Nicholas spoke the word "marriage," which fell between us like a grenade.
Confident that I had misheard, I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," he said in a cool, collected tone. "I'm suggesting a marriage contract. Naturally, it will be temporary and on terms that are advantageous to both of us.”
I let out a sour, acrid laugh. "You can’t be serious."
Nicholas's face, however, remained unwavering. He stayed calm, staring at me with his sharp eyes as if he were analyzing every idea that was going through my mind.
I got out of his office's velvet chair, which I hadn't even wanted to sit in.
I said, "This is absurd," as I paced in the direction of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Below, the city lights glowed, taunting me with their brightness.
"Why would I ever agree to something like that?"
Nicholas said, "Because it solves both our problems," in a level tone. His posture was as rigid as the tone of his words, and he remained seated. "You must have enough money to keep your art center open and more. I require..."
He hesitated, picking his words wisely.
"What do you need?" I turned on my heel to face him and demanded.
"A wife," was all he said.
I laughed again at the ridiculousness of it, but it sounded phony this time. "A spouse? Why? For a business transaction? To entertain the tabloids by playing house?"
Nicholas's flawless composure cracked just a little as his jaw tightened. "You shouldn't worry about it. What counts is that I will give you enough money to safeguard your art center and allow you to grow it as you see fit. You will consent to be my wife for a year in exchange. Not a bit more, not a bit less.
I felt the weight of his words descend upon me as they lingered in the atmosphere. A year. All he was requesting was that. It was a minor cost for the lifeline I sorely needed. But it made my skin crawl to think of binding myself to this cold, cunning stranger.
With my arms crossed, I yelled, "I'm not some commodity you can buy."
Unconcerned by my outburst, Nicholas reclined in his chair. "I'm not requesting that you be. This is merely a business deal. You'll keep all you value, including your freedom and art center. A few public appearances and a ring on your finger are the only things that alter.
His casual demeanor infuriated me. "Can you hear yourself at all? You're asking me to marry you as if it were a business deal. “
"It is," he expressed plainly. "And it benefits you just as much as it benefits me."
I turned away and steadied myself by holding onto the window frame's edge. As my mind raced, the view outside became blurry. This isn't possible. It must have been a weird prank. However, Nicholas's demeanor told me he was dead serious when I looked over my shoulder.
I shook my head and whispered, "You're insane."
"Perhaps," he confessed, a faint smile fluttering across his mouth. However, I'm also giving you an alternative. Are you certain that someone else will intervene and save your priceless art center?
I knew he was right, so his comments were like a kick to the belly. I had no one to save me. I could hardly keep my head above water while the center drowned.
However, getting married to Nicholas Scott? Dealing with the devil was how it felt.
"What’s in this for you?" I asked, looking him in the face.
For the first time, Nicholas paused, a glimpse of something unreadable flickering across his face. "Let’s just say I have my reasons."
"That’s not good enough," I began, raising my voice. "If you expect me to even consider this, I need to know why you’re doing it."
Then he stood, his massive body looming over the room like a great shadow. "You don’t need to know," he stated in a stern and decisive tone. "You just must make a choice. Your art center will prosper if you accept the offer. If you refuse, you will lose everything.
Although it hurt, the request wasn't shocking. Offering options didn't appear to be Nicholas Scott's style.
The lump in my throat nearly choked me as I swallowed hard. When I eventually said, "I need time,"
Nicholas said, "You have twenty-four hours," without hesitation. "After that, the offer’s off the table."
Twenty-Four hours. I'll have to choose one day if I'd sacrifice my freedom—or at least my soul—for my goal.
I took my coat, and walked out of his office without saying another word, the door slamming behind me.
The eviction letter was staring at me from the coffee table back in my small apartment. I buried my face in my hands and slid into the couch.
What should I have done? As ridiculous as Nicholas's offer was, so was my predicament. The bank had already turned down my loan application. My efforts to raise money had not been successful. Even the final-ditch attempt to pull off the gala had failed.
And now I found myself with no other option.
Either I lose everything I've worked for, or I marry a man I hardly knew who had his agenda.
I was surprised by the knock on the door. I didn't think anyone would show up.
Sophie was standing there looking worried and frustrated as I opened it.
She said, "I got your text," and entered without waiting for an invitation. "What the hell is going on?"
The invitation was too much for her to handle alone, so I gave it to her.
She scanned the information, her eyes widening as she read. Then, looking up at me, she replied, "You cannot be serious."
I whispered, "I am unaware of what to do," my voice cracking."Don’t do it," Sophie firmly said. "There has to be another way."
The truth of my circumstances hung over me like a threatening fog despite my want to believe her.
My phone buzzed on the coffee table as Sophie persisted in her argument.
When I saw Nicholas's name on the screen, I took it up with a sick feeling in my stomach.
Even though the message was brief, it made me shiver.
"Miss Hart, time is running out. Make the correct decision.
And for the second time that day, I had the impression that Nicholas Scott was waiting to see if I would jump from a cliff.
"Miss Hart, carefully read it. I don't want you to subsequently claim ignorance.As he moved the heavy contract across the desk, Nicholas spoke in a cool, collected tone. It was heavier than paper should have been as if the weight of my future were contained in the ink that bound its words.I snatched it up and skimmed the exact words that described the conditions of this strange arrangement. A marriage of one year. Restrictions on appearances in public. Clauses of confidentiality. Monetary arrangements that would keep the art center afloat for many years to come. The chilling fact that I was going to trade my freedom was buried deep behind the clinical legalese.I murmured, "This is... detailed," with a little tremble in my voice."Of course," said Nicholas, reclining in his seat. "Success depends on the details. Do you find the terms satisfactory?”Are you happy? No. Captured? Totally."I need one thing added," I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady.A tiny glimmer of astonishme
Chandeliers shone throughout the ballroom, illuminating an ocean of immaculately attired guests with golden light. The aroma of champagne and roses filled the air, and the murmur of courteous conversation was broken up by sporadic laughter. The entire room exuded luxury, and I felt like an unexpected guest at the wrong party.My satin gown's magnificence didn't conceal the pain that was scuttling beneath my skin as I adjusted the strap. A few feet away, encircled by a group of admirers, stood my new spouse. Since our arrival, I have hardly heard fromNicholas Scott, the man whom everyone in this room appeared to respect.One of the voices by my side purred, "You look stunning, darling,"An older woman with a smile that stopped short of her eyes caught my attention. She evaluated me with carefully veiled contempt while her diamond necklace glistened."Thank you," I said, maintaining a calm tone.She went on, "You must be thrilled." Nicholas is really attractive. However, I have to admi
"I don't require assistance unpacking." The maid hovered close to the boxes stacked just inside the penthouse door, and I could scarcely maintain a pleasant tone."Mrs. Scott," she replied in a submissive tone, "Mr. Scott demanded that I help—" "I'm capable of handling it," I smirked tightly as I turned away from her and moved farther into the expansive area that seemed to be mine now.The penthouse was incredible. A limitless city skyline, glistening in the late afternoon sun, was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything was immaculate to sterility, with smooth surfaces and modern furnishings shining. I couldn't eliminate the feeling that I was an invader, and it felt more like an exclusive hotel than a house.I turned as a quiet cough came from behind me. Nicholas Scott stood in the doorway, his gaze impassive, his dark suit as crisp as ever. As if nothing could touch him, he studied the situation with the same air of detachment he always carried.With a clipped voice, he inq
"Is this what married life is supposed to feel like?" I whispered, my voice drowned out by the penthouse's eerie quiet. It was morning, and sunshine poured like liquid gold across the marble flooring from the enormous glass windows. I sat on one of the kitchen chairs and put my hands around a steaming mug of coffee. The mansion-sized penthouse was so large, immaculate, and completely dead that it could have passed for a museum.Nicholas Scott curated this void. Even when he wasn't around, his presence persisted. In this huge, soulless room, the gentle tap of my fingertips against the porcelain mug seemed like a scream. He's most likely going to some Scheming global dominance in a boardroom.Though it was close to the truth, the notion should have been sardonic. Nicholas has been a ghost for the last week. Always immaculately dressed, his visage an unreadable mask, his suit wrinkle-free, he arrived home late.If he did recognize me, it was to say something like, "Good morning," or "
Oil paints, turpentine, and the art center's subtle earthy fragrance of clay were constantly present. No matter how chaotic life got, I could always find serenity in that scent. I let familiarity overwhelm me as soon as I entered that morning. The space was unpretentious; paint-splattered tables, worn easels, and cracked tiles revealed years of arduous labor. "Cassie!" One of my art teachers, Nina, came out of the rear studio with her wavy hair clumsily tied up with a red scarf. "The furnace is misbehaving once more. It has a consciousness of its own, I promise. I let out a sigh. "We'll get by. Tell the students to dress in layers for the time being. Later, I'll call the repairman.”My phone buzzed in my pocket as Nina made her way back. I looked at Nicholas Scott on the television. Now, what does he want? Something forced me to pick up even though my thumb was hovering over the ignore button."Yes?" I asked, attempting to sound polite."Where are you?" He spoke in a cool, clippe
Following Nicholas' abrupt "investment" in the art center, the days went by in a tense cadence. I should have been ecstatic to see my haven turning into a building site for upgrades. However, I couldn't get rid of the anxiety that coiled inside me every time I heard Nicholas's voice booming through the building or saw the sleek black town car pull up outside.The strain was higher at home, or what I was meant to call "home."In that vast penthouse, Nicholas had always kept his distance. Though occasionally, I questioned whether he did it on purpose, keeping us apart as though the less time we spent together, the less genuine this whole arrangement would seem; we were like ships passing in the night. But despite his efforts to maintain his distance and coldness, something was changing.His eyes lingered when he believed I was not looking, and I could tell.I was alone in the kitchen one evening, gazing at the microwave's blinking clock. Even though it was late, the penthouse's silence
Something felt different tonight. I stumbled into the dark living room and came to a halt. Nicholas was sitting by the fireplace, shirt sleeves rolled up, tie undone, and a tumbler of whiskey in his hand.He appeared to be a man with too many ideas and nowhere to put them rather than the calculating billionaire I had grown to know. It was rather soothing to hear the rain hitting the penthouse windows. I was unable to fall asleep because it was late—past midnight—again.He glanced at me as his head turned slightly. "You are, too." His expression had an unguarded quality that I don't often see. For a moment, I considered leaving him to his thoughts. But instead, I moved over and slipped into the armchair across from him. The silence was filled with the crackle of the fire between us."Had trouble sleeping?" I took a chance. “No.” He twirled his glass of golden liquid. "I'm thinking about too much."I paused, not knowing if I should continue. Although Nicholas wasn't the kind to open u
The hush that pervaded the art center accentuated every creak of the wooden floorboards and the rustle of the wind outside. Staring at the strewn-about papers and paints I hadn't had the energy to put away, I stood in the main gallery.It had been a cruel day. Our already precarious budget was in ruins due to a last-minute cancelation from a significant source. I had been pleading, arguing, and attempting to keep everything afloat over the phone for hours. I was emotionally spent by the time the day's doors had closed.But my thoughts weren't focused on the task, even as I stood surrounded by the ruins of a dream I wanted to preserve. It kept going back to the previous night's note.Industries Blackthorn.I had been plagued by the words all day. I hadn't dared to ask Nicholas about it. I wasn't certain if I would like to know or not. The front door opening jolted me out of my trance. My heart jumped, and I spun around as my palm instinctively went to my chest."Calm down. It's me.”N
On the balcony of their family estate, Nicholas and Cassie stood gazing out over the vast countryside they had created together, the evening air heavy with the aroma of roses in blossom. Inside, the celebration was illuminated by lights that twinkled like stars underneath them. Love and tradition were woven into every note of the music and laughter that floated up to where they stood.After breathing, Nicholas relaxed his arm around Cassie's waist and absorbed everything. Years of commitment, tenacity, and everlasting love had resulted in the magnificent palace that had once only been in a dream.Every stone and meticulously maintained garden had the mark of their voyage, which had been everything but simple but well worth every obstacle they encountered.With her head resting on his shoulder, Cassie leaned into him. "Remember the first time we stood here?” She whispered, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "All we had were ambitions and an awful lot of fear."Nicholas laughed, his tone
Anticipation filled the conference room. The foundation and the company's top executives were waiting for their decision while Emma and Ethan stood near the head of the long, polished conference table with their parents seated beside them. This was not just another board meeting but the start of a new era in their family's history.Leaning back in his chair, Nicholas proudly observed his kids. Emma listened carefully, her poised confidence radiating across the room, while Ethan was immersed in conversation with one of their important advisors, his keen mind already planning the next moves. They were prepared—more than prepared.Under the table, Cassie, sitting beside him, gave his hand a light squeeze. He looked at her and saw the knowing smile in her eyes, the wordless recognition that they had done their duty.This resulted from the sacrifices, the late hours, and the difficult choices.They had invested years in creating this legacy grounded in purpose as much as an empire of influ
The golden glow of lanterns illuminated the large yard where the family had gathered, and the estate laughed. A big table with fresh flowers and flickering candles was arranged beneath the starry canopy. The family was celebrated tonight, far more significant than accolades or public recognition.As Emma and Ethan entered the brightly illuminated room, there was a chuckle and the sound of glasses breaking. Nicholas and Cassie, their parents, were sitting behind the opulent fireplace, their hands joined together in a silent moment of satisfaction. Their love remained steady even though they knew the marks time had left on their faces.This commemorated the pursuit they had all taken together, not simply a party. It was about the victories, defeats, risks, and constant belief that they were making something bigger than themselves.The outside world could wait for once. The warmth of shared memories and the promise of a future they had all built together replaced the burden of responsibi
The meeting room was filled with activity, and the air was thick with expectation. Journalists, donors, and global leaders filled the enormous room, all gazing at the excellent platform where Emma and Ethan stood.Strong words were projected onto a massive screen behind them: The Future of Change: Expanding Our Legacy to New Horizons.Emma inhaled steadily before moving forward. She said in a determined, duty-driven voice, "Today is beyond just a declaration.” “It's a statement of our dedication to the planet and those neglected for far too long. Our endeavor is based on the principle that opportunity should not be limited, which we are bringing to reality.”She looked across the room, meeting the eyes of the advocates, leaders, and visionaries who had come to see this historic event. "We have spent years providing resources, creativity, and education to underprivileged communities.”However, the task is far from finished. Today, we are taking a daring step forward that will permanent
Ethan and Emma, Cassie's twins, were ready to continue the mentorship program that Cassie and Nicholas had always wanted to establish. The project started with a few chosen youths from underprivileged backgrounds. Still, it quickly gained momentum and caught the attention of forward-thinking entrepreneurs prepared to change the world.Emma's speech weighed significantly on her shoulders. Standing before a large assembly, she inhaled deeply as she spoke. The mentees were young individuals with ambitions that would change the course of history, and her sharp yet empathetic eyes ran across their anxious faces."Leadership isn't about control," she said with a stern yet determined tone. “It's about accountability—the type that demands integrity rather than fame. It's about making decisions that will impact others who turn to you for direction, change, and hope, as well as on your journey for a long time.”“And that journey—your journey—starts here, with all of you. The question is, what k
Each item in Cassie's last collection was reverently presented in the vast gallery filled with gentle golden light. As people wandered around, taking in the essence of a lifetime of talent, the room hummed with silent adoration, and the air was heavy with expectancy. Every brushstroke conveyed a tale of hope, suffering, and love. The series, appropriately named Eternal Threads, captured moments too profound for words by weaving her family's trip into rich colors and textured textures.Standing in the show's center, Cassie traced the margins of a significant canvas—a painting of entwined hands that was an abstract yet clear symbol of her family's strong tie. Nicholas stood next to her, acting like a silent anchor, as she prepared to address the crowd.Cassie took a deep breath before stepping onto a small platform at the bottom of the hall to speak when it was finally time. As she gazed out at the faces before her—critics, dealers, associates, and most importantly, family—the audience
The sleek lines of the contemporary furnishings and the glittering skyline beyond were illuminated by the golden streaks that the early sun poured over the tall windows of Nicholas Scott's rooftop office. With his mind racing thoughts, Nicholas sat at his desk, tapping absently with his fingers on the gleaming wood. He had never gotten an email like the one that was open on his computer.An invitation.This was not merely an invitation but an opportunity to become a member and leader of a global alliance aimed at incorporating sustainable business practices into all sectors of the economy. The United Nations and several world business leaders supported the project looking for someone with expertise, influence, and creative thinking. Nicholas has been creating legacies and influencing industries for the previous few years, but this? This presented a chance to reshape the future globally.He felt his heart thumping more than it had in a long time.He had spent years trying to balance hi
Under an arrangement of golden chandeliers, the enormous auditorium of the global gala glistened with warm, dazzling waves of light radiating off its marble-polished floor and crystal-clad decor. A beautiful orchestra of hope was in the air as philanthropists, creators, and entrepreneurs worldwide came for the annual Global Philanthropy and Arts Award. The Scott-Hart Foundation eventually received this award, which is granted to institutions that have improved artistic innovation and social effect after years of tenacious efforts.A dining area decorated with luxurious turquoise satin shining in the chandeliers' gold light in the center of the award hall. The expressions on the faces of Cassie, Nicholas, Emma, and Ethan were a combination of pride, excitement, and the unshakable faith that had carried them this far. They sat quietly but firmly. What had begun as a daring notion—a daring wager on the power of art and altruism—had grown into a project that significantly impacted several
There was tension in the Scott Foundation's headquarters boardroom. The twins Emma and Ethan sat at the table with stiff expressions and implied contempt. Consultants, department supervisors, and other significant stakeholders were crammed into the conference room, looking at one another as they discussed the subsequent phase of the work they had put so much effort into.Emma stated, "This expansion is necessary," calmly yet assertively. "We possess the means to expand our sustainability initiatives globally. Beyond our existing reach, we can truly make an effect. Why are we hesitating at all?""Emma, it's no hesitation. It's a tactic. We may become susceptible if we grow too quickly without strengthening the basis. Before going too far, we must ensure our current programs are stable."As the advisors exchanged cautious looks, a murmur echoed around the room. There was tension between the twins, who had never argued so openly.Emma bent over. Ethan, “We aren't weak. We've established