Emma's P.O.V.
The café was unusually loud today, filled with the clinking of cups and the hum of conversation. Yet, I barely registered the noise as I stirred my coffee absentmindedly, my mind miles away, replaying Liam's unexpected request some days ago.
Liam Black. His name alone carried weight, and now, after just one meeting, he was in my head. I had walked away from him a few days ago, convinced that whatever deal he had in mind wasn't my concern. But deep down, I knew it wasn't that simple. He had proposed something, something I couldn't shake.
As I sat waiting for Sarah, my fingers drumming against the table, I replayed his words. There was more to his request than what met the eye, and the thought that I could be missing an opportunity gnawed at me.
"Sorry I'm late," Sarah's voice pulled me back to reality. She slid into the seat across from me, her face lined with concern. "It's Jason."
The mention of Jason made my chest tighten. Jason, my client, was at the center of a high-profile case that could either make or break my career.
"What's happened again?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
"The prosecutor's targeting him harder than I expected," she replied, lowering her voice. "It's political; he's using Jason to send a message. This could get ugly."
I closed my eyes for a moment, absorbing the weight of her words. Jason was counting on me, but the odds were stacking up against us. If I failed, it wouldn't just be Jason who paid the price. I could lose everything I'd worked for—my reputation, my career, everything—and even my secret, which Marcus seems to have gotten a clue about, would be out.
I was at a crossroads, and for the first time, I wasn't sure which path to take.
Before I could respond, the door swung open, and in walked Liam Black, his presence impossible to ignore. He had a way of commanding a room without saying a word. As he strode over, I stiffened. The last thing I needed right now was more pressure.
"Emma," he greeted me, his voice low but insistent. "We need to talk."
I shot Sarah an apologetic look. "Give me a minute." She nodded, concern etched in her features, but didn't press. As Liam led me outside the café, I steeled myself. I wasn't going to let him bulldoze me into anything.
"What is it, Mr. Liam?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest.
"You didn't call me; I have been waiting for your call," he said, eyes serious.
"It's just been three days; desperate much?" I asked, my brows raised. "Besides, I've been really busy."
He didn't miss a beat. "I know you're considering my offer, but I don't think you fully understand what's at stake here. You're in the public eye now, Emma. Jason's case is making waves, and you need protection."
"Protection?" I scoffed. "From what?"
"From everything that's coming your way," he said, his voice cool but firm. "The media's going to latch onto this case, and if they find a weak spot, they'll exploit it. You need a shield, Emma, a way to control the narrative before it controls you."
I studied him, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips like he knew he had me cornered. But I wasn't some damsel in distress waiting for a savior. Or maybe I was.
"And what's in it for you?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow. "Because this seems a lot more like your problem than mine."
A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes, but his tone remained measured. "Fair enough. Yes, I have my own reasons. The media's been circling me like vultures, looking for anything to tear apart my reputation. And you? You're the solution I need."
"Why me?" I asked, genuinely curious now. "You could choose anyone. Why do you think I'd agree to this?"
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto mine. "Because you're smart, Emma. You're ambitious. You've worked your way up in a cutthroat industry, and you know how to navigate power. What I'm offering isn't just a PR move; it's a way for you to turn the spotlight to your advantage. People will see you standing next to me, and they'll pay attention. The media will stop questioning your credibility. You'll have influence, leverage, and, most of all, protection."
I hated how compelling his words sounded. Every lawyer dreams of being in the public eye for the right reasons, but for me, it wasn't just about the fame. It was about proving I belonged at the top, that I could play the game as well as anyone else. And maybe the secret I've tried so hard to bury may now rest well in its grave.
"You think a fake engagement will solve everything?" I asked, still skeptical but no longer dismissing the idea outright. "I don't want to be someone's accessory, Mr. Liam."
"You won't be," he said, his voice softening just a fraction. "This isn't about being a prop in my life. It's about control. You'll be more than just the woman next to me; you'll be a force in your own right. Together, we control the media, the narrative. You help me, and in return, I'll make sure you get what you need: freedom from the vultures, a stronger reputation, and resources to fight for Jason. It's a partnership."
Partnership. The word hung in the air between us. I couldn't deny the appeal. I wasn't looking for a knight in shining armor, but an alliance, one where I still had control. And Liam, for all his arrogance, was offering me a chance to do that.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision settling on my shoulders. This wasn't just about Jason's case anymore; it was about power, control, and how far I was willing to go to keep both.
"What's the catch?" I asked quietly, narrowing my gaze.
Liam smirked, knowing he had me intrigued. "There's always a catch, Emma. But I think you'll find it's worth the risk."
I hesitated for a beat, then nodded slowly. "Alright, I'm in. But this is my decision, Mr. Liam. You don't own me."
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "I wouldn't dream of it."
*****
Liam's office was a sleek, glass-enclosed fortress overlooking the city. As I entered, I felt a rush of adrenaline, a reminder that I was stepping into a new world, one where every move was calculated and every decision had consequences.
"You made the right choice," Liam said as he gestured for me to sit.
"Don't start celebrating just yet," I replied, sliding the papers across from him. "I'm not here to be your arm candy. I'm here because I see an opportunity for both of us."
"Good," he said, leaning forward, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Because this won't be easy, but together, we'll make sure we're untouchable."
His words echoed in my mind long after I left his office. This was more than a deal; it was a power play. And for the first time in my career, I wasn't just reacting to the world around me. I was shaping it.
*****
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had crossed a line. The offer was tempting, and I had accepted it with my eyes wide open. But what I hadn't expected was the knot of unease twisting in my stomach.
My phone buzzed with a message from Liam.
Liam: Tomorrow, we strategize. We'll handle the media. You'll see.
I stared at the screen for a moment before typing a response.
Emma: I hope you're right. We both have a lot to lose.
Before I could set my phone down, another message appeared from an unknown number.
Unknown: Be careful, Emma. Liam's not who you think he is.
A chill ran through me as I read the words. Someone was watching, someone who knew more than I did. Whatever I'd just gotten myself into, it was deeper and darker than I imagined.