CHAPTER ONE

GIANNA'S POV

"Sir, how do you feel about becoming the next CEO of the company? It already is a known fact that you've helped it even without holding an official position but now, you'll be getting the title. How does it feel?" the reporter asked. The man who the question was directed to cleared his throat and a few of the female reporters around me died. Not actually died but yeah, you get it.

"It's an honor for me to be able to lead the company and I assure both its employees and the masses that I will do my best to take the company to greater heights," he replied, his deep voice resonating through the hall. I snorted at his words and the same female reporters looked at me.

"What?" I spat out, glaring at them. They instantly turned away and I relaxed into my seat. The company had gone through a lot to be able to get into this press conference and all these girls were thinking about was how to get this devil's digits.

"Gigi, calm down. You're still new here but look how you're scaring them. We know you dislike Mr Black but you have to remain professional right now. Here, these are your lines," my co-worker, Amber, said, squeezing a paper into my hand. I frowned. This wasn't part of the deal I had with them.

"The deal was that I help you guys with writing the questions and I escort you. I was never meant to ask anything!" I protested, scowling.

"Well, you can talk to the boss and HR about that later. For now, follow the orders. Hurry before other reporters ask. You know we need this exposure," Amber said, pleadingly. I pursed my lips as I scanned through the questions written on the paper. "Besides, this would help see if you would get the job. They're trying to test how you are outside the company. Remember, you're just an applicant."

I scowled then straightened on my seat. Standing to my feet, I forced a smile and fixed the microphone close to my mouth. I was about to do something risky.

"Mr Black, it is usually said among the people that you've only gotten to where you are through wrong means. Would you like to give an explanation or statement on that?" I asked, grabbing his attention. His forest green orbs immediately landed on me and I could see a storm slowly brewing in them. Patiently waiting for him to blow, I stared straight at him.

Ryder Black scanned me from top to bottom then his eyes settled on my face and I could've sworn I saw something like surprise on his features but what do I know? He smirked and answered,

"All those are just baseless rumors spread by those who want to see me fall. I assure you, I have earned my way to the top and also, I like your bravery to ask that question. You did it without fear; as should a reporter," he answered. I nodded and sat back down on my seat. There was pindrop silence in the hall and Ryder raised a brow.

"Is that all? The end? Shall I leave now?" he asked. The reporters quickly recovered and began shooting him down with their questions. Amber turned to me with surprise evident on her face.

"That was bold and risky. This increases your chances of getting the job and it decreases it a bit," Amber said. I shrugged and put a gum in my mouth.

"I could always find another one. This thing should finish quickly!" I groaned, pressing myself into my seat. Amber grinned then turned to face the mysterious Ryder Black. Tch!

°~!!~°

"That was extremely brave of you, Miss Hunter," the old man said as he scribbled something on his pad. I nodded and waited for his verdict. "But unfortunately, that same bravery has cost you this job. We can't risk employing you and then having you bring us into the mud. Sorry, Miss Hunter."

I nodded. Picking up my bag and facing the office door, I hissed loudly then walked out, flipping my hair. They'd be star fucking struck.

Amber glanced at me from her cabin and I shook my head at her. She gave a wry smile and a call me sign. I nodded. The other workers must've understood as I heard a few of them gossip.

"Serves her right. She thought she was better than the rest of us. Brave, my foot," one said. The others snickered and made stupid comments.

"For your information, I don't think I'm better than you. I know—no, I AM, better than you," I said then left. I hailed a cab and got in.

Immediately the cab began moving, a tear slipped down my eye. I had failed to get yet another job. How was I going to help father pay the debt? This was all my fault. Had I not pushed him to send me to school we wouldn't be in this position. The tears ran down my face and I couldn't control my sobbing. I was thankful that the cab driver didn't intervene. After some time, we reached my stop and I got out.

"Mom, dad, I'm home," I yelled as I pushed the door open. Immediately I came in, my mother rushed to me, shushing me.

"Shush, child. Your father has guests. Come meet them," my mother said, giggling in excitement. I frowned but followed her anyway. She pulled me to the living room and immediately we stepped in, I felt the change in atmosphere. Glancing at my father's guests, I was stunned.

There were about four men sitting on one of the chairs. All donning black suits. One in particular struck out to me. He had dark sunglasses over his eyes and even with them on, I could feel his gaze on me.

"Father, who are these?" I asked, gently. My father hardly had guests. Especially not guests like these. They looked like they jumped straight out of a mafia themed movie. I stifled a laugh.

"These are my guests and among them, is your future husband." I laughed.

"Playing?" I asked my father. Dad wrung his fingers nervously as his eyes darted between sunglasses and I.

"Gianna, dear, can I speak to you in private?" my dad asked. I nodded and followed him to the kitchen. "Gianna, I-"

"What's going on, dad? Some sick joke?" I asked, wearily.

"Gianna, we don't have enough money to pay the debt. You don't have a job. Very soon, the Williams' will be here to collect their money and we have no way to pay them. This was the only way," he explained. I rubbed the bridge of my nose in frustration.

"Who are they and how did you come up with this?" I asked.

"The old man there used to be my boss and he heard of my predicament. The Williams family is his rival and he offered to help pay our debt if I agreed to one condition."

"And what's that? Marry your 22 year old daughter to a man who looks like he can give birth to 18 of me? Really, dad!?" I asked, befuddled.

"No, actually," a familiar voice said. I looked behind my dad to see a tall figure wearing sunglasses leaning against the door. I rolled my eyes and put my arms on my chest. The man stood straight and walked to us.

"The condition was to marry his son-me," he said as he began pulling off his sunglasses. "Hello, Gianna."

°~!!~°

It was supposed to be my wedding today but here I was, riding on the last flight to New York. I couldn't marry that vile man. I'd only marry a man I loved and Ryder Black was no such man.