Chapter 1 The Price of Desperation

The rain was merciless.

It slashed sideways against the towering glass walls of Blackwood Holdings, drenching everything in its path. Cars hissed past on the slick streets, their lights blurring like watercolor on glass. Mila Raines stood at the curb, covered in water, tired from carrying her soggy sketchbook stuffed into her canvas bag, along with a scant few resumes that no one had wanted.

She looked up at the skyscraper, and her breath puffed small white clouds into the cold. It was the kind of building that should have been in a different world – the world of crystal chandeliers and silent chauffeurs and people who don't flinch every time their phone buzzes them another unpaid bill. It wasn't her world.

Tonight, though it had to be.

She breathed in shakily and walked into the revolving doors. The warmth was there suddenly, and the scent of leather, cologne, and polished marble assaulted her. All glittered from the black floors and the golden elevator door that mocked her with her reflection of the bedraggled appearance.

The security guard glanced at her doubtfully until she showed him the sleek black card she'd received earlier that afternoon. The assistant's voice had been clipped, cold, and professional.

"Mr. Blackwood would like to see you. Seven sharp. Dress appropriately."

Mila had tried. But with her single decent outfit still at the laundromat, she'd had to make do with dark jeans, a simple white blouse, and the long gray coat her mother had left behind before vanishing out of their lives years ago. The boots squeaked uncomfortably as she walked over the marble floor.

The elevator was bringing her up to the last floor – no buttons, no stops. The ride was quiet, save for her heart beating. When the doors opened, she walked squarely into an office that resembled a penthouse rather than an office. Floor-to-ceiling windows showed a panorama of the city skyline lost in storm clouds and lightning.

And there he was.

Lucien Blackwood.

He stood, with his back to her, towards the city like a man surveying an empire. His profile was trim – broad shoulders, a slim waist, perfect in black. When he turned, his eyes locked onto hers like twin storms-gray, cold, unreadable.

"Mila Raines," he said smoothly. "You came."

What could I do, she responded, forcing her chin up. "You said it was urgent."

He didn't smile. "Urgency is subjective. I find desperation far more motivating."

She bristled. "I'm not desperate."

Her soaked coat and the torn end of her portfolio visible from her bag caught his eye for a moment before returning to her face. "Of course you're not."

She hated him already.

He pointed to a sleek leather chair across his desk. She remained standing.

"What is this all about, though?' she told, getting to the point.

Lucien strolled to a black cabinet in the corner, poured himself a shot-scotch neat-then settled in. Only then did he speak again.

"I need a wife."

Mila blinked. "Excuse me?"

"A legal wife. For one year. No more, no less."

She glared at him, certain that she'd heard wrong. "You brought me here ... for a joke?

"I don't joke." His voice was ice. "This is a business arrangement. You'll marry me, live with me, and fulfill the public image of a loyal spouse. In return, I'll pay you five million dollars."

Mila's laugh was hollow, disbelieving. "Is this some kind of twisted proposal? Why me?"

"You're invisible," he said bluntly. "No press, no scandals, no ties. You're struggling. You're smart. And you're desperate enough to accept."

"I told you, I'm not desperate."

"Your brother has cystic fibrosis. He was recently pulled from his treatment program due to unpaid fees. Your landlord filed for eviction. And your utilities were cut off last week."

Mila's blood froze. "You had me investigated?"

"I don't offer five million dollars without doing my homework."

She wanted to scream. Wanted to throw something. But most of all, she wanted to run.

"Why do you need a wife?" she asked tightly, forcing her voice to stay level.

"My grandfather died two weeks ago. His will left the controlling shares of Blackwood Holdings to me-on one condition. I must be legally married by the end of this month, and remain so for at least a year. Otherwise, the shares go to my cousin, whom I'd rather burn the company down than see in power."

Mila absorbed that in silence.

This was madness. The kind of thing you saw in old soap operas or ridiculous novels. But the money... five million dollars.

That would pay for her brother's treatments. Get them a new apartment. Maybe even restart her career. A year of her life for a lifetime of freedom.

"I'm not a toy," she said finally.

"No. You're an employee. With benefits."

"And what exactly do these 'benefits' include?" Her eyes narrowed.

"We'll have a contract. There will be no intimacy unless you agree to it. You'll attend public events with me, move into my penthouse, and behave like a devoted wife when the cameras are on. You will not speak to the media, and you will not fall in love with me."

That last condition made her scoff. "My dear, trust me, you're not my type".

A smile did not curl on Lucien's lips. "Good."

She hesitated as her hands clenched the strap of her bag in their fists.

This was insane. Dangerous. Impossible.

And yet...

"What if I say yes?" she whispered.

"Then you'll sign the contract tomorrow. The wedding will be the day after. And your life, Miss Raines, will never be the same again."