Emilia Clarke stood frozen, her heart racing as she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows of her family's high-rise office building. The city skyline twinkled like diamonds against the night sky, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her.
"Emilia, darling, come sit down." Her mother's voice, laced with false sweetness, drew Emilia back to the sleek, modern conference room.
Emilia's heels clicked on the polished marble floor as she turned to face her parents. Her mother, Vivian Clarke, reclined on the leather sofa, a mask of serenity hiding her true nature. Her father, Edward Clarke, stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Emilia shiver.
The city lights reflected off the glass-topped table, casting an eerie glow on the faces of her parents and their lawyer, Mr. Jenkins.
"Emilia, you know our family's situation," her father began, his voice low and gravelly. "Our business alliance with the Moriartys is crucial. Their influence and resources are essential to our survival."
Emilia's gut twisted. She knew where this was headed. The Moriartys, with their enigmatic CEO, Adrian Moriarty, were the stuff of whispers and legends. Adrian's reputation as a ruthless businessman was matched only by the rumors of his supernatural nature.
Vampires, in modern times, were a closely guarded secret. Only a select few knew of their existence. Emilia's family was among them.
"The Moriartys have proposed a merger between our companies," her mother announced, as if discussing a simple business deal. "And a marriage between you and Adrian Moriarty."
Emilia's world tilted. Adrian Moriarty? The reclusive billionaire with a reputation for ruthlessness and cunning? A vampire?
"But why?" Emilia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Because, dear, our families' interests are intertwined," her father replied, his eyes glinting with calculation. "This union will solidify our position and secure our future."
Emilia felt like a pawn in a deadly game. Her parents' ambition would stop at nothing, even sacrificing her happiness.
"And what about love?" Emilia ventured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her mother's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. "Love is a luxury we cannot afford, Emilia. Business comes first."
Emilia's heart sank. She was trapped, bound by her family's secrets and deceit.
As she left the conference room, Emilia caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes seemed to hold a stranger's gaze, a girl forever lost in the shadows of her family's legacy.
In her office, Emilia paced, her thoughts racing. Adrian Moriarty. The name echoed in her mind like a curse.
She stopped before the window, gazing out at the city lights. The Clarke empire's power hid the darkness within its walls. Emilia felt suffocated, trapped in a world where loyalty and duty overshadowed love and happiness.
A knock on the door broke the spell. "Enter."
Her assistant, Rachel, slipped inside. "Miss Emilia, your parents have arranged for you to meet Adrian Moriarty tomorrow."
Emilia's heart sank. Tomorrow. The word hung like a guillotine, ready to sever her from her old life.
"Where?" Emilia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The Moriarty estate," Rachel replied. "Be ready by 8 pm."
Emilia nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of Adrian Moriarty. What would he be like? Cold and calculating, or charming and seductive?
As Rachel left, Emilia's phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:
"Meet me in the lobby at 7 pm. Come alone."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat. Who was this? And what did they want?
She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. Should she respond?
The clock on her desk ticked away, each passing second weighing her down. Emilia knew she had to make a decision.
With a deep breath, Emilia typed:
"I'll be there."
The response was immediate:
"I'll be waiting."
Emilia's heart raced. What had she just gotten herself into?
Emilia's hands trembled as she typed out a response.
"Who is this?"
The response was immediate.
"A friend."
Emilia raised an eyebrow. A friend? Who could this mysterious person be?
As she pondered this question, Emilia's phone buzzed again.
"Don't mention our conversation to anyone."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat. What was going on?
She quickly typed out a response.
"I won't."
The conversation ended abruptly, leaving Emilia with more questions than answers.
As the clock struck 7, Emilia made her way to the lobby. Her heart pounded in anticipation.
Who would she find waiting for her?
The lobby was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the chandeliers. Emilia scanned the room, her eyes settling on a figure standing by the window.
Tall, with piercing blue eyes and jet-black hair, he exuded an aura of confidence.
"Who are you?" Emilia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The stranger smiled, revealing razor-sharp fangs.
"My name is Lucas," he said, his voice low and husky. "And I'm here to warn you about Adrian Moriarty."
Emilia's heart sank. What did Lucas know about Adrian?
As they stepped out of the lobby, Lucas's words sent shivers down Emilia's spine.
"Adrian Moriarty is not what he seems," Lucas warned. "He has secrets, Emilia. Secrets that could destroy your family."
Emilia's world tilted. What secrets could Adrian possibly have?
Emilia stood there her nerves jittery as she stared at the man introduced as Lucas .