FATED DECEPTION

Nadia's POV

When I first saw Sam Thorne, it was the coldest day of winter New York City had. Though nothing equipped me for the frigid grandeur of his home, I expected luxury. From the floor to the ceiling windows, the picture of a metropolis blanketed in snow contrasted sharply with the austere, clinical décor of the penthouse. Though it was not the kind of business most would identify with, I was here on business.

I inhaled deeply, attempting to calm my anxiety, then followed the butler up the long corridor. Driven by the weight of the secrets I was about to uncover, every stride felt more weighty than the last. My mind flew over the specifics of my task. Sam Thorne's public persona as affluent, distant, and untouchable was about to become my reality.

I stopped in front of a set of large double doors. The butler nodded at me and turned away. Reaching for the handle, I paused to gather myself. Undercover Sam's ex-wife, Venessa, was Nadia Moore, a single-mission undercover agent. I aimed to expose her sinister secrets. My actual goal was Venessa, purportedly carrying proof against Sam that was damning. My cover was the contract marriage; I had to retain the pretense of looking for a fresh start while hiding my actual goals.

Opening the doors, I entered the magnificent office Sam Thorne had waiting for me. Sitting at his desk, he seemed to be detachedly staring out at the city. He was a man who had perfected control; his posture was exact. I shuddered down my spine as he turned to meet me. Dark and fierce, his eyes seemed to cut away all pretenses and see right through me.

"Ms. Moore," he continued, his voice silky but devoid of affection. "I believe you are ready to go forward."

I forced a smile as my new reality pressed down on me. "Mr. Thorne". Yes, I am ready.

He pointed for me to sit, and I moved across from him. Apart from the buzz of the city outside, the room was quiet. Sam locked his eyes on me, computing. Wishing for what lay under his immaculate façade, I could almost hear the gears moving in his head.

Sam started by sliding a contract over the desk and saying, "The terms of our agreement are simple." "You will be my wife by name only. Your main responsibility will be to keep the picture of a perfect pair and show up for social events. You will get financial security and a sizable allowance in return. Are we exactly clear on that?

Though my heart was beating, I nodded. This was it-the start of a high-stakes game in which every action had to be deliberate. indeed, Mr. Thorne.

His eyes never wavered; he seemed not to respond to the formality of my answer. I look for professionalism and discretion. I do not carelessly share my past.

I ate hard." Understood.

Before I could add more, the office door flung open, and a startling woman with a confident gait arrived. She was the picture of refinement, but the instant her eyes locked with mine, a flash of identification-or maybe something darker-passed between us. She fixed me for a second too long before turning to speak to Sam.

"Sam, we have to talk about the Venessa matter," she continued, her voice short and sharp. "I now have fresh data."

Sam's face stiffened, and he turned back to me with an incomprehensible gaze. "Nadia, my assistant here is Rebecca. Rebecca, this will be my soon-to-be wife.

Though polite, Rebecca's grin missed her eyes. "a pleasure."

As Rebecca went on, "Venessa's been active," the room was tense. She is moving in ways that might compromise our whole business.

Sam's face clouded, and he nodded curtly to dismiss Rebecca. "I appreciate you, Rebecca." I will deal with it.

Rebecca left, Sam's eyes went back to me, and I shivered. Though I knew from the beginning that this would not be a simple task, the stakes were already higher than I had expected. The mention of Venessa made me shudder and underlined the weight of the work that has to be done now.