The moment you stepped downstairs, your heart skipped a beat. Your father had told you Sage Blackwood would be here—but nothing could have prepared you for him.
He was sitting in the living room, composed, almost statuesque. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, eyes like dark fire that seemed to see right through you. Every inch of him screamed power, danger, and control. He was the kind of man people whispered about, feared, and yet… couldn't help noticing.
Sage's eyes lifted slowly to meet yours, and for a moment, the room seemed to shrink around the two of you. He didn't smile—at least, not warmly—but there was a flicker in his gaze, a subtle curiosity, as if he were already studying you, weighing you.
"You must be Isabella," he said finally, his voice low, smooth, and commanding. Each word seemed to resonate against your chest, making it hard to breathe.
"I… I'm…" Your voice caught. You hadn't expected to be this close to him, hadn't expected his presence to feel like a storm contained in human form. You stumbled over your words, unsure how to introduce yourself to the man who would soon hold your life in his hands.
Sage's gaze didn't waver. "I've heard a lot about you," he said, his tone neutral but edged with something that made your stomach twist. "I hope you understand the arrangement."
Your father shifted uncomfortably beside him. "Isabella, you have to understand—"
"No," you interrupted, finally finding your voice. "I don't understand. I don't agree. I—"
Sage's eyes flicked to your father, then back to you, sharp and precise. He leaned forward slightly, the shadow of a smirk brushing his lips. "Agreement isn't the point. It's done. You will come with me. You will marry me." His voice was calm, but underneath was an edge that brooked no argument.
You froze. Every instinct screamed to run, to hide, to deny the impossible. And yet, part of you couldn't look away from him. There was something magnetic about Sage Blackwood—dangerous, ruthless, and yet… undeniably captivating.
"Do you understand?" he asked, his voice dropping to a level that made your pulse spike.
You nodded mutely, powerless against the weight of his presence and your father's decision. The reality settled on your shoulders like a heavy cloak: you were trapped, drawn into a world you didn't yet know, with a man whose hands could either protect you or destroy you.
Sage leaned back, eyes never leaving yours. "Good. Then we'll begin."
And just like that, your life—your freedom, your choices, your heart—was no longer your own.