CHAPTER 5

Sarah had been working late nights for several days, pouring over all of the information she had gathered about Daniel Blackwood. She was determined to get information for her story about the elusive billionaire, but so far, she had come up empty-handed. She had hit roadblock after roadblock, and it was starting to take a toll on her.

As she sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of papers and notes, her phone rang. She picked it up, expecting it to be another source that had fallen through.

"Hello?" she answered wearily.

"Ms. Johnson, this is Daniel Blackwood's assistant, Mrs. Stakes. Mr. Blackwood has requested a meeting with you tomorrow morning at his office by 9 a.m."

Sarah was surprised but tried not to show it. "Of course, I'll be there."

"Great, he'll be expecting you," Mrs. Stakes said before hanging up.

Sarah couldn't believe it. After almost two weeks of trying to get an interview with Daniel, he had reached out to her. She wondered what had changed. She had finally gotten the interview she had been waiting for, and she wasn't going to waste it.

The next morning, Sarah was nervous as she approached the towering skyscraper that housed Daniel Blackwood's office. She had been granted another interview with the billionaire, and she couldn't believe her luck. This was the story of a lifetime, and she was determined to get it right.

Sarah arrived at Blackwood Tower, the tallest building in the city. As she stood outside the towering glass building that housed Blackwood's company, she took a deep breath and straightened her jacket, trying to calm her nerves. This was the moment she had been waiting for.

As she walked into the lobby, she was immediately struck by the sleek, modern design of the space. The floors were marble, and the walls were adorned with expensive art. The receptionist greeted her with a smile and directed her to the elevators. 

Sarah took the elevator up to the top floor, where she was met by a sleek glass door with the words "Blackwood Enterprises" etched onto it. As she stepped off the elevator onto the top floor, she was met by a breathtaking view of the city skyline. She had never been this high up before.

Mrs. Stakes greeted her in the reception area and she was escorted into a spacious corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city. 

Daniel Blackwood himself was seated behind his enormous mahogany desk. He was a tall, handsome man with piercing blue eyes and a commanding presence. On seeing her, he scanned her from head to toe and this made Sarah feel tense. She could feel her nipples harden against the yellow top she was wearing.

"Hello Mr. Blackwood. It's nice to meet you again" Sarah said awkwardly.

Instead, Daniel said nothing. There was a moment of silence as Sarah could feel his eyes on her, and she wondered what he was thinking.

"I must admit, I was quite surprised when I received your request for an interview," Sarah said, breaking the silence.

He gestured for her to sit and Sarah took a seat across him and pulled out her notepad and pen, ready to start the interview. But before she could say a word, Blackwood leaned forward and spoke.

"I'm sure you've done your research on me, Ms. Johnson," he said. "You know that I'm a very private person, and I don't grant interviews to inexperienced and amateur journalists."

Sarah nodded, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She knew that Blackwood was a tough nut to crack, but she had to get this interview.

"I understand, Mr. Blackwood," she said. "But I assure you, I am a professional journalist. I will treat this interview with the utmost respect and discretion."

Blackwood leaned back in his chair and studied her for a moment before speaking again. "I have a proposition for you, Ms. Johnson," he said. "I am willing to grant you access to information about my business dealings and wealth, but on one condition."

Sarah's heart skipped a beat. What condition could this billionaire possibly have for her? She couldn't say a word so she just sat there staring, waiting for what he had to say next.

Blackwood leaned forward, fixing her with an intense gaze. He then stood up from his chair, leaned closer to her chest and said  "Marry me." 

Sarah's mind raced. This was not the kind of offer she had been expecting.

"I am in need of a wife," Blackwood continued. "But not in the traditional sense. You would be my wife on paper only, and in exchange, I will not only give you the access you need to complete your story, you would have the financial security you desire and live the rich exclusive life which is every girl's dream."

Sarah felt her chest rise and fall rapidly. She felt like the air started choking her and she needed more air to breathe. She was lost for words and at this point she just needed to wake up from the dream she thought she was in.

Blackwood watched her for a moment and then replied. "I understand your hesitation," he said. "But consider the benefits. I can pay off your bills, provide you with financial stability, and help you achieve your career goals. All you have to do is marry me for a year."

At this point Sarah was totally dumbfounded. She had fantasized about him and couldn't deny that there was some sort of energy around them, however, she never saw herself getting married to Daniel Blackwood.

Sarah shook her head firmly and for the first time in a while replied "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood, but I can't agree to that."

"Very well," he said icily. "But you should know that refusing my offer will have consequences. I have a great deal of power and influence in this city, and I can make things very difficult for you if I choose to."

Sarah stood up, her heart racing. "I understand that, Mr. Blackwood. But I won't be blackmailed into marrying you."

Blackwood leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Think about it, Ms. Johnson," he said quietly. "You have twenty-four hours to give me your answer. After that, the offer is off the table."

Sarah nodded, feeling a sense of relief that the meeting was over. As she left the office and made her way down to the lobby, she couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.