The Proposal (Chapter One)

Not all marriages are made in heaven...

I smooth my hair for the hundredth time, scrutinizing my reflection. The mirror can't hide the anxiety in my eyes. My stomach churns at the thought of meeting Dominick Madden - a name that conjures whispers of cold arrogance and ruthlessness.

The elevator dings. My heels click against polished marble as I approach his office. My hand hovers over the doorknob, trembling slightly.

I inhale deeply, steeling myself, and push forward.

The man behind the imposing oak desk lifts his penetrating green eyes locking onto mine. My breath catches. Dominick Madden is devastatingly handsome - all chiselled jawline and broad shoulders. Dark curls kiss his collar as he rises, towering over me.

"Miss Thomas." His voice rumbles, low and smooth. The hint of a smile plays at the corners of his mouth.

I swallow hard. "Mr. Madden."

He extends a hand. I hesitate before grasping it, surprised by the unexpected gentleness of his grip.

"Please." He gestures to a chair.

I perch on the edge, acutely aware of his scrutiny. My skin prickles under his gaze.

"Tell me about yourself." He leans back, fingers steepled.

I launch into my rehearsed spiel, outlining qualifications and experience. His expression remains impassive.

"Interesting," he drawls. "But I need someone with... fire."

Heat rises to my cheeks. My nails dig into my palms. "I assure you, Mr. Madden, I'm more than capable. My references -"

"Impressive, certainly." Amusement dances in his eyes. "What drives you, Miss Thomas?"

I meet his gaze, unflinching.

"Honesty? Bills. I need this job."

His eyebrows arch. A beat of silence stretches between us.

"Well," he finally murmurs. "You might be exactly who I'm looking for."

Relief floods through me, tempered by lingering indignation. As he ushers me out, I can't resist one parting shot.

"Mr. Madden." I turn, chin lifted. "I may lack the 'fire' you seek, but I'm not afraid to speak my mind."

His lips curl into an enigmatic smile. "I look forward to it, Miss Thomas."

The door clicks shut behind me. I exhale shakily, pulse racing. I've secured the job I desperately need, but at what cost? Working for this infuriating man promises to be... complicated.

Little do I know, our story is about to take an unexpected turn, one that will challenge everything I thought I knew about Dominick Madden - and myself.