The city blurred past as Aurora gripped the steering wheel of her car, her knuckles turning white against the leather as her father's words played in her head.

A business proposal, a marriage deal, all for the sake of the company.

She was angry even though she was used to it-her father's ruthless negotiations, the way he moved people around like chess pieces in a never ending game of power-but this was different.

This wasn't just another business transaction. This was her life. Her future.

Her jaw clenched, the weight of exhaustion settling into her bones, as she drove deeper into the neighborhood.

The smooth roads turned rougher, and eventually her car gave a warning jolt as the pavement turned into an uneven dirt path.

She groaned. Of course... this would happen.

Sighing, she pulled over and grabbed her phone, dialing Vincent's number again.

"My car can't make it through the road. Where the hell do you live?"

Vincent sounded unbothered. "Do you see any store nearby? A convenience store?"

Aurora scanned the street and spotted a bright neon sign flickering in the distance. WS- Opens 24 Hours.

"Yeah, I see it."

"Good. I live upstairs. The rooftop," Vincent said before ending the call.

Aurora blinked at her phone before shaking her head. She grabbed her bag, locked her car and started walking towards the store, the cool air nipping at her skin. Her heels clicked against the pavement, each step a reminder that she was wildly overdressed for this part of the town.

Halfway through, something slammed into her head...a hard force that sent her stumbling backward. Her feet lost their balance, and she hit the ground with a graceless thud.

Pain flared at her temple as she winced.

"Hey, you okay?" A deep voice asked her.

Aurora groaned, pressing a hand against the ache blooming at the side of her head. "Do I look okay to you?" she muttered, blinking past the stars dancing in her vision.

The man crouched in front of her, offering his hand. And damn...

Tall. Broad shouldered. Dark hair that's slightly messy, like he had a habit of running his fingers through it absentmindedly. But it was his eyes that stole her breath, stormy gray and dark yet filled with concern. Or maybe she was imagining that part.

Aurora swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how ridiculous she must have looked sprawled on the pavement.

She hesitated, then took his hand, his palm was warm, his grip steady as he helped her to her feet. But the moment she straightened, dizziness hit her like a freight train, and she was pressed against his chest.

Aurora went still. Her face red as a Valentine's Day dress.

"Whoa, easy," he murmured, steadying her. The low rumble of his voice vibrated through her, sending an entirely different kind of shiver down her spine.

Aurora pulled back immediately, praying her face wasn't betraying the chaos going on in her head.

The guy...who looked like he had been sculpted by an ancient god reached down and picked up her bag. "That's going to swell if you don't treat it," he said, motioning toward her head. "Come inside for a minute."

She hesitated, her subconscious asking weird questions. What will swell? My head? My heart?

Still, she followed him inside the store. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, illuminating shelves stocked with snacks and drinks.

The guy...the Greek Statue set her bag on the counter and grabbed a cold soda from the cooler. He handed it to her. "Press that against your head," he instructed, leaning against the counter watching her.

Aurora did as he said, sighing at the cool relief.

"You live around here?" he asked, watching her.

She shook her head. "No. I'm visiting a friend. He, uh, lives above this store."

The guy raised a brow. "Oh, you mean Vincent? Wow, I didn't know he had a girlfriend."

Aurora choked on air. "What-no!" she practically shouted. The guy flinched slightly, clearly not expecting that level of reaction.

Aurora took a breath, lowering her voice. "I mean, no, I'm not his girlfriend. I'm actually his boss."

Aurora straightened, regaining her composure. She pulled a sleek business card from her purse and handed it to him. "Aurora Everly, co-CEO of Everly Elite Enterprise."

He took the card, his lips quirking up. "Nice to meet you, Aurora." He flipped the card between his fingers, then looked back at her. "Am Theo Winslow and My parents own this store."

Theo. The name suited him.

Theo glanced at her bag. "Let me help you with that."

Aurora reached for her purse. "Who do I pay to?"

Theo shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Consider it an apology for the ball."

Aurora narrowed her eyes, ready to argue, but before she could, Theo had already grabbed her bag and headed toward the door.

She followed, her gaze-completely and unintentionally-drifting lower.

Okay. Wow. How is it even possible for a human man to have a butt this perfect?

She forced herself to look away, shaking her head.

No. No. No We are not doing this today.

By the time they reached the staircase leading to the rooftop, she was determinedly keeping her thoughts appropriate.

Vincent opened the door before she could even knock, he was out of his usual suits, dressed in casual sweatpants and a hoodie, looking much less like the polished assistant she was used to.

His gaze flickered between her and Theo. "I hope you're not planning on staying long."

Aurora smirked. "Nope. I'll be out of your hair by tomorrow evening."

She stepped inside, but before the door shut, she turned back to Theo.

"Thanks for the drink. And... for helping with my bag."

Theo's lips curved into a smirk. "Anytime, Aurora."

The door closed behind her, shutting out the world outside.

Aurora exhaled slowly, pressing the soda can against her temple again.

Vincent stood near the kitchen with his hoodie sleeves rolled up and a glass of water in hand, the light from his ceiling casting shadows that highlighted the sharp curve of his nose and mouth, looking almost amused at her arrival.

He barely spared her a glance before taking a slow sip.

"You look like hell," he remarked, his tone light but observant, as if he was taking in every detail-her slightly disheveled hair, the tension in her shoulders, the fire still burning in her eyes.

Aurora threw her bag onto the couch with more force than necessary, the leather hitting the cushions with a dull thud. "Fantastic. Just what I needed to hear," she muttered, her voice filled with exhaustion and frustration.

Vincent leaned against the counter, his eyes on her. "Let me guess...your father proposed another ridiculous deal, and you stormed out in dramatic fashion?"

She shot him a glare, chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. "You could at least pretend to be surprised."

His smirk deepened. "This is, like what, the third time he's tried to sell you off?"

"Fourth," she muttered, running a hand through her hair before collapsing onto the couch. Her body ached with exhaustion but adrenaline kept her upright.

Her mind was still spinning from the conversation-her father's cold and detached tone, the way he had spoken about her future as if she weren't even in the room. "But this time, he's serious, he wants me to marry a Carlos Romano."

The smirk vanished from Vincent's face and his grip tightened around the glass, his once lazy amused eyes changing into seriousness as he set the glass down on the counter.

"Carlos Romano?"

Aurora frowned at his reaction. "Why do you sound so serious?"

Vincent exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Carlos Romano isn't just some businessman. He is a problem."

She sat up straighter, her pulse quickening. "Meaning?"

"Meaning he doesn't take no for an answer. And he doesn't like losing."

The weight that had been pressing against her back all morning solidifies because Aurora knew exactly what that meant.

Men like Carlos Romano-men in her father's world-saw everything as a transaction. And transactions had to be completed, one way or another.

If she said no, it wouldn't just be a rejection. It would be a challenge. A battle she isn't prepared to fight.

"Great," she muttered. "So my father's basically throwing me to a wolf."

Vincent scoffed, pushing the glass aside with a quiet clink. "More like a viper. One that enjoys playing with his prey first."

Aurora clenched her jaw. It shouldn't have surprised her. Her father had always treated her like an asset-something he made from scratch.

But this was different, this was dangerous.

Her fingers curled into the couch's armrest. "I won't marry him."

Vincent studied her for a moment, then put his hands into his trouser pocket, a slow smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Then you need to play smarter than him."

Aurora let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "Like what? Marry someone out of spite?"

Vincent arched a brow, his lips twitching into amusement. "It wouldn't be the worst idea."

She blinked at him. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," he said smoothly, without hesitation. "Carlos is calculating. If he thinks you're already 'claimed,' he'll hesitate to make a move. And if your father believes you're already with someone, he loses his leverage."

Aurora stared at him, trying to ignore the way her pulse kicked up at the suggestion.

It was reckless...It was insane...It was perfect.

Neither her father nor Carlos would expect her to make the first move.

A slow thrill ran through her veins as she smirks. "Fine," she murmured, tilting her head slightly. "Then I need to find me a boyfriend... I can't get married now."

Vincent exhaled, shaking his head with an amused smirk. "And here I thought my weekend would be boring."

-

Hours later, Aurora stumbled into the bright convenience store, the hum of several bottles of vodka and a thirty minutes call from her father still burning in her veins.

The cool air bit at her skin as she scanned the aisles, rows of instant noodles and cheap snacks blurring slightly in her vision.

Her reflection flickered on the fridge doors-makeup slightly smudged, lips parted in quiet contemplation. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, the only sound besides the hum of the store's refrigerator units.

Then she saw him.

Theo.

He was standing by the counter, scanning the shelves with a furrowed brow, one hand casually stuffed into the pocket of his sweater.

Her lips curled into a slow, mischievous smile.

"Be my contracted boyfriend for two years," she said, stepping toward him. "And I'll grant you three wishes."

Theo turned, his brow furrowing as he took her in. His dark eyes flickered with confusion, scanning her face, taking in the slight sway of her stance and the determination in her alcohol-induced haze.

"What?"

Aurora tilted her head, her expression unwavering. "Three wishes. Anything you want."

"You're drunk," he muttered, turning away.

Aurora grabbed his wrist, her fingers tightening around his skin, her grip surprisingly steady. "I'm serious."

Theo studied her, his eyes searching her's, like he was waiting for her to start laughing saying it was a joke.

"You're serious? We just met like a few hours ago. Why the sudden proposal?" he asked, his voice confused.

Aurora's smirk deepened. "I've never been more serious, and I think you would be perfect by my side."

"Sounds more like you're looking for a weapon, not a man," he said.

She shrugged, her grip still firm. "Can't I want both."

He scoffed and ran a hand through his hair, his frustration obvious. "You're insane."

Aurora took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking. "You're the only person I know who doesn't play by my father's rules and that makes you valuable."

Theo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You have no idea what you're asking for, Princess."

Aurora lifted her chin, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "Try me."

For a long minute or two, neither of them moved. The air between them pulsed, pressing down like a loaded gun.

Theo exhaled, muttering under his breath, "This is a terrible idea."

Aurora watched Theo, waiting for the rejection she was sure would come. But instead, he studied her, his dark eyes searching her face.

"You're serious?" he asked, voice low, almost testing her.

Aurora smirked, tilting her head slightly, letting her amusement show. "Dead serious."

Theo exhaled, shaking his head, a quiet laugh escaping under his breath. "And if I say no?"

"Then I'll find someone else." She shrugged, feigning indifference as she reached for a pack of gum from the store counter. She unwrapped a piece, slipping it between her lips before adding, "But I doubt you'll refuse."

Theo crossed his arms and she could practically feel him sifting through her words, trying to untangle the hidden motive behind them.

"You're that confident?"

Aurora took a step forward, closing the space between them. She was so close that she could see the hesitation in his eyes. Close enough that her breath, carrying the faint scent of mint, mixed with the faint scent of rain lingering on his sweater.

"I think you need this as much as I do," she whispered.

Theo's jaw clenched and unclench still looking at her but didn't deny what she had just said. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the store.

Aurora blinked.

Did he just...

"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath, her fingers curling into a fist at her side.

She was upset because she had practically handed him an opportunity wrapped in gold, and he had just walked away.

The audacity.

-

Aurora leaned back in her office chair, tapping her pen against the glossy surface of her desk. The rhythmic clicks echoed through the quiet room, but she barely noticed.

The pile of paperwork in front of her remained untouched as her mind was elsewhere, trapped between the chaos of her father's latest demands and the nagging thought of a certain man.

He had walked away, he shouldn't be on her mind, but yet, he was.

Vincent sat across from her, legs crossed, lazily scrolling through his phone as if he had all the time in the world. He looked far too comfortable in his expensive suit, his usual air of amusement firmly in place.

"Still thinking about your little convenience store proposal?" he drawled, not bothering to look up.

Aurora shot him a glare before sighing. "He just walked away."

Vincent smirked, finally setting his phone down. "Smart man."

She grabbed a pen and threw it at him. He dodged effortlessly, barely blinking.

"He'll come around," Vincent added, stretching his arms out. "Guys like Theo? They always do. He's just making you sweat first."

Aurora hated how much sense that made, but before she could respond, the intercom on her desk buzzed.

"Miss Everly," her front desk manager's voice crackled through the speaker. "There's a man here to see you. He says you're expecting him."

Aurora frowned, sitting up straighter. "Who?"

"Theo Winslow."

Vincent let out a low whistle. "Well, looks like someone changed their mind." He said taking his leave.

Aurora didn't respond. She pressed the intercom button, keeping her voice steady. "Send him in."

A moment later, the door swung open.

Theo stepped inside, no longer in sweater and sneakers. He wore a crisp white dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the veins along his forearms. His dark hair, usually messy, was neatly styled, and there was confidence in the way he carried himself and I loved it.

Aurora tilted her head, watching him carefully. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Theo didn't waste time as he closed the distance between them."I gave it a lot of thought and..."

She arched a brow, fingers trailing over the edge of her desk. "You agreed?"

Theo leaned forward, his palms resting on the desk, gaze steady. "On one condition."

Aurora met his eyes, curiosity flickering in them. "Name it."

"I want my first wish now."

She barely suppressed a smirk. "Already? That's bold."

Theo's lips curled at the corner, a smirk playing on his lips. "I want a job at Everly Elite Enterprise. A real one."

Aurora studied him for a long moment before picking up the contract agreement from her desk drawer. She flipped through the pages with deliberate slowness, then set it down with a small, satisfied nod.

"That's fine," she said, smoothing out the contract. "But before we finalize this, let's go over the terms to avoid any misunderstandings."

Theo watched as she lifted the contract, her tone shifting into that of a business woman.

"This contract is between Party 'A' which is me-and Party 'T' that's you- which aims to set the terms of a romantic relationship between both parties for the space of two years, including requested dates and meetings, both far and near, at my discretion." She paused, her gaze flickering up to meet his. "You will also be granted three wishes, to be fulfilled within the two-year contract period."

Theo nodded.

"In the case of a breach of contract," Aurora continued, "the penalty shall be a fee of-" she glanced up, eyes twinkling with amusement-"two billion dollars."

Theo's brows shot up. "Two billion dollars?" He let out a low laugh. "Isn't that ridiculous?"

Aurora leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "Are you planning on breaching the contract?"

His grey eyes held hers, unblinking for a moment before he shook his head. "No, I don't plan to." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "But still, that amount is insane."

"If you're not going to breach it," she said smoothly, "then just sign the contract. You'll get your job here, a monthly salary, and two more wishes to go."

Theo hesitated, his fingers grazing the edges of the paper adjusting it to his side. "I'll sign it... can you pass me a pen?"

Aurora smiled, handing him her pen.

Theo took a moment before pressing the pen to paper, signing with steady strokes.

Once he was done, Aurora took the pen from his hand and signed her name beside his.

She pressed the intercom. "Vincent."

Within seconds, the door opened, and Vincent strolled in, his expression entirely entertained.

Vincent placed a sleek laptop on the desk and gestured toward the projector as it flickered to life.

He turned to Theo, looking far too pleased with himself. "I've summarized some things you need to know to carry out the contract."

Theo leaned back in his chair as Vincent clicked on the first slide. He frowned as he reads aloud:

"Born in 2003. Loves chicken. Dislikes anything spicy."

Theo blinked, then glanced at Aurora, who only smirked.

Vincent shrugged. "These are just a few of the basics. I'll send a full file to your email."

Theo exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "What did I just get myself into?"

Aurora only smiled, leaning back in her chair.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough."