Joanne sat across from the man in the wheelchair, her heart pounding as she watched him sip his wine with a composed expression. His presence was intimidating—there was something about him that made the air feel heavier.
"You're serious?" His deep voice was laced with amusement as he studied her with sharp, unreadable eyes.
Joanne swallowed hard. There was no turning back now. "Yes. Six months. We both get our revenge, and then we go our separate ways."
The man leaned back, his fingers tapping lightly against his glass. "You don't even know my name," he said, tilting his head slightly.
Joanne hesitated. That was true. In her desperation, she hadn't even thought about it. "Does it matter?" she asked, meeting his gaze.
His lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk. "Alexander. Alexander King."
Her breath caught in her throat. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't immediately place it. Instead of dwelling on it, she pressed forward. "Well, Alexander, do we have a deal?"
He didn't respond right away. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, sliding it across the table to her. "Meet me at this address tomorrow morning. We'll draft the contract, set our terms, and make this official."
Joanne picked up the card, her fingers shaking slightly as she read the embossed gold lettering: King Enterprises.
She looked back up at him, but his expression revealed nothing.
"You'll be my wife, Joanne," Alexander said, his voice lower this time. "But let me make one thing clear—I don't tolerate betrayal."
A chill ran down her spine, but she lifted her chin. "Neither do I."
Alexander chuckled, an almost approving glint in his eyes. "Good. Then let's get married."