The city's relentless energy coursed through Nova Quinn's veins as she navigated the crowded streets of New York.
Her camera slug across her shoulder weaved through the throngs with purpose, her fiery spirit reflected in the sharpness of her features.
The golden hues of the setting of the sun danced across her caramel- brown skin, illuminating the determined glint in her deep, almond-shape brown eyes that always seemed to be searching for the next story to capture.
At twenty-eight, Nova had learned to harness her passion into a thriving photography business. But today, desperation edged out determination. Every photo shoot, every magazine contract seemed to slip through her fingers, leaving her on the precipice of collapse and she was running out of options.
As she entered a sleek, glass-walled building and took the elevator to the top floor. The door opened to the pristine, modern office of Dorian Sterling, one of the fashion world's most fashion mogul, revered designer and a notorious control freak. Nova's stomach churned as she thought about him.
At thirty-three, Dorian was a commanding presence. Standing at six foot three, he had the kind of face that could easily grace the covers of the magazines he designed for. His chiseled jawline, high check bone, and perfectly tousled jet-black hair gave him an air of effortless sophistication. His piercing grey eyes, cool and calculating, seemed to see through people , as if he was always analyzing, always one step ahead. His olive skin was smooth and flawless, hinting at his mixed European heritage, and his tall, muscular frame was always impeccably dressed in the designer suits that screamed wealth and power.He was undeniably attractive, but to Nova, he was also insufferable--- arrogant, cold, and completely wrapped up in his own success.
"Nova Quinn", a deep voice called from the doorway as she entered the room.
Dorian stood by the window, his broad back turned, gazing out at the Manhattan skyline. He didn't bother turning around, as if her presence was nothing more than a small disturbance in his meticulously curated life. His perfectly tailored grey suit contrasted with the brightness of the city behind him. "You're late".She bit back a sharp retort, her eyes narrowing. "I had a shoot".
He finally turned, and as always, those sharp grey eyes assessed her, taking in her every detail like she was another piece of art he was about to critique.
His gaze swept over her casually worn black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and camera strap draped across her chest.
The professional fashion designer in him seemed disappointed in her sense of style, but Nova didn't care. She had more important things to worry about."Your work is impressive", Dorian said, his voice as smooth as silk. "It's why I agreed to meet with you. I don't waste time on mediocrity".
Nova clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to walk out. She needed this. Her business was gradually fading away, and she had no other way to keep it afloat. The studio rent was overdue, and her clients were drying up. A job with Dorian would give her the exposure and financial stability she needed. But the price might be higher than she wanted to pay.
"I'm not here to stroke your ego, Dorian. You called me, remember?" Nova shot back, folding her arms, her heart racing despite her tough exterior.
Dorian raised an eyebrow, a ghost of a smirk playing on his full lips. "Always so fiery, Nova .That's what makes you interesting.""Let's cut to the chase", Nova said, her voice firm. "What exactly do you want"?
Dorian's expression darkened slightly as he stepped closer, his tall, broad figure almost overwhelming the space between them. His eyes, still as piercing as ice, seemed to burn into hers as if trying to unravel her layers. "I have a proposition for you. Nova's eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. "What kind of proposition?"
He leaned against his desk, his large strong hands resting on the polished wood, muscles visible beneath the perfectly tailored shirt. His presence was magnetic in a way that made her uncomfortable, his confidence suffocating. "I need a wife."
Nova blinked, certain she'd misheard him. "I'm sorry what?"
Dorian straightened, his tone still matter-of -fact, as if he were discussing fabric swatches instead of marriage."My family's shareholders are breathing down my neck. They think my personal life is becoming a liability for the company's image. If I don't settle down soon, they'll start pushing to take control of the board. I can't allow that. A marriage will keep them at bay."
And you want me to…pretend to be your wife?" Nova said slowly, incredulous.
"Not pretend. Marry me---- for real. A year, maybe less. It's a contract marriage. Strictly business."
His eyes locked onto hers, and for the first time, she noticed a flicker of something in them----something almost human. "In return, I'll make sure studio gets the funding it needs. You'll never have to worry about money again."
Nova's heart pounded in her chest as she processed what he was saying. A marriage of convenience. A cold, calculated arrangement designed to save his company's image. She'd heard of these things happening in high society, but never in her wildest dreams has she imagined she'd be asked to be part one.
"I'm not for sale, Dorian" she snapped, trying to ignore the sudden flip of her stomach at the idea of being tied to him------- even temporarily.
"And who says your for sale," he replied coolly, his deep voice lowering an octave. "It's about opportunity. You need my resources, and I need your image. You're talented, independent, and people respect you. You're exactly the kind of woman they'll believe I'd fall for."
The audacity of this man was staggering. Nova opened her mouth to tell him where to shove his 'opportunity,' but then she paused. She thought about her struggling business, the unpaid bills pilling up, and how close she was to losing everything she had worked hard for. As much as she despised Dorian Sterling, he was offering her lifeline a questionable life line but a life line never the less."You've really thought this through haven't you?" she muttered, half in disbelief."I don't make offers I haven't considered from every angle," he said, his tone unwavering. "Think of it as a business deal. We'll live together, make public appearances, and after a year, we quietly separate. You'll walk away with your reputation intact and enough money to set you up for life."
Nova stared at him, torn between her pride and the cold reality of her situation.
She didn't want to be tied to Dorian in any way, let alone married to him, but she couldn't deny how much this deal would change everything for her.
"And what happens when the contract is over?" she asked quietly, trying to keep her voice steady."We go our separate ways. No strings attached."For a long moment, the room was silent as Nova weighed the impossible choice before her. It wasn't just about her studio anymore---- it was about her future, her career, and her freedom.
If she walked away now, there was no telling what her next move will be, but if she agreed Dorian's terms, she would be tying herself to a man she despised who embodied everything she despised about the industry: its coldness, its transactional nature, its ruthless disregard for anything outside of success for an entire year.
But she couldn't shake the truth staring her in the face---- this deal could save her from all her struggles.She glanced around the office, her eyes briefly lingering on the framed accolades lining the walls. Dorian Sterling was a man who knew how to win, and now he was offering her way out.
But there was something about the way he looked at her, as if this was just another game to him. He was a man who thrived on control, and entering into his world would mean giving him some hers.
Nova swallowed hard, knowing fully well that the moment she signed on the dotted line, nothing would ever be the same. Could she really afford to say no? But maybe, just maybe, it was worth the risk."Fine," she said her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it."Dorian's expression didn't change, but Nova could see the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. I'll have my lawyer send over the paperwork."
As Nova walked out of Dorian Sterling's office, her head was spinning. She had just agreed to marry the most insufferable man she knew, and all for the sake of her career.But deep down, something told her that this arrangement was going to be far more complicated than either of them has anticipated