Three

"Marry me, Samantha."

The words hung in the air like a ticking bomb, threatening to shatter everything Samantha thought she knew about this meeting. She took a step back from the desk, her brows furrowing as she stared at Orion in disbelief.

“With all due respect, you can’t be serious,” she said, her voice tight and sharp.

Orion leaned back in his chair, letting out a low chuckle, that infuriating smirk dancing on his lips. “Oh, but I am.”

Samantha’s confusion only deepened. “Why? How does marrying me help you?”

The smirk on Orion’s face faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look that made her spine tingle with unease. “Because it’ll ruin Jonathan’s world in the most delicious way.”

Her body went rigid at the mention of Jonathan. She knew Orion was ruthless, but this... this was madness. “Jonathan? What does he have to do with this?”

Orion straightened in his chair, his gaze locking onto hers with a frightening intensity. “Jonathan believes he’s won. He thinks divorcing you was the ultimate victory, that he’s cleared the way for his perfect life. But Jonathan doesn’t like to share his toys, even when he no longer needs them.”

Samantha’s heart pounded at the implication in his words. She had heard countless rumors about Orion—his reputation as a man who thrived on power and control. But now, standing before her, his intentions felt all too real.

“So, what do you say?” Orion’s voice cut through her thoughts, a dangerous edge lacing his question.

Samantha shook her head, almost laughing at the absurdity of it all. “If this ‘interview’ is some kind of twisted game, I’m not interested. I refuse to be anyone’s toy—least of all Jonathan’s, and certainly not yours,” she said firmly, her eyes flashing with defiance.

She turned sharply, heading for the door, her hand closing around the knob. Just as she was about to leave, Orion’s voice, calm and controlled, stopped her in her tracks.

“Stay.”

The request was so unexpected that she hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. Orion had risen from his desk, his broad frame casting a shadow across the room. He took a few steps toward her, his presence overwhelming but somehow... different. The tension between them shifted.

“Stay, please,” he repeated, his tone gentler, though still laden with authority.

She raised an eyebrow, suspicion clouding her expression. “No funny business,” he added, raising his hands in a gesture of mock surrender.

Samantha crossed her arms, waiting for him to explain.

“Unlike Jonathan’s... usual tastes,” Orion began, his words dripping with disdain, “you’re actually talented. I’ve reviewed your work history and portfolio. You’re more than qualified for this position. The Jonathan situation was just a perk.”

Samantha blinked, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. Part of her wanted to thank him, but another part was brimming with skepticism. What was this game?

“I’m serious,” he continued, his gaze never leaving hers. “You’ve got the job, Samantha. Think about it. Take the time you need, but don’t walk away from this opportunity because of Jonathan.”

She hesitated. She needed this job. Her life was a mess, and she couldn’t afford to turn down a chance like this, no matter how complicated Orion’s motivations might be. But working for him, under these circumstances... it felt like stepping into a lion’s den.

Samantha sighed, weighing her options. “I’ll think about it,” she said, before turning and leaving the room.

---

The next day, Samantha walked into the company dressed for business. The secretary barely glanced at her before assigning her to her new office. The work was challenging but fulfilling, and before long, Samantha found herself enjoying the routine. She had forgotten how good it felt to be appreciated for her skills, not just as an accessory to someone else's life.

Orion remained a quiet but ever-present figure in the background, watching her with the same intensity she had seen in their first meeting. She knew he was waiting for her to accept his other offer—marriage—but she had made up her mind. She wasn’t going back to Jonathan, and she wasn’t going to become a pawn in Orion’s game.

Two weeks passed, and Samantha began to feel more like herself again. The scars from Jonathan’s betrayal were healing slowly, and she was starting to regain the confidence she’d lost. That evening, after a long day of work, she was ready to relax with a glass of wine when the doorbell rang.

She wasn’t expecting anyone. Frowning, she opened the door—and her heart dropped.

Jonathan.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.

Jonathan had the nerve to smile, as if nothing had happened. “Aren’t you going to let me in?”

“For old times’ sake?” he added, his voice laced with smug amusement.

“There’s no such thing as ‘old times’ for us, Jonathan. You’re dead to me,” she said, her voice steady but brimming with anger.

Jonathan’s smirk grew as he handed her an envelope. “I thought I’d deliver this personally,” he said, his tone almost light, but there was something cruel in his eyes.

Samantha snatched the envelope, her pulse quickening as she opened it. Her eyes widened as she read the invitation: YOU HAVE BEEN CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY OF…

Her blood ran cold.

“What is this?” she demanded, waving the invitation in his face.

Jonathan’s expression darkened with mockery. “What does it look like? I expect you to be there, Samantha. You should share in my happiness. After all, it’s free.”

Fury boiled inside her, and before she could stop herself, the words flew out. “You’re such an asshole!”

Jonathan only laughed. “Feel free to bring a plus one, It wouldn’t matter anyway,” he added with a smirk before turning and walking away, leaving Samantha standing in the doorway, shaking with rage.

Moments later, her phone buzzed in her hand. She answered without thinking, and Orion’s deep, calm voice came through the line. “I know you said no but how would you like to be my plus one and crash an engagement party?”

The image of Jonathan’s smug face flashed in her mind, reigniting the fire in her veins. She tightened her grip on the phone, her voice cold with an anger that burned fiercely.

“About your previous offer?” she said slowly. “Yes—to both of them.”

On the other end, Orion chuckled, and she could almost hear the smirk in his voice. It was time to give Jonathan a taste of his own medicine.