Chapter 1

I never asked to be born a Sinclair.

Yet here I am, standing in my father’s office, suffocating in a custom-tailored suit, listening to him dictate the terms of my life like I’m nothing more than a pawn on his damn chessboard.

"Atlas," my father’s voice is clipped, businesslike. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the glass desk that probably costs more than the average person’s yearly salary. "This marriage is non-negotiable. It’s a strategic move that will secure our legacy. You will do this."

I let out a short, humorless laugh, running a hand through my dark hair. "You’re joking, right? You want me to marry some guy I’ve never met just to boost our stock prices? That’s ridiculous—even for you."

His gaze hardens. "You know Kieran Laurent, don’t you?"

The name sends a spark of irritation down my spine. Of course, I know him. Everyone in the corporate world does. Kieran Laurent—the golden boy of Laurent Industries. A self-made billionaire despite his old-money lineage, a ruthless strategist with a reputation that makes sharks look tame.

"Yeah, I know him," I say, crossing my arms. "And I know he’s the last person on earth I’d ever marry."

"Then it’s a good thing this isn’t about what you want," my father replies coolly. "It’s about what’s best for the company. Our board is expecting an alliance. Laurent Industries is our biggest competitor, and with this merger—"

"You mean this arranged marriage," I correct, my jaw tightening.

"Call it what you like. The deal is already in motion. Kieran has agreed."

I stare at him, the air between us thick with tension. Kieran agreed? That stops me for a second. Why the hell would someone like him go along with this? He has power, wealth, influence. He doesn’t need to be forced into anything—especially not into an engagement with me.

I scoff, shaking my head. "If Kieran is so on board, why do you need me to agree? Sounds like he can marry himself and save us all the trouble."

"Enough, Atlas." My father’s voice sharpens. "You will do this. And you will make it work."

I should walk away. Tell him to go to hell. But deep down, I know the truth—I can’t. My father holds too many of the cards. My fortune, my future in Sinclair Enterprises, everything I’ve spent my life trying to prove is mine and not just something handed to me by birthright—it’s all on the line.

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to breathe. "Fine. I’ll meet him. But don’t expect me to play happy fiancé."

A slow, satisfied smile spreads across my father’s face. "I wouldn’t expect anything less."

The restaurant is a sleek, exclusive rooftop spot overlooking the city skyline. The kind of place where billionaires close deals over overpriced wine and pretend they don’t stab each other in the back.

I lean back in my chair, fingers drumming against the table, waiting. And then I feel it—that shift in the air, the presence of someone who commands a room without saying a damn word.

Kieran Laurent.

He walks in like he owns the place, like he owns the whole damn city. Sharp navy suit, perfectly tousled dark hair, an expression that’s all control and precision. His icy blue eyes meet mine, and there’s no hesitation, no uncertainty—just cool calculation.

He slides into the seat across from me, his movements deliberate. "Atlas Sinclair," he murmurs, as if he’s tasting the weight of my name on his tongue. "I expected you to be taller."

I smirk, leaning forward. "And I expected you to be less of an ass. Guess we’re both disappointed."

A flicker of amusement dances across his face before disappearing. "Let’s get one thing straight," he says, voice smooth but edged with steel. "This arrangement doesn’t mean you control me. I don’t take orders. Not from my father, not from yours, and definitely not from you."

I should be annoyed. Should be pissed off that he’s making it clear he won’t be pushed around. But all I feel is adrenaline—because finally, someone isn’t rolling over and playing obedient.

I smirk. "Good. I don’t take orders either. So I guess that makes us enemies with wedding bands."

Kieran tilts his head, considering me. Then, he smirks right back. "Or something far more interesting."

I don’t know if I want to punch him or kiss him.

Maybe both.

Dinner is a slow, careful game. Neither of us is willing to be the first to show weakness. We exchange pleasantries with the kind of politeness that’s laced with hidden blades, every smile carrying a challenge beneath it. Kieran is composed, methodical, every movement precise, like he’s calculating three moves ahead in a chess game I didn’t agree to play.

"I have no interest in playing the role of a doting fiancé," I say after the waiter takes our empty plates. "So if you're expecting a fairytale marriage, you’re in for disappointment."

Kieran chuckles, the sound low and amused. "Oh, Atlas. If I wanted a fairytale, I wouldn’t be here. Let’s get one thing straight—I have no intention of being your obedient husband. This is a business arrangement, nothing more."

Something about his confidence grates on me, but it also makes my pulse race. I take a slow sip of my whiskey, studying him. "Then we’re on the same page. But let me warn you—I don’t play nice."

He leans forward slightly, a smirk playing at the edges of his lips. "Neither do I."

The tension between us crackles like a live wire, an unspoken dare hanging in the air. I know this game. I’ve played it before—pushing, testing, waiting for the other person to break first. But something tells me Kieran Laurent isn’t the type to break easily.

This is going to be interesting.

The ride back to my penthouse is silent, but my mind is anything but. Kieran Laurent. A man who, in a single dinner, managed to infuriate and intrigue me in equal measure. I don’t trust him. Hell, I don’t even like him. But something about him makes me want to push back just to see how hard he’ll push in return.

As soon as I step inside my place, I loosen my tie and pour myself a drink, the amber liquid burning down my throat. My phone buzzes on the counter. My father.

I stare at the screen for a long moment before answering. "Yes?"

"How did it go?" He doesn’t waste time on pleasantries.

I smirk, swirling the glass in my hand. "About as well as an arranged marriage to a man I can’t stand could go."

A pause. "You’ll make it work."

"Funny," I say dryly. "I don’t recall agreeing to that."

"Atlas." There’s warning in his tone, and I clench my jaw. "This isn’t about you. This is about the company, about legacy. The board needs to see stability. You and Kieran need to present a united front."

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "So what? You want us to do a press tour? Hold hands in public? Post cheesy couple photos on Instagram?"

"If that’s what it takes."

I bite back a curse. "You’re unbelievable."

"No, Atlas," he says, voice like steel. "I’m necessary. Do what needs to be done."

The call disconnects, and I exhale sharply, setting my drink down harder than necessary.

Before I can dwell too much on my frustration, another buzz—this time a text.

Kieran: I assume you got the same call.

I hesitate before replying.

Atlas: If you mean the demand to act like a devoted fiancé, then yes.

Kieran: Good. Then we’re on the same page. We have a public engagement party this weekend. I’ll send the details. Play your part, and I’ll play mine.

Atlas: Can’t wait.

I toss my phone onto the couch, scrubbing a hand down my face. This is happening. This is real.

And whether I like it or not, Kieran Laurent is about to become the biggest complication of my life.

The engagement party is exactly what I expected—an extravagant display of wealth disguised as a celebration. Crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and a room filled with people who care more about power than love.

Kieran is already there when I arrive, looking as effortless as ever in a black suit that probably costs more than my car. He sees me and smirks, raising his glass in a mock toast.

"Atlas," he drawls when I reach him. "You clean up nicely."

"Don’t get used to it," I mutter, snatching a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. "Let’s get this over with."

Kieran chuckles, low and knowing. "Smile, fiancé. People are watching."

I force a smirk and clink my glass against his. "Here’s to the happiest mistake of our lives."

He leans in slightly, voice dropping just for me. "Oh, Atlas. I think you’ll find that I’m far from a mistake."

I don’t know if I want to walk away or pull him closer.

Maybe both.

And that terrifies me.