Chapter 2 The Billionaire Himself

Lily stood outside Julian Saint Clair's office, her palms damp with sweat.

This was a mistake.

She should turn around. Walk away. Figure out something else-anything else.

But then she thought of Emily. Pale. Tired. Coughing in her sleep.

The overdue bills.

The eviction notice sitting on her kitchen table, like a ticking bomb.

She clenched her fists.

You don't have a choice, Lily.

The sleek glass doors swung open, and a tall, sharp-eyed assistant gestured for her to enter.

"Mr. Saint Clair will see you now."

Lily sucked in a breath.

Here goes nothing.

The Man Behind the Power

The moment she stepped inside, she felt small.

Julian Saint Clair's office wasn't just an office-it was a statement.

Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the entire wall, offering a breathtaking view of Manhattan. The Empire State Building loomed in the distance, bathed in golden sunlight.

The room itself was all sharp lines and expensive taste-dark wood, steel, leather. Masculine. Cold. Powerful.

But none of it compared to the man sitting behind the massive mahogany desk.

Julian Saint Clair.

He didn't look up right away, his strong hands flipping through documents, his brows furrowed in concentration.

Even seated, he radiated power. His suit-charcoal gray, crisp, custom-made-hugged his broad shoulders perfectly. His dark hair was styled back, effortlessly perfect.

Lethal. Calculated. Untouchable.

Lily swallowed hard.

Then, finally, he looked at her.

His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, sending a shiver down her spine.

His gaze was sharp, unreadable-like he was assessing a business deal, not a person.

"You're late," he said.

His voice was deep, smooth-dangerous.

Lily bristled. "I wasn't aware this was an actual job interview."

His lips twitched, but there was no humor in his expression.

"Everything with me is business, Miss Green. Even fake relationships."

Her pulse jumped.

Right. That's why she was here.

She cleared her throat. "Well, in that case, maybe you should have sent a proper invitation."

His head tilted slightly, like she had mildly amused him.

Not a full reaction, just a flicker.

He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."

She hesitated.

Every instinct screamed at her to turn around and leave.

But then-Emily.

With stiff movements, she sank into the chair.

Julian leaned back, fingers steepled together.

"Ava tells me you need money," he said. "That you're desperate."

Lily's spine stiffened. "I wouldn't put it like that."

"No?" His brows lifted. "Then why are you here?"

Silence stretched between them.

They both knew the answer.

Lily clenched her fists, hating the power he had over this conversation.

Finally, he sighed, tapping a folder in front of him.

"Six months," he stated. "You'll move into my penthouse. Attend social events. Convince the world we're madly in love."

Lily's heart pounded.

"And in return?" she asked.

Julian's sharp gaze didn't waver. "A life-changing sum of money."

Her breath caught.

Life-changing.

A single contract.

Six months of pretending.

And she could save Emily.

Julian studied her reaction, then added, "And when the deal ends, we part ways. No complications."

No complications.

The words echoed in her mind.

No real emotions. No blurred lines. Just a business deal.

She should be relieved.

But for some reason, her stomach twisted.

This is insane.

She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus.

This wasn't about feelings.

This was about survival.

"Fine." Her voice was firm. "I'll do it."

For the first time, Julian smirked.

A slow, knowing curve of his lips.

It wasn't warm. It wasn't reassuring.

It was the kind of smirk that told her he always got what he wanted.

"Good," he said smoothly.

Then, without warning, he stood.

Crossed the room in three strides.

And pulled her into his arms.

A Deal Sealed with a Lie

Lily gasped.

"What the-"

"Smile, Miss Green." His breath was warm against her ear, his voice low and commanding.

Lily's entire body tensed.

What the hell was happening?

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw it.

A red light blinking.

Cameras.

Her stomach dropped.

They were being watched.

Julian's hands were firm, one on her waist, the other lightly resting on her lower back.

Not inappropriate. But possessive.

Like she already belonged to him.

Her pulse raced.

"I suggest you relax," he murmured. "You'll have to get used to this."

Lily forced a tight smile.

This was part of the job.

She had agreed to this.

So why did it feel like she was in way over her head?

Julian pulled back slightly, his gaze flickering over her face.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he let go.

He walked back to his desk, adjusting his cufflinks.

Lily exhaled sharply.

"That was unnecessary," she muttered.

Julian didn't look up. "On the contrary."

He glanced at his watch.

"Our first public appearance is tomorrow night. A charity gala."

Lily's stomach twisted.

"You'll wear something appropriate," he continued. "My stylist will handle it."

Lily's fingers curled into fists.

"I can dress myself, thanks."

Julian arched a brow. "You'll wear what I provide."

Heat flushed her cheeks.

This was already humiliating.

But she needed this deal.

She gritted her teeth. "Fine."

Julian smirked again. "I'll send the driver at seven."

He picked up his documents, already dismissing her.

Lily hesitated, then stood.

Her hands trembled as she grabbed her purse.

She forced herself to walk out with her head high.

The moment the doors closed behind her, she let out a shaky breath.

What have I gotten myself into?

She didn't have an answer.

But she knew one thing.

There was no turning back.