Just say 'yes'

Chapter 1: The Proposal

Ella Anderson adjusted her skirt nervously as she walked into the towering Kingston Corporation headquarters. The sheer size of the glass building screamed wealth and power, a sharp contrast to her simple life. She glanced down at her scuffed heels, wishing she'd invested in new ones for today. But rent and groceries had left little room for luxuries.

She took a shaky breath as she stepped into the elevator, clutching her resume like a lifeline. Her job as an administrative assistant was mundane, but it paid the bills. Yet nothing could have prepared her for the storm awaiting her on the top floor.

The elevator dinged. The air shifted the moment she stepped into the office of Enzo Kingston, her enigmatic boss. He sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his piercing green eyes fixed on her. His presence was magnetic, and at 7 feet tall, with an athletic build and a tattoo peeking from under his crisp collar, he was every bit as intimidating as the rumors suggested.

"Miss Anderson," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

"Yes, sir?" she stammered, hoping her nervousness didn't show.

"I need a wife."

Ella blinked, sure she'd misheard him. "Excuse me?"

Enzo leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as if challenging her to question him. "I said I need a wife. And I want you to marry me."

Her world tilted. She clutched the edge of the desk to steady herself.

"You're joking," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't joke, Miss Anderson," he replied coldly, his tone devoid of emotion. "This isn't about love. It's a business arrangement. You marry me, and in return, you'll be compensated generously."

Her mind raced. She thought back to that night, the night that changed everything.

One Month Earlier

The company gala had been extravagant. Ella had been assigned to oversee the event, ensuring every detail was perfect. Enzo rarely attended these events, but that night, he had shown up, exuding power and detachment.

What no one else saw was the moment he stumbled into the empty lounge, his normally composed demeanor shattered.

"Mr. Kingston?" Ella had called out hesitantly.

His gaze met hers, hazy and unfocused. "Leave."

She hesitated. Something was wrong. He was too pale, too unlike himself.

"You don't look well," she said softly, ignoring his glare.

"I said, leave," he growled, but his legs buckled before he could finish.

Instinctively, she rushed to his side, catching him before he fell. His body was warm, his breaths ragged.

"Someone... spiked my drink," he muttered.

Her heart raced. She knew she should call security, but the vulnerable way he looked at her stopped her. Against her better judgment, she helped him to a nearby suite.

What happened next was a blur, a series of moments she couldn't forget even if she tried. The heat of his touch, the way he whispered her name, the magnetic pull she hadn't been able to resist.

The morning after, he had left without a word, and Ella convinced herself it was just a mistake, a one-time lapse in judgment.

Present Day

Now, standing in his office, the weight of his proposal felt suffocating.

"Why me?" she asked finally, her voice trembling.

Enzo's expression remained unreadable. "You're discreet, loyal, and unremarkable."

Unremarkable. The word stung more than she cared to admit.

Before she could respond, he stood, towering over her. "Think it over. You have 48 hours to decide."

And just like that, she was dismissed.

Ella stormed into her tiny apartment later that evening, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief.

"Jake!" she called, dropping her bag on the couch.

Her boyfriend of four years appeared from the kitchen, a beer in hand. His easy smile faltered when he saw her face.

"What's wrong?"

She paced the room, her words tumbling out in a rush. "My boss proposed to me. Marriage. Out of nowhere."

Jake blinked, then let out a low whistle. "The Enzo Kingston? The billionaire?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up. "He said it's a business deal, nothing personal. But still, it's insane, right?"

Jake's expression shifted, a calculating look she'd never seen before. "What exactly did he offer?"

Ella paused, frowning. "I didn't ask for details. I was too shocked."

He took a long sip of his beer, his gaze thoughtful. "You should do it."

Her jaw dropped. "What?"

"Think about it, Ella. He's offering you a way out of this dump. A chance to live the life you've always wanted. You'd be crazy not to take it."

She stared at him, stunned. "You can't be serious."

Jake set his beer down, his eyes locking onto hers. "Look, it's not like you love him. It's just a deal, right? Take the money, secure your future, and then we can figure out how to-" He stopped, his words hanging ominously in the air.

"How to what?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He hesitated before leaning closer. "How to make sure we both benefit from this. Think about it, Ella. We could start over. No more struggling. No more late rent payments. Just say yes."

Her heart pounded. The idea was as tempting as it was terrifying. But Jake didn't know the full truth. He didn't know about that night with Enzo.

"Jake, this is insane," she said, her voice wavering.

"Is it?" he countered, his tone sharp. "Or is it the opportunity of a lifetime?"

The room fell silent. Ella's mind raced with possibilities and consequences.

The Next Day

Ella stood outside Enzo's office, her palms sweating. She hadn't slept all night, Jake's words echoing in her mind.

When the door opened, Enzo was seated at his desk, as calm and composed as ever.

"You've made your decision," he said, not a question but a statement.

She nodded, her throat dry. "I'll do it."

A ghost of a smile flickered across his lips, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Good," he said, standing. "Then let's begin."

"Begin what?" she asked nervously.

His gaze locked onto hers, intense and unyielding. "Your new life."

Ella doesn't notice the flicker of amusement in Enzo's eyes as he picks up his phone. "It's done," he says into the receiver. "Prepare everything. She's in."

Unbeknownst to Ella, Enzo had orchestrated the entire situation, and she had just walked into his trap.

Chapter 2: Into the Lion's Den

Ella stared at herself in the mirror the next morning, her reflection betraying the whirlwind of emotions she was struggling to suppress. She adjusted the collar of her blouse for the fifth time, her hands trembling as she tried to steady her breathing.

She had said yes.

The weight of her decision bore down on her like an anvil. Jake's words still rang in her ears, his encouragement laced with desperation. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime," he had said. But as she stood outside Kingston Tower, the glass monolith gleaming in the early sunlight, all she could feel was dread.

What had she gotten herself into?

The elevator ride to the top floor felt eternal. Ella clutched her bag tightly, her knuckles white. The numbers ticked upward, her heartbeat matching their rhythm. When the doors opened, she was met by the familiar sight of Kingston Corporation's opulent executive suite.

And there he was.

Enzo Kingston stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette outlined by the city skyline. He looked every bit the devil in a designer suit, his presence commanding the room even in silence.

"Miss Anderson," he said without turning around. His deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

"Mr. Kingston," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He finally turned, his piercing green eyes locking onto hers. "You're late."

Ella glanced at the clock. It was 9:01. "I'm sorry, the-"

"No excuses," he cut her off, his tone sharp. "If you're going to be my wife, punctuality is non-negotiable."

His wife. The words hit her like a slap.

"Sit," he commanded, motioning to the leather chair in front of his desk.

She obeyed, sinking into the chair and clutching her bag like a lifeline. Enzo moved to sit across from her, his gaze never leaving hers.

"This is how it will work," he began, his voice cold and detached. "Our marriage will be strictly contractual. You'll attend functions, smile for the cameras, and play the role of the devoted wife. In return, you'll receive financial security and protection."

Ella's brows furrowed. "Protection?"

Enzo's lips curved into a faint smirk, but it didn't reach his eyes. "My world isn't as pristine as it appears, Miss Anderson. Being associated with me comes with... risks. But rest assured, as my wife, no one will dare touch you."

The words were meant to be reassuring, but they only deepened her unease.

"What about my personal life?" she asked cautiously.

His expression hardened. "You won't have one."

Her breath hitched. "What do you mean?"

"You will sever all ties with anyone who might compromise this arrangement," he said matter-of-factly. "Friends, family-boyfriends."

The mention of Jake sent a jolt through her. "But-"

"No exceptions," he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This marriage is a facade, Miss Anderson. Any outside influence could ruin it. Do we understand each other?"

Ella nodded slowly, her throat dry.

"Good." Enzo leaned back in his chair, his gaze calculating. "Now, sign this."

He slid a stack of papers across the desk. Ella's eyes scanned the document, the legal jargon making her head spin.

"A prenuptial agreement," he explained, his voice as cold as ever. "Standard procedure. It outlines the terms of our arrangement, including the financial compensation you'll receive."

Her hand trembled as she picked up the pen. She hesitated, her mind racing with doubts. But then she thought of Jake, of their tiny apartment, of the endless struggle to make ends meet.

With a deep breath, she signed her name.

Enzo took the papers without a word, his expression unreadable. "You'll move into my penthouse tomorrow. Pack lightly. My staff will handle the rest."

Ella's stomach twisted. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow," he said, standing. "Our engagement will be announced at a charity gala this weekend. You'll need to be prepared."

She opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced her. There was no arguing with Enzo Kingston.

As she left his office, her mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. The elevator ride down felt like freefalling, her heart pounding in her chest.

Enzo watched Ella leave, his lips curving into a faint smirk. She had taken the bait, just as he knew she would.

He picked up his phone, dialing a number.

"It's done," he said into the receiver. "Prepare the penthouse. And make sure the media is ready for the announcement."

The voice on the other end replied, "And the girl?"

Enzo's gaze darkened. "She'll play her part. She doesn't have a choice."

He hung up, his fingers brushing against the tattoo on his neck. This wasn't just about appearances. Ella Anderson was more than a pawn in his game, she was a piece of the puzzle, one he intended to solve.

Ella sat on the edge of her bed that night, staring at her packed suitcase. The reality of her decision was sinking in. Tomorrow, she would leave her old life behind and step into a world she didn't understand.

Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Jake.

"Did you sign it?"

She hesitated before typing her reply.

"Yes."

Jake's response came almost instantly.

"Good. This is our chance, Ella. Don't screw it up."

Her chest tightened as she put the phone down. This was supposed to be their chance, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into something far more dangerous than she had imagined.

As she lay down to sleep, her mind replayed Enzo's words over and over.

"You don't have a choice."

For the first time, Ella wondered if she had just sold her soul to the devil.

Chapter 3: A New Beginning

The black town car rolled to a stop outside Kingston Tower the next morning, its sleek exterior gleaming under the city's early light. Ella stepped out, clutching her small suitcase like it was a shield. Her stomach churned as she gazed up at the imposing structure.

The driver, a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, tipped his hat. "Miss Anderson, I'll take care of your belongings. Mr. Kingston is expecting you."

She nodded mutely, her heart pounding as she followed the driver into the building.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the penthouse, a sprawling, modern space that oozed wealth and power. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a panoramic view of the city below. Every surface gleamed, every detail was meticulously designed, from the marble floors to the custom furniture.

Ella felt like an imposter just standing there.

"Miss Anderson."

She turned to see a woman in her mid-fifties, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. Her silver hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her sharp eyes seemed to take in everything at once.

"I'm Mrs. Hall, Mr. Kingston's housekeeper," the woman said briskly. "I'll show you to your room."

Ella followed Mrs. Hall through the penthouse, trying not to gape at the sheer luxury around her. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and art pieces she couldn't even begin to guess the value of adorned the walls.

"This will be your suite," Mrs. Hall said, opening a door to reveal a room that was bigger than Ella's entire apartment.

The walls were a soft cream, accented by gold fixtures and plush furnishings. A massive bed sat in the center, its headboard tufted and luxurious. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, and an en suite bathroom boasted a soaking tub and a walk-in shower.

Ella blinked, overwhelmed. "This is... mine?"

"For the time being," Mrs. Hall said curtly. "Mr. Kingston will meet with you shortly to discuss your schedule and expectations. Please freshen up and be ready in thirty minutes."

With that, the housekeeper turned and left, leaving Ella alone in the opulent room.

Ella stood in the penthouse living room, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She had changed into a simple navy dress, one of the few decent outfits she owned, but she still felt out of place among the luxury surrounding her.

Enzo entered the room with his usual commanding presence. He wore a tailored black suit, his green eyes sharp and calculating.

"Miss Anderson," he said, his tone neutral. "I trust you've settled in."

"As much as I can," she replied, her voice steady despite her nerves.

"Good. Let's get one thing clear," he said, stepping closer. "This arrangement is a business transaction, nothing more. You'll accompany me to events, act the part of my wife, and stay out of my personal affairs. Do you understand?"

Ella nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"There will be rules," he continued, his tone cold and authoritative. "You will not speak to the press without my approval. You will not question my decisions. And you will not, under any circumstances, break the terms of our agreement."

His words felt like chains tightening around her.

"I understand," she said quietly.

"Good." He handed her a tablet. "Your schedule for the week. Review it carefully. You'll have access to a personal stylist and trainer to ensure you meet the public's expectations."

She stared at the tablet, the reality of her new life sinking in deeper with every passing second.

Enzo's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it before looking back at her. "The charity gala is in two days. Be ready."

Without waiting for her response, he turned and left the room, leaving Ella standing there with a mix of dread and disbelief.

That evening, Ella sat on the edge of her bed, scrolling through the schedule Enzo had given her. It was overwhelming, events, fittings, meetings with stylists.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen.

Jake: How's the new place?

She hesitated before replying.

Ella: It's... overwhelming.

His response came quickly.

Jake: Just remember why you're doing this. It'll all be worth it.

She stared at the message, a hollow feeling settling in her chest. Jake's words should have been comforting, but instead, they felt like a reminder of everything she had sacrificed.

Enzo stood in his study, staring out at the city lights. The glass of scotch in his hand reflected the golden glow of the room's lighting.

"She signed the agreement?" a voice asked behind him.

Enzo turned to face a man leaning casually against the doorway. His younger brother, Dominic, smirked as he crossed his arms.

"She did," Enzo replied.

Dominic let out a low whistle. "You're really going through with this, huh?"

"It's necessary," Enzo said coldly.

"Necessary?" Dominic chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know what game you're playing, but that girl doesn't belong in our world."

"That's precisely why she's perfect," Enzo said, his gaze steely.

Dominic's smirk faded as he studied his brother. "You always have a plan, don't you?"

Enzo didn't respond. Instead, he turned back to the window, his jaw tightening.

"She's just a pawn," he said quietly, more to himself than to Dominic. "And pawns are meant to be sacrificed."

Dominic watched him for a moment before leaving the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Alone in the quiet, Enzo's grip on the glass tightened. This wasn't just about business. It never was.

But Ella didn't need to know that. Not yet.

Ella stood in the kitchen late at night, unable to sleep. The penthouse was eerily quiet, the city lights casting long shadows across the room.

As she poured herself a glass of water, a voice cut through the silence.

"Up late, Miss Anderson?"

She jumped, nearly dropping the glass. Enzo stood in the doorway, his tie loosened and his green eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"I couldn't sleep," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Get used to it. You've entered a world where sleep is a luxury."

There was something in his tone, a mix of warning and something darker, that made her pulse quicken.

For the first time, Ella wondered if she had made a deal with the devil himself.