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.