My life, although filled with small pleasures, was far from being that of a fairy tale heroine. In my modest apartment in Lyon, I lived a quiet routine, until the day I crossed paths with Bill Aldridge, an alpha as seductive as he was inaccessible. Everything changed when, through an unfortunate misunderstanding, I signed a mysterious contract without really understanding the implications: living with this charismatic man and his associates with excessive ambitions. But why would I, Jenny Dubois, a simple librarian, attract the attention of an alpha who seems to have the world at his feet? Beneath his charming smile lie unspeakable secrets. What is Bill really hiding? A cursed heritage? Rivals ready to do anything to eliminate him? And who are these shadows that prowl around him, always on the lookout? As I find myself drawn into a world where danger and desire intertwine, I can't help but wonder: can I really trust him? What price must I pay to discover the truth about this man who could be both my savior and my downfall? What if this is all a cruel game played by Bill himself? Am I becoming a piece on his chessboard, or could I turn the tables on him to my advantage?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The library was one of those places where Jenny felt perfectly safe, as if the outside world didn't exist. His days unfolded in a simple, almost predictable rhythm: the smell of old paper, the soft crackle of turning pages, and the absolute calm of his colleagues and visitors. Lyon, with its cobbled streets and gray skies, had always seemed like a peaceful cocoon to her. She would never have imagined that a simple literary event would turn everything upside down.
That morning, she had prepared carefully. She hesitated for a while about what to wear, but in the end she opted for a simple, black dress, which she often wore when she wanted to blend into the crowd without attracting attention. Literary events weren't really her playground. But when her colleague Alice told her about a best-selling author, Bill Aldridge , who was coming to give a talk, Jenny saw the perfect opportunity. to escape a little from your routine.
The hotel building where the event was held was imposing, one that seemed to come from a bygone era, but where opulence was still relevant. The large room was filled with voices, discreet laughter, murmurs of excitement. Jenny felt a little out of place in this world of pretentious literary world. She wasn't a writer, she wasn't a celebrity, she was just a librarian.
As she walked towards the conference room, a warm voice startled her.
"You seem a little lost, miss. »
Jenny looked up, her heart beating harder than it should. A tall man with a magnetic presence stood before her. His features were marked, hard but attractive, and his intense blue gaze seemed to probe every corner of his being. Bill Aldridge . The famous author. But it was much more than that. He was an Alpha, a man whose reputation far surpassed his career as a writer. She had seen a photo of him in the newspapers, but nothing prepared her for the reality of his stature. He was imposing. Charismatic. And somehow, he gave off an unmistakable aura of power.
Jenny struggled to find her words. "I...I'm a little late. I was just looking for my seat. »
He gave her a smile, the one that seemed to warm the entire room, and with a simple wave of his hand, invited her to follow him.
"Let me accompany you, then. »
She didn't know why, but she followed his invitation without question. His legs seemed to move on their own, as if hypnotized by this strange aura that emanated from him. They crossed the room, and Bill, while speaking to her in a seemingly casual manner, managed to attract the attention of several guests to them. Jenny felt a pang of discomfort. It wasn't usual for her to be the center of attention.
They arrived at a small table off to the side, and Bill pointed to the chair in front of him.
"You seem far out of your element, Jenny. It's rare to see a librarian among this kind of crowd. »
Surprised that he knew her name, Jenny raised an eyebrow. "How do you know my name? »
"I'm a keen observer. » He added, laughing softly, "I notice interesting people. »
Jenny suddenly felt caught in a whirlwind of questions, of emotions that she couldn't define. She was just a simple librarian, after all. Why would Bill Aldridge be interested in her?
"You don't have to worry," he said, looking at her intently. "I never have fun judging people. You seem like a curious person, and I find that interesting. »
The conversation began around books, his latest publications, but quickly, Jenny realized that he was talking more about himself than his works. He exuded an undeniable, almost magnetic charisma, which pushed her to follow him in his words. She tried to stay focused on what he was saying, but something about him, a certain silent power, disturbed her.
The conference began, but Bill seemed in no hurry to let her go. As they met in a more intimate room after the event, he spoke to her about his business, his plans. Jenny was beginning to understand that he was more than just a successful author. He had an empire behind him, complex businesses that he managed with absolute mastery.
"I'd like you to join my team, Jenny. You have an inquisitive mind, and I think you would be very useful in my organization. »
She looked at him, confused, not really understanding what he was implying. "But I...I'm a librarian. I don't see how I could be of any use to you. »
He stared at her intently, as if weighing each word before saying it.
"I'm not offering you a librarian position. You will be a strategic asset in my team. » He handed her a sheet of paper. "This contract stipulates our collaboration. You will work with me, with my associates. I'm sure you'll find it... enriching. »
Jenny took the paper, still lost in this conversation. She let her eyes wander over the written words, but before she could really understand what they were, Bill insisted:
"You have nothing to fear. This contract guarantees you numerous advantages. You will have the opportunity to discover another world. A world where your talents will be recognized. The opportunity is rare, and I know you will seize this chance. »
Jenny felt a strange pressure settle on her. She was not used to such proposals. Everything in her screamed that there was something suspicious in this story. But at the same time, she felt the irresistible need to take this risk, to get out of her dull routine.
In an impulsive impulse, she signed. A quick act, without thinking. What she didn't yet know was that by signing this contract, she had just entered a universe where ambiguity, power and seduction reigned supreme. A world where she would be pushed to ask herself, at every moment, if she had made the right decision.
A few seconds later, Bill stood up, his smile beaming with satisfaction.
"Welcome to the world Aldridge , Jenny. You won't regret it. »
But as he walked towards the door, Jenny felt a cold chill. A presentiment that she couldn't shake, like a shadow growing behind her. What exactly had she just signed?
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