Bound by fortune

morning sun streaming through her curtains, she squinted at her phone, noticing several miss

ake. I'd like to discuss you

She read the mess

re whose name was always accompanied by whispers of power and prestige,

sponse. *Hi Mr. Blake! Thank you for reaching out. I

awaited his reply. When her phone

. How about lunch? 1 P

he elite dined on exquisite meals prepared by master chefs. Could she really accept

rfect! See

excitement and nerves, wondering what Alexander wanted to discuss. Was it merely bu

-

long, chestnut hair and adjusted her simple but elegant attire-a tailored white blouse paired with dark jeans. She w

s luxurious, with marble floors and golden accents reflecting the afternoon sun. The warm hum of conversation fille

ht fell on his strong jawline, accentuating the determined set of his lips. When their eyes

tanding up and offerin

ing to keep her composure. "T

esturing for her to sit. "I hope you're

y about her artistic journey, sharing her dreams of curating a full exhibition someday. Alexand

rd. "You have a unique perspective on color and emotion. It's refreshing

ly personal for me. It's not just about creating something vis

ir discussion. As dessert arrived-chocolate mousse, a favorit

us. "I want to discuss something in

er chair, heart racin

family is pressuring me to make choices I'm not ready for, particularly concerning marriage. For business

ly blinked, processing his words. "A contract marri

ave access to platforms and investors-everything you need to really showcase your talent." His

ea felt absurd, and yet the potential was enticing. A year with a billionaire could mean

of uncertainty washed over her as she considered

racts in many respects. But it would also allow us both to explore our lives without traditional expectation

he faced. As terrifying as the proposition sounded, there was an odd sense of camaraderie she fe

r," Emily said, recognizing the

ning his voice. "Take your time. But I promise you, if

ties unfurling in her mind. She could elevate her career, live free from the pressures o

in such a conditional foundation? The weight of

-

this meeting approaching. "If you decide to consider it, I'll have my lawyer draft the contract," Alex

esponded, her voic

ith the man who could alter the course of her life. The restaurant felt like a different

stepped out into the street, "know that I re

in the air. This wasn't just a contract; i

The decision ahead loomed large, and yet, in the midst of uncertainty, an un