Chapter 1: The proposal 

The faint hum of new York city filtered through the thin walls of Ella Anderson's tiny apartment. She stared at her reflection in the crackled bathroom mirror, her hazel eyes clouded with uncertainty. The weight of her life pressed down on her, from the stack of overdue bills on the kitchen table to the empty promises her boyfriend, Jake, kept feeding her.

"You deserve better," her conscience whispered.

But better wasn't an option when you are twenty, broke, and drowning in debt.

"Ella!" Jake's voice boomed from the living room, breaking her thoughts. "You are gonna be late!"

Ella snapped out of her trance, quickly pulling her brown hair into a neat ponytail. She rushed out to find Jake sprawled in the couch, his light blue eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Remember what we talked about," he said, his voice soft but commanding. "This is our chance."

Her stomach churned. She knew what he meant, this wasn't just about her job at Kingston Enterprises. It was about the opportunity Jake had been obsessing over since he learned he worked for Enzo Kingston, the enigmatic billionaire who practically owned half of Manhattan.

Ella grabbed her coat and bag, ignoring the lump in her throat. "I'm just his assistant," she mumbled to more to herself than Jake.

Jake smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Not for long. Trust me, babe. You've got this."

*****

The towering glass skyscraper of Kingston Enterprises loomed above her, it's sharp edges slicing into the overcast sky. Ella adjusted her blazer nervously as she stepped into the marble lobby. The air was cold, and the buzz of efficiency surrounded her.

"Morning, Miss Anderson," the receptionist greeted with a polite smile.

Ella nodded, her voice caught in her throat as she made her way to the private elevator reserved for Enzo Kingston's inner circle. She pressed the button for the top floor, her heart racing with every passing second.

The doors opened to reveal the sleek, minimalist office space that matched it's owner's personality, cold, detached and unapproachable.

"Miss Anderson," a deep, commanding voice called out.

Ella's breath hitched as Enzo Kingston stepped into view. He was impossibly tall, his dark eyes sharp and unreadable. A black tattoo snaked up the side of his neck, adding to his air of danger. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, every detail screaming power and control.

"Mr Kingston," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He gestured for her to follow hint to his office, a vast room with floor to ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. The tension in the air was suffocating as he sat behind his massive desk and fixed her with a piercing gaze.

"I have a proposition for you, Ms. Anderson," he began, his tone as different as ever.

Ella swallowed hard. "A proposition?"

"Yes," he said, leaning forward slightly. "A contract marriage. Effective immediately."

Huh?

Her heart stopped. Of all the things she expected to hear, this wasn't even in the realm of possibility.

"I need someone discreet, presentable, and compliant," he continued, his eyes never leaving hers. "You fit the criteria."

Ella's mind raced. Was this a joke? A test?

"Why me?" she finally asked, her voice trembling.

"Enzo's lips twitched in what might have been a smirk. "Because you are convenient."

Convenient. The word stung, but she couldn't deny the allure of his offer.

"I will pay you handsomely," he added, sliding a sleek folder across the desk. "Your life will change overnight."

Ella stared at the folder, her hands trembling. She thought of Jake, their plans, their struggles. This could be the solution to everything. But at what cost?

"I will give you until the end of the day to decide," Enzo said, his tone final.

Ella nodded numbly and left the office, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions. As the elevator descended, one thought echoed louder than the rest:

WA as she willing to trade her soul for a chance at freedom?

******

Back in her apartment, Jake's excitement was palpable as she explained Enzo's offer.

"This is it!" he exclaimed, grabbing her shoulders. "This is our ticket out, Ella. You have to say yes."

Ella bit her lip, doubt gnawing at her. "It's not that simple, Jake."

Jake's grip tightened, his light blue eyes narrowing. "Yes, it is. This is what we have been waiting for. Do it for us."

Us?

Ella turned away, staring out the window at the bursting city below. She felt trapped, torn between the life she wanted and the cost in archiving it.

As the sun set over New York, Ella made her decision, unaware that this choice would set her on a path of love, betrayal, and the ultimate test of her heart.