Emma

Three weeks had passed since the one night with Alexander. The night I couldn't erase from my head.

I had returned home, determined to bury every memory of Ryan, Sophia, and Alexander deep within me.

But their faces still haunted me, like ghosts and it refused to go. Ryan and Sophia’s betrayal had left a wound that refused to heal, and though I tried to move on, the pain still remained in the quiet hours of the night.

As for Alexander… that one night with him was something I couldn’t erase no matter how hard I tried.

His touch, his eyes, the way he made me scream his name in pleasure.

it all came rushing back when I least expected it. But he never gave me a call. Not even once since I waited for it. I told myself I should forget about it that it was better that way, that I didn’t need another heartbreak. So I focused on rebuilding myself.

Days turned into weeks of endless job applications and interviews. Some polite rejections, others never responded.I kept going, refusing to give up. And then, finally, my persistence paid off.

I finally got a job at one of the United Kingdom’s biggest companies: Knight Enterprises

It felt like a dream. A new beginning. My chance to start again, strong, and independent. I promised myself I would no longer depend on anyone’s affection to define my worth.

But fate… fate always had cruel plan for me.

On my first day, I walked into the grand marble floor of Knight Enterprises, clutching my bag tightly. My heart was pounding with so much excitement as I approached the receptionist’s desk.

The lady sitting at the reception with heavy makeup and a faint smile on her cheeks that barely reached her eyes.

“Good morning ma'am,” I greeted softly.

Her gaze lingered on me for a few seconds. Like he was studying me, before she smiled again. “Ah, you're welcome Miss Emma, right? Mr. Knight requested your presence at his office.”

I walked toward his office and stepped into the elevator, I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath. The mirrored walls reflected a woman who was trying her best to appear confident, even when her stomach twisted with nerves.

The elevator doors slid open to the top floor, and I followed the hallway until I reached a large office door.

My fingers were shaking as I held the door handle.

I knocked once and I pushed the door open and the world stopped.

There he was.

Alexander sat behind the massive desk, his posture straight, his presence commanding. A dark suit hugged his broad shoulders, his silver tie perfectly knotted. With those piercing grey eyes lifted to meet mine.

My breath caught in my throat. It was him.

The same man who had made me scream his name under his touch. The same man who I had waited for his calls that never came.

His expression remained calm, too calm. A flicker of recognition passed through his eyes before it vanished behind a mask of icy professionalism.

“Miss Emma,” he said, his tone clipped and controlled. “Welcome to Knight Enterprises.”

I blinked, unable to find a word for a moment. My palms grew sweaty, my chest tightening. I forced a smile that felt like it might crack my face. “Th…Thank you, sir.”

He gestured to the chair opposite him. “Please, have a seat.”

I hesitated, every part of my body was screaming on me to turn around and leave.

But after everything I’d gone through…the job hunt, the heartbreak, the rejection, the sleepless nights. I decided I couldn’t walk away now just like that. I sat down, my spine stiff, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze.

For a moment, silence filled the room. The ticking clock on the wall was the only sound.

But why is acting like he'd never seen me before? After sharing moments of pleasing and exploring each other.

Then he continued, his voice low but firm. “As my personal assistant, you’ll handle my schedule, meetings, and any official correspondence. You’ll be expected to travel occasionally when necessary.”

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “I understand, sir.”

His lips curved slightly, a cruel smile that vanished as quickly as it appeared. “Good. I expect efficiency and perfection. This company values loyalty in everything.”

Loyalty. The word stung like a blade.

I wanted to ask him if he even knew what loyalty meant but I bit my tongue. He was my boss now. Whatever happened between us before had no place here.

Still, the air in the room was suffocating. I could feel it pressing against my skin, prickling like static. His eyes lingered on me longer than they should have, and my heart betrayed me by beating faster.

He opened a drawer, pulled out a large envelope, and slid it across the desk toward me.

“What’s this?” I asked, frowning.

“Open it,” he said simply.

I hesitated before tearing the seal. My eyes scanned through the document, confusion filled my head. My mouth went dry as I read line after line, my pulse thundering in my ears.

When I finally looked up, my voice was shaking. “Can you please explain what this is, sir?”

He leaned back slightly, his gaze unreadable. “What did you see?”

“It’s… it’s talking about a contract,” I said slowly. “A marriage contract. Six months marriage contract?”

“Exactly.” His tone was calm, almost indifferent.

My head spun. “I don’t understand. What does this have to do with me?”

He clasped his hands on the desk, his grey eyes locking onto mine. “It has a lot to do with you. I’m asking you to marry me… a fake marriage for six months.”

The words hit me like a bullet. I stared at him, sure I’d misheard. “Excuse me.”

“Yes, you heard me well. This business and I don't joke when it comes to business,” he replied coolly.

“This arrangement would protect my public image. The public are saying things I couldn't afford to keep silent. Proving to be responsible by getting a partner would help me to overcome that.”

I blinked rapidly, my throat tight. “So you want me to pretend to be your wife?”

“Yes,” he said simply. “You’ll live in my house, attend events with me, and act as if we’re a perfect couple.”

I swallowed hard, struggling to breathe. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I tried to understand what he was asking me to do.

“Why me?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“Because I trust you,” he said quietly.

“You trust me? This is my first of work and you're asking me to marry you. A fake marriage?

It's not for free. You'll be well compensated. Financially, and…” He paused. “You will also be promoted.”

I stared at the document in my hand, shaking, my reflection faintly visible in the glossy surface of his desk.

Alexander Knight, the man who I expected to call for weeks, is now asking me to marry him. A fake marriage.

I looked up slowly, meeting his gaze. “I can't do these?”

He smiled cruelly, the same cruel smile that I used to know about him.

I think you should think about it before you make your choice.

The air between us thickened again, heavy with unspoken emotions, buried memories, and something else, something dangerously close to desire.

And just like that, I realized that fate wasn’t done with me yet.

ALEX

I wasn't expecting her. The feisty girl who had challenged me for a hotel room.

Something that has never happened before. I clearly remember her words. Her taste. The way she trembled beneath me when I dived into her haven with hunger. I couldn't get enough of her. And I couldn't forget her.

Today, said woman became my assistant. Talk about a plot twist.

But this also makes her perfect for the job.

I need someone who will pose as my wife to the world, she needs someone who can help her get over whatever caused her pain.

Is it weird that my chest burns at the thought of it, that someone had her before me? Had fucked her before I did?

Had hurt her to the point of needing to release with nothing but a plastic dick?

They better pray I don't lay my eyes on them.

I looked at the entrance of her office next to my door. Feeling a bit of mischief, I rang her and told her to come in.

I watched her walk in, nervousness clearly written all over her face.

"Go over this contract" I picked up one of the files on my desk and handed it to her, "Pick out the pro's and con's and know if they are worth giving a shot"

I made sure I kept the best poker face I could have. In as much as I had no other thought other than to bend her over this table and relive that one night that had hunted me for days now, I was very strict about my company. Business was business.

And nothing else mattered in the face of business. I learnt that the hard way in the past.

"I thought this isn't under my work scope Sir" she quietly mumbled while I snorted as a response.

"Work scope huh? Need I remind you that you are my assistant. Your work scope is only what I want it to be. Do I make myself clear about it?"

I made my way towards her, our height difference clear as day. She looked like a bunny being preyed on. The prey was none other than me.

"Yes sir. Is there anything else you want me to do Sir?"

Your mouth on my cock.

You on my bed.

My cock in your pussy.

Taking me like the good girl you are.

Me drilling you.

You asking for more.

Your moans, that sweet noise you make when you come.

My scent on you.

Decisions, decisions. But it's too early for that. So I dismissed her.

"None. You may take your leave" She hurriedly scurried off which made me smirk. Smile not smirk.

"You do realize you have a limited time to think about this offer, right Emma?"

"I understand Sir. I will let you know my decision soon enough"

"Good. Now get back to work"

"Okay. And Sir"

"What is it Emma?" I raised my face to look at her, annoyance clearly all over it.

"The board called for a meeting. In the next thirty minutes"

Fuck. Those geezers who clearly have the appetite of a whale. I knew why they were coming.

Fucking paparazzi and the sick senses at twisting news. Now I have to deal with it.

"Understood. Now leave Emma"

"Yes sir" She hurriedly left my office. I would have laughed at the scene but that wasn't the mood for it.

Me handing that marriage contract to Emma was the only reasonable way to protect my reputation and my company before it hit rock bottom.

But in a scenario where she refuses, what was going to be the next plan.

I was still mulling over it till Emma informed me again through the telecom that they were already in the conference room waiting for me.

Trying to tame down my anger, I left for the conference room.

I knew what they wanted. But what I didn't like was someone acting tough in my territory. This is my company and I will be damned if I let some old greedy bastard make a decision for me.

*** ***

"It's always one news or the other. And it's a scandal. Our stocks are hitting a low and you don't even care"

"If you know you can't handle the company then make way for someone who can"

I raised my head to look at the man who had just dropped that comment.

Find someone else to handle my company. A company I had built from scratch with my own blood and sweat.

"Need I remind you Mr Thomas, that this is my company. I make the rules. I decide what's going to happen and when"

"But we are the members of your board..."

"Which I allowed for my father's sake. This isn't my father's company so don't you ever think you can waltz into my conference room and decide who gets to rule my company"

"Alexander, regardless of what Thomas here said, you do know that he has the company's best interest at heart" Mr Hamilton interjected.

"Then let me rephrase. For the past three years alone, each of you here has an annual income of fifty million dollars without raising your hands or contributing to any of the company matters. Even with the falling stocks, you are still liable to earn at least seventy percent of that income"

I look at them without saying another word. I could see them squirming in their seats. Their fear slowly sips out.

"Mr Thomas, last week you gifted your daughter a twenty billion dollars mansion for landing a third rate role in a movie. The same last week, an unknown transaction was made on the company's account. Do I need to mention more?"

"Are you accusing me of embezzlement, Alexander?"

"I never said such a thing as Mr Thomas. Only you know what's right and what's wrong"

I glance around again, this time my gaze fixed. They were all scared I would call them out. The money they took wasn't even enough to dent my pockets but that didn't mean it couldn't be used for blackmail material.

"Don't you all ever think I don't know what your plans are. Before making a move, investigate so you don't land yourself in trouble. This counts as your last warning. If any of you are to come in here and object to MY WAY of ruling MY COMPANY, then I am more than happy to buy out your shares.

"As for the scandals, I can assure you I already have a way to deal with the crisis"

At the mention of that, my phone beeped. An incoming message that is. I glanced down and smiled at the content.

'I agree to your offer Sir. The contract is signed and on your table'

"And what measures do you have Alexander?"

The question came from Mr Black. The only member of the board who I actually respected.

"You will just have to wait and see" I replied vaguely and made my way to my office.

My little fireball just sealed her fate into my hands.