Shadows beneath the vow

Ivy's POV

My heels clattered on the wooden floor as I pulled the door open, making a creaking sound. "I'm home, Nathan!" With a voice tinged with fatigue, I called. I was met with silence. Normal. Most likely, my younger brother was once more lost in his books.

Nathan took his goal of getting into a prestigious university very seriously, and he had finals coming up.

I opened the mail after dropping my luggage on the kitchen counter. Bills. Bills. Additionally, there are more bills. Staring at the stack, each package a harsh reminder of how close we were to drowning, made my stomach turn. Even without Nathan's tuition, my salary as a secretary hardly covered the necessities. He had enough things to worry about, so I couldn't tell him how horrible it was.

"Ivy?" My thoughts were disrupted by Nathan's voice. His face was marked with worry, and his hair was disheveled as he stood in the doorway.

"Hey. How did your day go? Sliding the money under a magazine, I feigned a smile.

"All right. You appear worn out. He took a step toward me and gave me a suspicious look.

I said, "Long day at work," and brushed past him in the direction of the refrigerator. "I'm preparing pasta. Do you want some?

He folded his arms and remarked, "You're avoiding the question."

With a groan, I shut the refrigerator door. "I'm all right, Nathan. Please don't worry about me. Just concentrate on your study.

"You're overdoing it," he said. Perhaps I ought to take a year off. Put in some work-"

"Definitely not." I didn't mean for my tone to be so sharp. Nathan, you're attending college. The conversation is over.

He gave me a long look, concern shining in his eyes. "You know you're stubborn?"

"Comes from a family." I smiled weakly at him and returned my attention to the stove.

But, I was unable to get rid of the weight in my chest while I stirred the spaghetti. For the sake of both of us, I had to figure out how to make things work.

All week, the invitation to the gala sat tauntingly on my desk at work. I lacked the enthusiasm and time for a high-profile event. My best friend and office gossip queen, Sophia, But, had other ideas.

"You're leaving," she said, settling into my cubicle.

I objected, saying, "Sophia, I don't even have a dress."

"Excuses." She dismissedively waved her hand. "I have a gorgeous black number that will fit you like a glove. Ivy, hurry up. One evening. You must have this.

I whispered, "I need to sleep."

"No. For the first time in your life, you will let loose. Daring me to dispute, she crossed her arms.

So there I was, drinking champagne and trying not to feel totally out of place at the Blackwell Enterprises charity dinner. With the air heavy with wealth and influence, the room was a sea of glistening dresses and well-tailored suits.

Sophia nudged me and murmured, "Smile." "You look fantastic."

"I feel like a fake," I said as I pulled at the borrowed dress's hem.

"Well, pretend until you succeed." After giving a wink, she vanished into the throng.

In the hopes that a drink might help me relax, I strolled up to the bar. I sensed someone standing next to me while I waited for the bartender. I turned to look into the intense eyes of a man who made the room disappear.

"First time here?" he said in a rich, silky voice.

"That clear?" My cheeks flushed as I answered.

"Not at all." A little smile curved his lips. "You simply don't seem to be making an effort to win people over."

"Should I be?" I raised an eyebrow in challenge.

"No. It is revitalizing. He held out his hand. "Griffin."

I shook his hand and said, "Ivy." He held me tightly, and I felt a weird warmth from his touch.

"So, Ivy, what has led you to this point?"

Peer pressure, I acknowledged. "You?"

"Business. Always on the job. His brown eyes met mine as he leaned in closer. "But I'm willing to make an exception tonight."

His words lingered in the air, making my pulse skip a beat. If only for a brief instant, his mesmerizing presence helped me forget the seriousness of my obligations.

A cloud of stolen looks and muttered words engulfed the night. I was drawn in like a riptide by Griffin's irresistible presence. I immediately agreed with his suggestion that we leave the gala.

We finally arrived at his penthouse, a sleek, contemporary apartment that exuded wealth. My body had different thoughts than my intellect, which advised me to halt and consider this. My doubts were silenced by the way he gazed at me, as if I were the only person in the world.

"Are you certain?" he inquired in a quiet, reserved tone.

"Yes," I said in a tremulous but confident murmur.

A moment of vulnerability that felt liberating followed, a tornado of emotion. I let go of everything that was preventing me from moving forward for the first time in years.

The morning arrived too soon. It was almost painful, the sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I blinked as I attempted to reconstruct what had happened the previous evening. Panic set in as reality set in.

Being cautious not to wake Griffin, I crept out of bed. I gathered my garments as quietly as I could. When I got to the door and put my hand on the knob, my heart was pounding.

"Going out without bidding farewell?" I was halted in my tracks by his voice.

He was resting against the doorway with a sheet loosely wrapped around his waist as I turned around. His hair was ruffled and his eyes were full of laughter, making him appear incredibly attractive.

Under his staring eyes, I stumbled, "I didn't want to... wake you."

His tone was informal when he offered, "Stay for breakfast," yet there was an intensity in his gaze that made it difficult to say no.

I retreated to the door and murmured, "I really can't."

After examining me for a while, he nodded. "All right. Be careful, Ivy.

His pronunciation of my name chilled me to the bone. I gave a brief nod and walked away with a disorganized mass of ideas.

The ride down in the elevator was a blur. I was already late for work by the time I got to the street. I secretly prayed that I would arrive on time when I called a cab.

I hardly had time to recover my breath when I got to the office before Sophia jumped in.

She looked at me suspiciously and remarked, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I grumbled as I made my way to my desk, "Rough morning." A silence descended over the office before she could ask for more information. When I looked up, I saw the reason: Blackwell Enterprises CEO Griffin Blackwell strode across the room.

My heart stopped pounding. No. It isn't possible. But, the little smirk on his lips as our eyes locked validated my worst suspicion.

Last night, Griffin Blackwell was more than just a stranger.

My employer was him.

Ivy's POV

With my stomach in a thousand knots, I exited the elevator. What was expected of me? Should I look away from him? Act as if nothing occurred. Even worse, what if he brought it up?

I could see the open office floor in front of me, with every desk bustling with activity. Except for mine, of course. Located in a peaceful corner close to the enormous conference room with glass walls, my cubicle was perfect real estate for both being viewed and being watched. Every step I took today felt heavier than the one before it.

I ventured to look toward the executive suite as I walked up to my workstation. He was present. Blackwell, Griffin. My supervisor. The man I

Not at all. I'm not going there.

He was yelling commands into his phone while standing with his back to me. I was shivered by the authoritative tone of his words, which served as a clear reminder of his true nature. It was the brutal CEO who signed my paychecks, not the mysterious guy from last night.

"Good morning, Ivy!" Sophia's upbeat voice snapped me out of my reverie. Her blond curls bounced as she poked her head over the wall. "You appear agitated. Is everything alright?

I forced a tight smile and lied, "Okay." "Just worn out."

She did not press, but her eyes narrowed suspiciously. I'm grateful.

Each tick of the clock reverberated louder than the one before it as the morning dragged on. I made an effort to concentrate on my task, but my thoughts were a chaotic muddle. Emails blended together, and before a line made sense, I had to read it three times.

Then it took place. His voice.

"Miss Summers."

When my head jerked up, I saw him standing next to my desk, looking as composed as he did at board meetings. His tie was twisted correctly, his suit looked spotless, yet his eyes stayed on mine for much too long.

I managed to say, "Mr. Blackwell," just above a whisper. His eyes scorched my cheeks, but there was nothing in his face.

In a sharp, businesslike tone, as if last night had never occurred, he stated, "I need those reports by noon."

"Obviously," I said, stumbling to pick up a notepad. I hoped he wouldn't notice my fingers shaking a little.

"Well done." And he was gone in an instant, leaving me still. No recognition. Not even a trace of familiarity. He treated me like I was just another worker.

My nerves were frazzled by midday. Hoping to avoid any more interactions, I picked up my bag and went to the break room. But, destiny had other ideas. I almost ran into him when I turned the corner.

He put a hand on my arm to stabilize me and murmured, "Be careful." I was startled by the warmth of his touch, but his face was expressionless.

I mumbled, taking a fast step back, "Sorry."

"No damage was done." His movements were precise and deliberate as he adjusted his cufflinks. "Miss Summers, have a nice lunch."

And then he was gone once more, leaving me to wonder about everything. Was he acting? Was he truly indifferent? Or did he simply compartmentalize so well?

During the afternoon meeting, the solution was revealed. Griffin commanded the room from his position at the head of the meeting table. There was no room for debate because every word he said was incisive and decisive.

With a voice that sliced through the room like a sword, he declared, "We're behind schedule." "That is not acceptable. Excuses are not acceptable to me. I pay for outcomes.

As he looked at one of the top managers, I sat close to the back and drew in closer.

His voice was cold as he said, "Mr. Carter." "Could you elaborate on the reason this project isn't completed?"

As he flipped over his notes, the elder man faltered. "W-We experienced some delays-"

"I don't care about delays," Griffin cut in, his eyes unblinking. "I'll find someone who can fix it, or you can."

One could feel the tension in the room. I could feel the weight of his power even from where I sat. The charming man from the gala wasn't this one. This was the icy, merciless CEO Griffin Blackwell, who didn't put up with failure.

With my heart racing, I virtually ran out of the room when the conference eventually finished. In the corridor, Sophia caught up to me, her face displaying a mixture of interest and worry.

As she fell into step next to me, she inquired, "What's up with you today?"

I hurriedly replied, "Nothing," but she didn't believe me.

"You've been jittery all day," she remarked, her voice lowered. "Has something occurred? Is it? After looking around, she muttered, "Griffin?"

I felt sick to my stomach. "What? No! What makes you believe that?

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm not sure. Perhaps because whenever he's there, you freeze?

With a sigh, I combed through my hair. "Don't worry, it's nothing." It was just a demanding day.

She said, obviously not convinced, "Uh-huh." "Look, you must maintain your position no matter what. Don't be intimidated by him. You underestimate your strength and intelligence.

I forced a flimsy smile. "Thank you, Sophia."

She squeezed my shoulder reassuringly and added, "Anytime." "Now, before you go totally crazy, let's grab coffee."

The remainder of the day flew by, but I was always uneasy. I was worn out by the time I eventually clocked out. Desperate to get out of the building and get some fresh air, I headed for the elevator.

But, I froze as the doors slid open. Griffin was standing inside.

With an unreadable face, he said, "Miss Summers."

Despite every instinct telling me to flee, I answered, "Mr. Blackwell," and entered the elevator.

We were left in an awkward stillness as the doors closed. His voice cut through my thoughts as I looked straight ahead, hoping the ride would end soon.

His eyes were piercing, but his tone was nonchalant as he said, "You seemed distracted today."

I took a deep breath. "Sir, I just have a lot on my mind."

"Is there anything that should worry me?" His eyes were sharp as he asked.

"No, sir," I hurriedly answered, my heart racing.

His demeanor was unreadable as he observed me for a time. Then he leaned in a little and said softly as the elevator dinged to a stop.

"All right. Let's maintain it that way.

I was left breathless and alone as the doors opened and he left. His words echoed in my head as I staggered out of the elevator, my knees shaky.

By that, what did he mean? Was that a warning? A danger? Or something else?

Even though I didn't have the answers, I knew that working for Griffin Blackwell would be more challenging than I had anticipated.

Ivy's POV

"You must come to my office."

Griffin leaned against the edge of my cubicle and spoke in a tone that was almost too calm. I ignored my heart's unpleasant flip once more. Even though he was making it tough, I had made the decision to move on from last night after everything.

"Now?" I looked at my partially completed email and inquired.

"Now." I had no choice but to follow him as he left before I could respond.

The door of his office clicked shut as I entered. With its sleek black furniture, glass walls that provided a view of the city, and a quiet that weighed heavily on me, the space was as terrifying as its owner.

Griffin motioned to the chair across from his desk and said, "Please take a seat." But he didn't sit. Rather, he put his hands in his pockets and moved to the window.

"What's this about?" With a more reserved tone than I had intended, I asked.

He pivoted, his gaze meeting mine. "I have an idea for you."

I scowled. "A... proposal?"

"Yes." He shifted to the edge of his desk, his eyes focused yet his stance relaxed. "A merger agreement is being negotiated. An important one. But, the board is worried about how I come out to the public.

"Your public persona?" I echoed, not paying attention.

With a tone of contempt, he remarked, "They think I need to appear... stable." "Married."

My eyes got big. "What is the connection between that and me?"

His eyes never left mine as he leaned forward a little. "I want to get married to you."

There was silence in the room. I briefly believed that I had misheard him.

"Pardon me?" At last, I succeeded, speaking no louder than a whisper.

In a matter-of-fact tone, he explained, "A contract marriage." "Six months." You'll pretend to be my wife in public, and we'll split up at the conclusion of the term. You will receive a substantial payment.

I waited for the joke while I looked at him. I shook my head when it didn't appear. "You're not serious."

"Never have I been so serious."

"This is crazy, Griffin!" I got up and paced the space. "My boss is you. This isn't even It's unethical!

"It's business," he responded calmly.

I crossed my arms and looked at him. "Why me?"

As if it were clear, he added, "Because you're discreet." "No one will detect an ulterior motive because you are not a member of this world. I also have faith in you.

I blinked. "You believe in me?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be asking."

I was taken aback by the earnestness in his words, but I dismissed it. "What makes you think that this will work, even if I wanted to, which I don't?"

He stood up and walked up to me, saying, "It will work because it has to." "I've never failed, and this deal is too significant to go wrong. Consider it a business contract. Not much more.

"You're incredible," I whispered as I combed through my hair.

"Consider it," he replied, his voice suddenly gentler. "Six months." An ample payment. Sufficient to resolve whatever financial issues you have been concealing.

My breath caught. He was aware.

"Are you aware of my financial difficulties?" My voice trembled as I asked.

With his eyes unwavering, he stated, "Enough to know this could help."

I felt vulnerable, as though he had revealed every secret I had attempted to conceal. Doubt also came up along with the anger. Was it truly possible for me to refuse?

I yelled, "I don't need your charity," and walked out the door.

It's not philanthropic. "This is a chance," he called after me. "Consider it, Ivy. You are aware of my location.

"What does he want you to do?" As we sat at our typical coffee shop, Sophia's voice was a mixture of incredulity and indignation.

I stirred my latte needlessly and muttered, "You heard me."

"Wed him? That's That's crazy! And against the law! Most likely. I'm not sure, but it feels like a crime!

"There's a contract," I whispered. "I guess that makes it lawful."

"And you're thinking about it?" Her eyes were wide as she asked.

"No! Obviously not! I told him that was ridiculous.

"All right. since it is. She lowered her voice and leaned forward. "But..."

I let out a groan. "Avoid using the word "but."

"But if he's offering enough to cover Nathan's tuition," she said nonetheless.

"Sophia!"

"I'm merely saying! You have been working quite hard to make ends meet. And if all of that were resolved by this... She looked at me sharply and trailed off.

I buried my face in my hands and moaned. "I am unable to. It is incorrect.

"Perhaps not," she conceded. But, there are instances when you must act in your family's and your own best interests. despite the clutter.

Long after we left the coffee shop, I couldn't stop thinking about what she had said.

Nathan had his textbooks laid out in front of him at the kitchen table when I arrived home.

He said, "Hey," without raising his gaze. "How was your job?"

I dropped my purse on the counter and responded, "Okay."

At last, he looked up and said, "Are you okay?"

Indeed. Simply exhausted.

He scowled. "You've been quite exhausted recently. Are you certain that everything is alright?

I forced a smile as I responded, "Everything's fine, Nathan."

But, when I saw him go back to school, reality struck me like a freight train. I held the key to his future. And I was struggling to keep my composure.

I had trouble sleeping that night. I kept thinking about Griffin's statements, blending them with both Sophia's and my own anxieties. I knew what I needed to accomplish by morning.

"I'll carry it out."

As I entered Griffin's office, he looked up from his desk. Something flared in his eyes, but his face was inscrutable.

He stood up and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I said in a firm tone. "But, I have certain conditions."

His lips twitched into a faint smile. "Let us listen to them."

I steeled myself and swallowed hard. "We only do things in a professional manner. No personal engagement. And nobody learns the truth.

Without hesitation, he responded, "Agreed."

I went on to say, "And you fulfill your promise regarding the payment."

"Every penny," he reassured me, taking a step toward me. "You have my word."

We were silent for a time. The choice weighed heavily on everyone.

"All right," I responded at last. "When do we begin?"

His smile broadened, but his eyes had a predatory quality.

"Now," he continued, passing a folder to me. "Mrs. Blackwell, welcome to your new life."

I realized there was no going back after the title hit me like a slap.