The Billionaire’s Bargain

"Are you sure I'd sell myself for money?" I shot back, and my voice was stern and angry. He crossed his arms and leaned against his sleek black car. He looked startled, but his blue eyes had a hint of anger in them. “You’re not trying to sell yourself. It’s a business arrangement.” "Agreement for business?" I repeated, feeling shocked and confused. “You mean pretending to be your girlfriend?” "Yes," he said in a steady voice. “For one year. You get financial security, and I get to keep my picture intact.” My heart was beating fast as I crossed my arms tightly. Behind us, the crowded hall buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. “You think I’m just some gold-digger who would jump at the chance?” “No,” he said, moving closer, his gaze intense. “I think you’re an artist who deserves more than this.” He pointed toward the gallery. His words sent a mix of feelings swirling inside me. Was he really giving me a way out? But I quickly pushed that thought away. “And what do

"What’s wrong?" Sam jolted me out of my reverie with his voice. "Nothing," I pretended while glancing at my phone. "Evelyn, I am aware when something is causing you distress," she remarked, folding her arms. "You’ve been staring at your phone all day." Sensing the weight of the message, I sighed. "Jack messaged me." Sam's gaze expanded. "Jack? What was his desire?" "He claimed to be aware of Nathaniel and myself. that he is all-knowing." Sam scowled and leaned forward. How was he able to know? You haven’t told anyone, right?" "No, of course not," I curtly said. "But he knows, in some way. I'm afraid, too." "What did he say exactly?" With concern in her voice, Sam pressed. I gave her my phone so she could see the message. After a minute, she glanced up at me from her spot on the screen. Softly, "This is bad, Evelyn," she whispered. "What are you going to do?" "I'm not sure," I said. "If Jack really knows, he could ruin everything." Sam took a seat next me, her expression so

"What was said in the message?" Sam questioned in a weak voice. I looked at my phone and murmured, "It said I'm in danger." Sam raised his voice more. Evelyn, please let Nathaniel know. This is becoming too strange. "Am I able to trust him?" I said, my thoughts racing. "Do you believe he is involved?" Sam sounded astounded. "I'm not sure what to think," I muttered to myself. "Don't trust him, the notes keep saying. But what if they're correct? Sam took a little break. However, what if they're attempting to deceive you? You've got no idea who's behind this. Feeling disoriented, I responded, "That's the problem." "I'm not sure who to trust these days." Nathaniel and I met again the next day. My thoughts was racing, but I tried to seem normal. The letters and the messages were stacking up in my mind. With a critical gaze, Nathaniel remarked, "You seem distracted again." "I'm alright," I pretended to be cheerful. He didn't seem to be persuaded. "Are you certain? You have been b