Bound by fate

father's words from the night before still lingered, suffocating any hope she had left. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, knuckle

ng presence seemed smaller, wearied by the burden of their family's downfall. Across from hi

ice low but firm. "We need to talk

ing it would make it all too real. She steeled herself, unwilling to

ou know what's at stake. If we don't act quickly, we'll l

she remained silent, leaving her

her voice steady despite the storm rag

sted every option. The betrayal from Ethan has left us with no allies in the b

r world apart. It still stung. The betrayal was fresh, the wounds unhealed. She co

I know this isn't fair to you, Sophia. But the Blackwoods-Damian B

and they hit her like a punch to the gut. "You're seriously

through with it for the sake of the merger. H

at's it? I'm just a bargaining chip n

, it's not what we wanted for you. But we're out of options. Damian's family i

chair screeching against th

enry explained. "Damian's father sees this as an opportunity to s

"So I'm supposed to marry a man I've never even met, just to

s about more than you, Sophia. This is about all of us. You've been a part of this business

about control. You want me to sacrifice my life for a m

I don't expect you to like it. I don't even expect you to agree

but the reality was unavoidable. The scandal Ethan had unleashed had left her family in ruin

ndependent, to be strong. And yet here he was, asking her to

. Could she do this? Could she really marry a m

h the silence. "Please, Sophia. We

for herself anymore-she was fighting for her family, for the

she exhaled shakily. "Fine," she whispered,

r their gratitude. She turned on her heel and left the room

er's voice stopped her. "Sophia,

cing with thoughts of the man she was about to marry-Damian Bla

the beginning. And she knew one thing for c

at her hair as she made her way to the car waiting for her, but the coldness she felt was coming from within. Damian Blackwood. The na

g approach to business and his cold demeanor. But there was more to him than just his reputation. He was feared, respec

as about to be

in the distance, a towering testament to the Blackwood family's power and wealth. As she approached the front

nding the grand estate. As she drove closer, the imposing mansion came into full view. Its dark stone façade seemed to

out. The front door of the mansion swung open before she

g you," the butler said in a measured tone

hing from the marble floors to the crystal chandeliers screamed wealth, but it was the ee

nside, Damian sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his eyes focused on a stack of papers in front of him.

as every bit as intimidating as she had imagined. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, with sharp features and an

be intimidated. She had faced worse than

t devoid of warmth. "I'm glad you could make it. I assume y

eyes never leaving his. "He has.

s. The arrangement is simple: we marry, merge our families' businesses, and ensure th

e're doing this, it will be on equal terms. I won't be some

accessory, Miss Lancaster. In fact, I'm counting on you to play your part in this merger. But make

siness, Damian. I'm here because my family's livelihood is on the line. Bu

h his cold exterior. "I didn't expect obedience, Sophia. But I do expect results.

n determination burning bri

, Sophia thought she saw something in Damian's eyes-curiosity, perha

tly in front of her. "We'll announce the engagement tomorrow. Th

est. She had come this far. There was no turning ba

in agreement. I'll have the contra

as her life on the line. As Damian returned to his desk, dismissing her with

fight-against Damian, against the circumstances that had brought her here, and most importantly, agai

if time stood still. Damian's gaze remained locked on hers, unreadable but inte

desk and walked toward her. His tall, imposing figure seemed to fill the

Damian said, his voice low and smooth. "But I wonder if

o be difficult, but the sheer force of his presence was more overwhelming than she had anticipate

make no mistake, Damian. I won't be intimidated by you. If we're to be par

e intrigued him. "Partners, you say? Interesting. But you shou

the air between them was thick with tension, an invisible line drawn between power and resis

before, but Damian Blackwood was different. There was a dangerous edge to hi

ou're mistaken," she said firmly. "I'll do what's necessary

of admiration in his eyes. "You've got fire, I'll give you that.

nch. "I can ha

readable expression. Then, with a nod, he turned and walked b

verything you need at your disposal. As my wife, you'll be expected to uphold certain responsibiliti

round as Damian Blackwood's wife, but she pushed the feeli

full transparency when it comes to our businesses.

an eyebrow.

nd. "If I'm going to be part of this,

ded slowly. "Very well. I'll provide you with the details you need. But

hin held high. "We'll see

on, her mind was spinning. Damian Blackwood was not just a ruthless businessman-he was

she would not be controlled by him. She would find a way t

with a text message from her father: "We've finaliz

ght of her decision. She was about to marry a man she bare

self that she wouldn't let Damian Blackwood win. If this was to

ruthless Damian was, she w