Chapter 3 The Agreement

She woke the next morning, her dread, and curiosity churning in a roiling mass in her stomach. Little had she done but turn and toss through the night, bothered by Ben's offer weighing heavy on her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, there was Isabella's face, her smile, and her laughterᅳthe gentle and kind way she made everything right in the world. Something about the feel of her sister, still missing, made a decision inevitable. Whatever this entailed, she'd do itᅳif it meant gaining resources to find Isabella.

She was out of place as she finally reached the place Ben sent her to: a smooth glass-and-steel office building looming over the busy city. Marble floors and ceilings made her feel minuscule and unimportant. Clutching tightly onto her bag, the tips of her fingers trembling, she crossed the lobby to the elevator. The shining silver doors closed, reflecting back her anxious expression as it went up.

The top floor was all she'd known it would beᅳplush carpeting, marble walls, the air near deadᅳstill enough that it was almost palpable. Ben was waiting just outside an impressive set of double doors. His face lit up as he spotted her.

"Maya," he said smoothly, making a flourish over the office. "Thanks for coming. Alexander's waiting inside."

With one deep breath, she steadied herself and nodded, letting Ben open doors for her. Beyond them lay an office of the most opulent caliber: sleek modern furniture, shining in light from floor-to-ceiling windows. And there, standing behind a gleaming desk, was Alexander Ryder himself.

He was taller than she had envisioned, his dark hair perfectly coiffed, his eyes sharp and assessing. The tailored suit seemed to remind her of the powerful CEO she had read about in magazines. Yet, there was something more about him-more than met the eye, an intensity that set him apart from anyone she had ever met.

"Maya," he greeted her with his smooth-as-silk voice, solemn with gravity as he rounded his desk to greet her. "Thanks for coming in today."

Maya gave a quick, hesitating smile and sounded a little broken from her nervousness. "I... I don't entirely understand why I'm here. But Ben said you needed... help."

Alexander nodded toward the two armchairs, which sat beside the window. "Please, sit. I'd like to explain everything in more detail so you may understand my motives. "

She sank into the chair, fighting off the overwhelming feelings of intimidation that weighed her down. Alexander sat opposite her, folding his hands in his lap with a focused and intent look on his face.

"I know this has to sound strange," he said. "But let me be frank with you. I need someone who can help me create an impression over the next few weeks. I need a 'girlfriend.' I don't know whether this is something you would even want to hear."

Maya's heart hitched at his words. "And this would be a temporary thing, then? Nothing real?

"Precisely," he said, a little, smiling sheepishly. "It's a business arrangement and nothing more. I have a couple of high-profile business engagements coming up that I will be attending, and I require someone on my arm. Someone who can play the part convincingly. In return, I will offer you a handsome financial agreement, as Ben has explained."

And in an instant, that glow of relief was tinged by doubt. "And that's all there is? Just attend those events with you?

Alexander lurched forward into her, his eyes holding hers captive. "That's it. I require someone who can deal with the media and who isn't apt to fold under pressure. Of course, I will make sure you are comfortable and safe. I ask only that you keep to the role as presented.

It was too outlandish, but turning her gaze to the cityscape beyond the window, she thought of Isabella. This might finally give her the concrete chance to search for her sister and to actually do something tangible with her search. And the sooner she said yes, the sooner she could get started.

"Alright," she whispered, her eyes locking onto his with a fresh determination. "I'll do it."

The hardness on Alexander's face softened to a shade of relief. "Thank you, Maya. I'll have Ben draw that contract containing the terms of our arrangement. We'll leave nothing to doubt."

As he said that, the weight of her decision fell deep into place. Her life was about to take a different courseᅳbetter or worse, she did not knowᅳbut there was no going back.

The moment Maya signed on, Ben properly briefed her: the first event was in two days' time, a charity galaᅳa very exclusive purple ribbon affair where only the cream showed off by getting together and giving to one cause or another. Alexander explained through her part that it was simple enoughᅳto accompany him, to look elegant, and to keep composure.