Episode 1: The Proposal She Never Wanted

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London’s skyline stretched before Sophia Lancaster as she sat in the grand sitting room of the Lancaster estate. The crystal chandelier above her sparkled, but its brilliance did nothing to ease the cold dread settling in her chest.

Her father, Jonathan Lancaster, sat across from her, his piercing gaze unwavering. "The decision has been made, Sophia. You will marry Sebastian Blackwood."

Sophia’s fingers tightened around the armrest of her chair. "You can’t be serious," she said, her voice controlled but laced with disbelief.

Her mother, Eleanor Lancaster, sighed. "Darling, this is not just about you. The Lancasters are on the verge of losing everything. Blackwood Enterprises is willing to invest in us—but only on one condition."

"And that condition is me?" Sophia’s voice rose slightly. "You want me to marry a stranger to save your business?"

Her father’s expression didn’t waver. "Sebastian Blackwood is not just any man. He’s one of the most powerful businessmen in London. This marriage benefits both families."

Sophia let out a bitter laugh. "Benefits? For whom? I don’t recall agreeing to be auctioned off like a commodity."

Jonathan’s patience thinned. "One year, Sophia. That’s all I ask. A trial marriage. If things don’t work out, you’ll be free to leave."

"A contract marriage? Like some business deal?" she scoffed.

"That’s exactly what it is," her father said. "Sebastian has agreed to the same terms."

Sophia clenched her jaw. She had heard of Sebastian Blackwood—the cold, ruthless CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. The man who built an empire with his icy demeanor and relentless ambition. He was infamous for rejecting any emotional ties. Why would someone like him agree to such a ridiculous arrangement?

Her mother reached out, placing a gentle hand on hers. "We wouldn’t ask you if there were another way. Please, Sophia. Think of our family."

Sophia’s heart pounded. She had spent her whole life being the perfect daughter, following their rules, meeting their expectations. But this? This was a step too far.

Yet, as she looked into her father’s hardened gaze, she realized—she had no choice.

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke.

"When do I meet him?"

Later That Evening

The Blackwood estate was nothing short of a fortress—dark, imposing, and built for a king. As Sophia stepped out of the sleek black car, the weight of reality settled heavily on her shoulders.

A butler led her into the study, where Sebastian Blackwood stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to her. He turned slowly, and the moment their eyes met, Sophia felt her breath hitch.

He was devastatingly handsome—tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. But it was his piercing blue eyes that held her captive—cold, unreadable, yet dangerously captivating.

"Miss Lancaster," he greeted, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I assume you know why you’re here."

Sophia straightened her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I do. And I assume you’re just as unwilling as I am."

A smirk ghosted across his lips. "That depends. Marriage is a business deal. If we play our roles well, we both win."

She hated how indifferent he sounded, as if their marriage was nothing more than a transaction.

"You really don’t believe in love, do you?" she asked.

Sebastian stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Love is an illusion. But power? That’s real."

Sophia’s heart pounded, not from fear—but from the realization that she had just stepped into a dangerous game.

And she had no idea who would win.

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