Y/N's POV
"I can't believe you're doing this… This date is over. I mean, you said you wouldn't bother me after today, right? And I already told you—I'm not interested in you! So why—" I was furious, but before I could finish, he cut me off.
Mr. Annoying sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair. "I know, I know… And I don't care," he said with a smirk. "Just be my girlfriend. That's it."
I froze. My jaw practically hit the floor. He waited a few seconds before clicking his tongue and tilting his head.
"Hmm… Close your mouth and say something, Y/N," he teased, watching my shocked expression with amusement.
I snapped my mouth shut, still trying to process his words. Okay, he has to be joking. Right? There's no way this is real.
"You must be out of your mind!" I finally blurted out. "You said you'd leave me alone after today! I never agreed to any of this—"
"But I changed my mind," he interrupted smoothly, looking completely unbothered. "And I don't take no for an answer."
The photos in my hand crumpled as my grip tightened in anger. Without thinking, I tore them into pieces. "You're insane! I don't care about these stupid pictures. I'll never agree to this!"
His smirk widened. He wasn't even slightly fazed.
"Oh, my little baby," he chuckled. "Do you really think I didn't come prepared? I have plenty of copies. Here, let me show you."
He casually waved his hand, and the man from earlier entered the room, handing him a fresh stack of photos. My stomach dropped.
How could he do this?
I stood frozen as he placed the new photos in my hands. My fingers trembled as I flipped through them.
"W-what… is this?" My voice came out weak, barely above a whisper.
He grinned. "Can't you see, babe? These are our beautiful moments together," he said smugly, enjoying my misery.
I clenched my fists, my blood boiling. "Why would you take these?! Why are you doing this to me?!"
He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my ear. "Because I can."
I shoved him back, my heart pounding in frustration. "What do you want from me?!"
He stepped back and placed his hands in his pockets, tilting his head as if contemplating something. Then he sighed dramatically.
"Alright, alright, let's make this simple," he said with fake patience. "I have two offers for you."
I swallowed hard, already knowing whatever came next would be something I wouldn't like.
"First option," he started, holding up a finger. "You agree to be my girlfriend for one year. In exchange, I'll transfer 50 million dollars into your bank account. You won't have to worry about anything—your life will be easy, comfortable, and completely free of problems. No one will know about us. It'll be our little secret. Sounds like a good deal, right?" He winked.
I stared at him in disbelief. He made it sound like he was offering me a dream vacation instead of blackmailing me.
"Or…" He lifted a second finger. "You can marry me and stay with me for life."
My breath hitched.
"What…?" I whispered in horror.
He continued like he didn't just drop a bomb on me. "Oh, and if you refuse both options," he said, his smirk returning, "then I'll make sure these photos are everywhere. The media will have a field day, and your life will become miserable. Your choice, babe."
I covered my chest with my arms instinctively, feeling violated even though the photos didn't show anything inappropriate.
"Are you serious?!" I choked out.
He rolled his eyes. "No need to act so dramatic. It's not like you're that hot," he scoffed.
I glared at him. "You're disgusting."
He chuckled. "If I were you, I'd choose the first offer. It's a win-win, don't you think? You get money, freedom, and no public scandal. I get what I want. Everyone's happy."
I shook my head in disbelief. "Why me?" I finally asked, my voice small.
He smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."
I backed away slightly. "I need time to think—"
"No," he said firmly, stepping closer. "I want an answer right now."
Tears welled in my eyes. "Please… Don't do this to me," I whispered.
He laughed. "Y/N, I don't have time for your tears. Make a decision."
I swallowed, trying to think of a way out of this nightmare. "Your career—you're a famous actor. What will people say if they find out you blackmailed me into this?"
He smirked. "You don't have to worry about that. No one will dare point a finger at me. I have loyal fans who will defend me no matter what. And besides, like I said, our relationship will be a secret—for your sake, not mine."
I felt sick.
"What about my job? My life? And… Kayden?" I whispered the last part, but he still heard me.
His smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly covered it up. "You can continue your job. As for Kayden…" He exhaled, looking annoyed. "I'll handle him. He'll understand."
Understand what?! That I'm being forced into this?!
"Just for a year, right?" I asked weakly.
He smirked. "Just a year."
"No touching, no—"
He scoffed. "Relax. There are plenty of other women dying for my attention."
I clenched my fists. "Then why are you doing this to me?"
His smirk grew wider. "You'll know soon enough."
I took a deep breath. My whole body was trembling. "Fine."
"Good girl," he said smoothly. "Come to my office tomorrow. We'll sign the contract then."
My head snapped up. "What?! A contract?!"
He sighed like I was the one being unreasonable. "Of course. Did you really think I'd just trust you to keep your end of the deal? I need a proper agreement."
I gritted my teeth but nodded.
"Great," he said, satisfied. "Now, go home. My driver will take you."
I turned to leave, wanting to get as far away from him as possible.
"Oh, and Y/N?"
I hesitated, glancing back.
He held out my phone. "Take this."
Snatching it from his hand, I rushed out of the house and into the waiting car.
—
When I finally reached my apartment, my mind was a mess. My legs felt weak, my chest was tight, and my hands were still shaking.
As I stepped inside, I noticed the door was already open. My stomach twisted.
"Emma?" I called out hesitantly.
Three people were sitting at the dining table. Emma and Max were laughing at something, but the third person, whose back was facing me, remained still.
Emma turned and grinned. "HEY! You're finally back! We were waiting for you. Come here!" She ran to me and pulled me toward them.
"You already know Max, right?" she said excitedly.
Max waved. "Hey, Y/N!"
I nodded weakly, still feeling lightheaded.
"And this is Max's fr—"
Before she could finish, the third person spoke.
"Hmm… Hi, Y/N."
That voice.
I turned and felt my entire body go cold.
"L-Lucas…?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
The man chuckled darkly. "Do you mean Lucas? Still remember me, huh?"
I gasped, my head spinning. "No… No, this is impossible! You—"
My vision blurred, and everything went black.
"Y/N!" I faintly heard Emma scream before everything faded into nothing.
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