Chapter 4 The Engagement Trap

Helena had just started to shake off the remnants of her breakfast with Damien when the world began to turn a little more on its axis. By the time she got back home, the news was already buzzing-her engagement to Damien Wolfe was making headlines across all the major news outlets.

Billionaire Damien Wolfe to Marry Helena Sinclair in Awe-Provoking Business Union

Her knuckles were white gripping the smartphone, scanning the headlines. The accompanying photos were good choices-off-the-cuff shots of her and Damien at prominent charity events, images that gave the illusion that they had been a couple for decades. The media had created a romance out of what was really a business arrangement.

And she hadn't even been asked.

She stepped into her father's study, her heels clicking at the marble floor. Richard Sinclair did now no longer even look up from his desk.

Why didn't you tell me sooner about my engagement to the sector?" she snapped.

He took a moment to assess her, completely unfazed. "It was bound to happen. It's best to lay down some ground rules."

Helena scoffed. "Lay down rules? You mean set them for me."

"Are you saying that you and Damien have managed to fool everyone?" she snapped back.

"Exactly, it's working," he explained. "And you'll need to do your part."

Helena felt the weight of her disappointment and clenched her jaw. Because to her father, people were nothing more than chess pieces, and she was the next one he planned to move, there would be no celebration with him.

She ended up standing with her arms crossed in Damien's penthouse after a few hours. She was in need of clarification as the engagement news had spread like wildfire.

"You went to the press without even consulting me," she voiced her accusatory statement.

She forced herself to remain calm by taking a deep breath. She might no longer be a passive participant if she was found out about this engagement. She said, raising her chin, "Fine." "I'll do what I can."

But there is one condition. Damien furrowed his brow.

"And what could it be?"

She hard stepped in front of him.

"I require control over my personal life. You have no say over what I do, who I see, or where I go."

He made a sneer with his mouth.

"Do you think you could work things out with me?" She yelled, "I suppose you want me to obey." "And that is the handiest manner you will get that."

Before removing his glass, Damien gave her what seemed like an interminable stare.

"Very properly , Helena. Enjoy your liberty. However, keep in mind that appearances are everything. You can be my fiancée in every possible way" .

Despite the fact that the implication made her heart pound, she refused to let him observe her nervousness. She, on the other hand, met his gaze with firm determination.

She stated, "Then I suppose we've got an agreement."

Damien yelled to get her attention just as she was about to walk away.

"The engagement celebration is tomorrow. Avoid being late."

Helena walked out without even looking over her shoulder. The conflict got underway.