Chapter 1 Her Signature, His Rules

Benita didn't blink as she signed the contract.

Her name-Benita Williams-looked so neat at the bottom of the paper. Like she actually meant it.

But nothing about this deal was neat.

She had just agreed to seduce a billionaire. On paper. For money.

The pen slipped from her fingers as Kelvin Grey, the man on the other side of the desk, leaned back in his chair.

He didn't smile. His lips curved just a little. Dangerous. Confident. Sure of himself.

"So," he said, voice low and smooth, "you're officially mine-for the next six months."

Benita lifted her chin. "I'm not yours. I'm just part of your business plan."

Kelvin's eyes-dark, sharp, unreadable-locked onto hers.

"Sweetheart," he said, voice dripping with charm, "this business plan involves stolen kisses, hand-holding in front of cameras, and maybe a night or two where you'll forget it's fake."

Her heart jumped.

But she didn't flinch.

Instead, she gave a slow smile. One she had practiced in mirrors for years. Sweet. Innocent. But deadly.

"Then I hope you're ready to be the one who falls first," she whispered.

His brows raised slightly, just enough to show interest. Surprise. Maybe even amusement.

The game had begun.

---

Earlier that day, Benita had been desperate.

Her father's business had collapsed. Their family home was at risk. Her younger brother was sick. They had nothing left.

She had two options: lose everything. Or sell something more dangerous than money.

Her face. Her presence. Her body.

Her charm.

Kelvin Grey-the cold, insanely rich CEO of GreyCorp-needed a fiancée to secure a merger deal. Someone who would make him look "in love." Someone no one could touch.

But not someone who actually mattered.

That's why he chose Benita.

A girl with no name, no money, and no future.

She had nothing to lose.

Or so he thought.

---

Now, standing across from him in his luxurious office, Benita was dressed to play the part-red lips, fitted black dress, curls pinned back to show her face.

She looked like a woman who knew what she was doing.

She didn't.

But she'd fake it.

Kelvin circled the table and came close. Too close.

"Rule one," he said. "You stay by my side in public. Always."

Benita nodded, eyes calm.

"Rule two. You speak when I tell you to. No surprises."

She tilted her head. "And rule three?"

Kelvin's voice dropped. "You do not fall in love with me."

Benita smiled again. "Don't worry. You're not my type."

He smirked, but his eyes were still watching her. Measuring her.

"You'll live in my penthouse," he added. "We start tomorrow. First event is a press gala. You'll wear red."

"Of course," Benita said. "Red makes liars look honest."

Kelvin laughed once. Cold. Brief. "I like you already."

---

She walked out of the office with her head high, but inside her chest, her heart was racing.

What had she just done?

Six months of pretending.

Six months of seduction.

Six months of lying.

And if she failed?

The contract clearly said no money if she broke the rules.

No affection. No real kisses. No real emotions.

But she had a secret plan of her own.

Kelvin Grey wanted a pretty distraction.

Benita? She came to win.

Not just his attention. Not just his money.

But his heart-so she could be the one to break it first.