Alina Moretti had always believed that humiliation was a quiet thing… Maybe a whisper or a stare or a door that closes quietly.
She never imagined it would come with champagne glasses and microphones or that it would even happen to her.
The rooftop restaurant glittered above the skyline like a cloud of diamonds… Politicians, investors, influencers– all gathered under crystal chandeliers.
And at the centre of all this spotlight and glory stood Marcus Hale, her boyfriend of three years. He smiled into the microphone as he stared at the crowd with so much joy on his face.
"My friends", he announced lightly, "I've decided to make some changes in my life"
Alina felt the shift before she understood.
Finally, her dream of spending the rest of her life with him was coming true. He was going to propose to her in front of all these people, what more could she ask for?!
"I've worked so hard to stay average", he continued. "Ive decided to make some changes in my life"
His gaze sailed to her and there was a pause. She smiled and blew him a kiss but he didn't blow her one back, as was usual of course.
"A man living in this city cannot afford to carry dead weight"
His words didn't hit her immediately, the laughter from the people around did. Soft, polite and curious laughter.
Alina felt the heat creep up from her neck to her face.
"Marcus", she whispered, "what are you doing?"
He walked up to her, leaned towards her, his voice lowered but still loud enough to be caught by nearby phones and microphones.
"I can't marry a woman who shops clearance racks and pretends it's vintage"
A few guests gasped.
He straightened again and continued "I wish you well Alina, truly, but I deserve more… More than you…"
The sentence didn't need completion. Something inside her cracked but refused to shatter.
She turned and walked out… No tears, no running, no begging, no shouting... Because pride was the only thing she owned…
Or so he thought.
Outside, the city air felt colder than it should have. A black car was parked at the curb, waiting. She threw a glance at it but its tinted windows wouldn't let her see who was seated in it.
She assumed it belonged to someone important as she stood waiting for a cab.
The driver from the black car stepped out and walked towards her.
"Miss Moretti?"
She froze.
"Yes?"
"My employer would like a word"
"I don't think I'm interested in—"
"He insists", the driver interrupted. But just then, the back door opened.
Inside sat the most handsome man she'd ever set her eyes on, a man whose temperature altered the temperature of the night.
Dante Russo, CEO of Russo Holdings.
Even if someone had never seen him, they would know. He was the kind of man who didn't chase attention but had attention bending towards him.
His suit was charcoal black, his eyes were darker. He studied Alina as if she were an investment, paperwork or some piece of art or antique.
"Get in", he said calmly. Not a command, not a request.
She shouldn't get into a stranger's car, worse, a stranger like Dante Russo but Alina found herself being pulled by an unknown and unseen force.
She surprised herself and maybe him by stepping inside the car and shutting the door.
The city went dark… disappeared.
"I don't recall scheduling a meeting with a stranger", she said, lifting her chin.
A flicker of amusement crossed his face and he almost, almost chuckled.
"You didn't", he replied and the car began moving.
She wondered when the driver got back in it.
"You were humiliated tonight", he continued
"And you had cameras to record my humiliation just like everyone else?", she asked haughtily.
"I am not everyone. And yes, I have cameras everywhere because opportunity rarely knocks twice"
"And I am what? An opportunity?"
"Yes", he replied without hesitation. "I require a wife"
Silence filled the car before she burst into laughter. When she looked at him and saw how intently he was staring at her, all laughter ceased and she blinked rapidly.
"I'm sorry, you require??", she asked in disbelief.
"It's going to be a contract marriage. One year... Public appearances, social compliance and you will be compensated generously, of course.
She stared at him like he had two horns "Is this a joke?"
"I do not joke"
He reached into a leather folder and slid papers towards her. Terms, conditions and assets.
"I need stability in the public eye. You need restoration of dignity. You have nothing to lose"
"I have everything to lose! I am not for sale, Dante!"
His gaze sharpened.
"Well, it's a good thing you know who I am. Everyone is for sale. The only difference is price"
Her anger flared "You know nothing about me. Where are you taking me to, by the way?"
"I know you are educated, scandal-free, socially graceful and currently motivated", his voice lowered slightly before he continued, "And I know your pride won't let you crawl back to the man who discarded you"
He wasn't wrong and that irritated her more.
"What's the catch?", she asked quietly.
"You will not interfere in my business, you will not question my absences and you will not expect affection"
"What's in it for me then? And what do you get?"
"I get a wife and you get power", he held her gaze, "No one will dare laugh at you again"
The offer hung between them like smoke. She should have no, should have walked away. But Marcus' voice echoed in her memory... dead weight, average, poor...
She met Dante's eyes, "When does it start?"
"Tonight", he answered immediately.
And somewhere in the quiet machinery of fate, two empires shifted. Just like that, Alina Moretti stepped into a world where love was forbidden...
And fate had already begun rewriting the contract.