Chapter 1

The Deal 

Abby Pov

 It had never occurred to me that it would get to this point. 

But here I was in front of him—the man who could rule entire world with a single wave of his hand—and his presence filled me with a sense of fear.

Now what ? What did he want from me ?

 The billionaire tycoon, Nathaniel Blackwood the relentless driving force behind Blackwood Enterprises looked at me with the icy disinterest he reserved for people he considered unimportant. 

Yes I was, Abby McCann was, I was just an ordinary baker.

His cold calculating gaze pierced me which made me feel like a pawn in a game I had never agreed to play. 

" Sign the contract and this will all be over." He said in a tone as flat as the fate I now faced. 

 This was just a transaction to him but It seemed to me like everything I had ever known was falling apart. 

Nathaniel Blackwood was the epitome of power so I don't expect him to love someone like me.

I stared at him , taking in his clothing.

He was dressed in a suit that was so perfectly tailored that it appeared to be an extension of his dominance over the world. 

His icy ice-blue eyes and his raven-black hair were combed back with so much care.

 He looked at me like I was an orphaned rabbit as I stared at my shoes.

Nathaniel went on his voice piercing and tinged with the smallest trace of impatience .

"I've offered you a way out, Abby . Your troubles will end once you sign the contract."

I kept thinking about what he said but it didnt make me feel any better. Just a sharp reminder that I was now dirt poor.

I had to accept this because of my family , they were drowning in debt, debt so large and unpayable. And the shame would be too much if it ever leaks to the media that my father had succumbed to hard drugs and was now in a mental home.

And the only thing that could save us was Nathaniel Blackwood. 

The price? My liberty, my self-respect myself , all to be his wife, someone he wouldn't even shower with love.

I didnt ask this. I didn't even know Nathaniel up until yesterday that I had received the mail to come see him

But what options did I have?

 I shivered as my hand hung over the contract , the ink on the paper taunting me , I barely understand what was there but all I know was that 

it contained the irrevocable promise of a life I would never be able to reverse. a life in which I would lose everything I valued, of been Nathaniel.

 His lips slightly curled into a smirk, Nathaniel's eyes never left minr.

"What are you waiting for?" He asked, his voice colder jolting me back to reality and I shivered.

"I'm sorry." I said picking up the pen.

I fought back the tears that threatened to well up because I didnt want to appear weak. 

But there was nothing I could do about this, the situation was overwhelming.

"What do I stand to gain from this?" I asked, my voice shaking .

He folded his arms.

" You speak like you have a memory loss. Everything you so much desire , luxury at its peek and helping your father's company from been bankrupt."

 I took a deep breath and gripped the pen , my fingers numb as if signing itself would break something sodt6 inside me. 

It felt like I was surrendering my life go him as I sighed the contract.

" Done." I said.

 Without flinching , Nathaniel took out the signed contract and tucked it into his briefcase with a casualness that seemed to belittle the seriousness 

I had put up.

"Let me rephrase this, this is a marriage on paper, Abby. No catching of silly feelings."

I rolled my eyes , getting angry at him tone 

" Noted."

Nathaniel turned and strode toward the door without giving me another look , his imposing presence filled the room as if he owned it the world.

 " I'll have my driver take you to your new home."he called over his shoulders.

 His words cut through the quietness surrounding us.

Fear and resignation weighed heavily on my limbs as I stood motionless. 

" What ?" I gasped." We are not ever —"

"Married yet." He interrupted, waving me off like a fly.

A few seconds later , Nathaniel's driver showed up silent and unassuming and ushered me into the sleek black car that was waiting outside. 

The ride went by quickly with streets blending into one another as I gazed blankly ahead .

Nathaniel had said he had come back later thar night to discuss the wedding 

arrangements.

I was still thinking about the signature that had made me give my life all away when the car stopped in front of a magnificent gate , the car drove in and the most magnificent house I had ever seen came into view.

This was to be my new home. my jail. 

 I got out of the car as the driver held the door for me, my heels clicking hard on the stone as I walked toward the door. 

And that was when I stopped in my tracks, there staring at me, changed into something casual, his hands stuck into his pocket was Nathaniel.

" But you said—" I gasped staring at him shocked.

" I took my private jet instead. Changed my mind." He said non chalantly.

" Welcome to your new home." He said in a hollow voice that sounded like he was reading from a script he had committed to memory for a long time.

 I couldn't answer. I couldn't find the right words. 

There were no words to describe the void that now filled my chest or the wave of hopelessness that washed over me. 

Nathaniel opened the door with a smooth motion and I was engulfed by the mansion.

 " Welcome dear little wife ." Nathaniel said grinning and I wondered what was funny.