The words written in black and white were so simple, so clear, and yet they represented a weight that

ting across from her, as impassive as a marble statue. His gray eyes stared at the scene, analy

lthough it only increased her anxiety. "But know that this contract only rema

of compassion in his eyes. But there was only this cold

edom, that she was selling herself in a certain way. But could she really refuse? Her mother cou

e asked softly, her v

Then you return to your current life. Your debts will continue to grow, your lan

oat. His words were like sharp blade

or a moment to gather her courage. Then, b

h the room, like an echo of his decision. When she put down

act in one smooth motion. He looked over it quickl

aid, his voice tinged with a satis

d she say? Everything about

g for her outside the cafe where she worked. He held the door of a b

fe. She thought of her colleagues, of Mila who had tried to cheer her up in

eets seemed blurry behind the tinted windows, and Irina

so high that it seemed to pierce the clouds. The entrance was guarded by doormen, and inside ev

to the private elevator. The journey to the top floor seemed endless. Whe

views of the entire city. Each room seemed carefully decorated, mixing modernit

said a feminine

air pulled back into a strict bun. She carried a notebook and a tabl

istant. I am here to make sure you com

spine. Lydia had a commanding a

» she aske

anion. You will represent Mr. Volkov at public and private events. It is there

ist. Irina glanced over an

s were n

e availabl

peccable appeara

ment and etiq

a strict

d Irina, her eye

ing. A posture teacher and a personal stylist will come here

her. She never imagined that accepting this contract w

it. "If you have any questions, you can ask me. But

whispered, although she

before turning on her h

o her. She moved closer to the windows, looking out at the city below. Everything seemed

racing. Had she made the right choice? Or had sh

romised herself one thing: no matter what Xander wanted