el both out of place and suffocated. She clenched her fists in her lap, her heart pounding in her chest as the car g

e had made it clear he didn't care about what had happened t

ost prominent landmarks. Blackwood Enterprises. The sleek, modern tower loomed over her as she step

ed into a private elevator, and before she could blink, she was whisked up to one of the top fl

massive floor-to-ceiling wi

ped out of the elevator. His expression was unreadable, but his presence fille

ce smooth and controlled. "I

her voice steady despite the fear and anger swirling

as he stepped away from the window, his gaze

eather chair opposite him. Bella hesitated, then reluctantly

an said, sitting down behind his massive desk, his gaz

lla replied, her voice s

some investigating into what happened that night at the hotel. It seems your ex-boyfriend, Liam, had quite the

an, consequences for both of us? Liam's the o

about the details. They'll care about the scandal. A woman like you, drugged and taken advantage

"But I didn't do anything wrong

the perception is that you and I were involved in something... unsavory. The tabloids are already sni

uld already imagine the headlines, the whispers, the judgment. No one would care

o?" Bella asked, her voic

rs steepled in front of him. "I'm offering you a solution. A way

r tightening her chest.

d in front of her. His presence was overwhelming, and

t marriage with me," Damian said, h

she hadn't heard him

ent, if you will. It will silence the rumors, protect both of our reputation

r mind reeling. "You...

"I have too much at stake to let this situation spiral out

ainst the floor. "You can't just ask me to mar

bout it, Bella. What's your alternative? Let Liam destroy your reputation, drag your name th

I don't even know you. How can you expect m

sn't about love or romance. This is about survival. We both have someth

ppening. It was too insane, too surreal. But as much as she hated to admit it, Damian was right. Liam had

the thought of being tied to someone like Damian Blac

ered, her voice shak

ou can. And you will. Because if you don't, Liam will wi

She wasn't the type to let Liam win. But could she really do this? Coul

t, a better option. But there was none

think," she said

k is ticking. The media is already circling. This is your chance

spinning. He was giving her no

pered, the words tasti

his presence overwhelming. "Good. Then we'll get the paperwork so

hat she had just agreed to hit her ful

o become Mrs. D