I responded, "Fine," but the word tasted like ash. "I’ll do it."

Although Jack's face remained the same, I believed I caught a glimpse of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good."

He slid a pen and the contract across the table. "Sign here."

When I lifted the pen, my hand shook. The walls of the room seemed to enclose me more and more tightly. I felt a part of me slipping away with each penstroke. My heart thumping, I shoved the contract back toward him when I was done.

Jack said, "Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Sterling," in a calm and collected tone. "Tomorrow, you will move into my house. Be prepared.

I looked at him as the truth of what I had just done hit me hard. "What have I gotten myself into?"

Jack got up and straightened his suit, ready to go. "Amelia, a second chance. Don't waste it.

I was left to bear the consequences of my choice alone when he turned and left the room. I held onto the edge of the table with my fingertips as I resisted the tears that threatened to fall. It was this. I was doomed.

However, as I sat there, realizing how big Jack's proposal was, I couldn't help but wonder: What wasn't he telling me?

I heard a slight buzzing and recognized it as coming from the pile of papers Jack had left behind. A sleek black envelope with gold embossed corners was tucked behind the contract. My fingers shaking, I opened it and pulled it out.

A single sheet of paper with bold, accurate handwriting was inside. Despite its briefness, the message chilled me to the bone.

"This is just the start. Watch who you put your trust in.

As I gazed at the note, my heart thumping in my chest, my breath caught. It was written by whom? What was the meaning of it? I might have just stepped into something much more hazardou

s than I could have ever imagined, and it sent a shiver down my spine.