MASKED AFFECTION

ost like a lifeline in the chaos surrounding her. Isabella had been missing for like two days now,and each moment felt like a painful reminder of her sister

veryone else marched on. With a heavy heart, she shut her eyes, trying to push back the crushing weight of despair. The cacophony of the city - blaring car horns, distant sirens, and the indistinct murmurs of passersb

ersations and mentioned in the news. Rumors swirled around Alexander-his wealth, his power, and the mysterious aura that surrounded him. What could a man like Ben want with me? He approached with a calm smile, his voice low but confident. "Maya, I believe we may be able to help each o

ine how difficult this must be for you, but I think you might need a different approach to find Isabella." His eyes

ptions?" She ask skeptically,but something in

lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's someone who knows people,very important p

eyes. "A catch? W

e as his girlfriend for a short period of time. It's strictly business, and it would just be a façade,

der Ryder-famed for his cold ambition and ruthless business tactics-felt surreal. "You want me

oors will open for you," Ben explained, his voice steady. "You'd have access to information that might lead you to I

r. "You're asking me to put my life on hold, to pretend

ould be your chance to find her. You have to weigh your options. You could wait around for the police

idea of stepping into a world filled with privilege and power was terrify

the deal. You'll be able to ask questions, see if this arrangement feels righ

ned missing gnawed at her conscience. This was a chance to do something-anything-th

sure you, Alexander has his own reasons for needing this arrangeme

contrasted sharply with her swirling turmoil. "Alright," she finally said, her voice shaky but re

ure of relief and respect. "Fair enough. Let

he was stepping into uncharted territory, where the stakes were higher than ever before. Would this bo

uld do whatever it took to find her sister. If pretending to be someone else could bring her closer to that goal,

her. But as she turned to face Ben, Maya felt a newfound sense of purpose. The search for Isabella