Chapter 13: First night with the CEO

KRISTEN

The proposition hung heavy in the air, Marcus's gaze unwavering as he awaited my response. It was clear he wouldn't take no for an answer, and the weight of the contract I'd signed, binding me to him for a year, loomed large in my mind.

Living with him meant relinquishing what little independence I had left, yet in light of recent events, it seemed like the only logical choice. Besides, I reasoned, if I'd agreed to be his for a year, then surely living with him was just part of the deal.

"Alright," I conceded, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Marcus's expression softened, relief evident in his features. "Good choice."

I offered him a tight-lipped smile, the weight of my decision settling heavily on my shoulders. As we drove on into the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into the unknown – and that once again, my fate was no longer entirely my own.

As we pulled up to Marcus's house, the weight of my decision bore down on me like a heavy burden.