C6 A Veiled threat

His grip on my hand is beginning to hurt, and I struggle to keep up with his fast-paced walking. Finally, we reach his office, and I'm grateful to be released from his grasp. My mind is racing with thoughts as he walks over to his seat and motions for me to sit.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your meeting, but..." I trail off, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Nicholas's eyes bear into mine, and I swallow hard. "It's alright, nothing you don't already know," he says with a sigh, leaning back in his chair.

I take a deep breath and continue, "You really have less than two months?" My voice is barely above a whisper.

Nicholas's eyes lock onto mine, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. "Yes, you heard that right," he confirms.

I look down, feeling overwhelmed by his intense gaze. "Aurora, I know you said you needed time to think about it, but time is really not on my side. Have you decided yet?" he asks, his voice firm but urgent.

I hesitate, feeling the weight of his expectations. "I really don't know yet. I...I need more time. It's a lot for me to take in," I confess.

Nicholas's expression turns condescending, and he waves his hand dismissively. "I know, I really understand. I promise, it'll only be for a year, and I'd reward you handsomely. You wouldn't have to do anything you don't want to. It's all just for the public eye, Aurora."

I feel a surge of irritation at his patronizing tone, but I push it aside. "What about our differences? I'm not used to all this, Mr. Vanderbilt," I remind him.

Nicholas raises an eyebrow, his expression unyielding. "Aurora, that shouldn't be your worry. You'll learn, and honestly, I don't require you to do much. Just be there for the public to believe it's true, that's all. Attend meetings with me, go for dinners, and be there for the camera. It's not too much to ask, is it?"

I shake my head, feeling frustrated. "I'm not exactly high society material," I point out.

Nicholas waves his hand again, his expression dismissive. "You're perfect for the job. I'm not concerned about your background."

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I need a few more days to think about this," I request.

Nicholas's expression darkens, and his voice rises. "A few more days? Can't you just say 'yes'?"

I feel a surge of anger at his inconsiderate tone. "I need to think this over. This is my life we're talking about here. It might seem like a simple decision to you, but it's not. You're being very inconsiderate," I almost yell.

Nicholas's expression turns cold, and he sighs. "I suppose I should apologize for not considering your fragile feelings. My bad for assuming you could handle a straightforward discussion. Let me try that again, with a bit more sensitivity this time, since that's what you seem to need."

His apology sounds insincere, and I feel a sense of annoyance. "How much time do you need, Miss Belle?" he asks, his voice dripping with condescension.

I frown, feeling frustrated. "I don't know, a few days."

Nicholas runs his hands through his dark brown hair, and for the first time, I notice how attractive he is. But his next words bring me back to reality. "Will you have an answer by Monday, Aurora? Time isn't exactly my best ally now."

I sigh, feeling trapped. "I'll let you know my decision by Monday."

Nicholas's eyes narrow, his gaze piercing through mine. "Monday, then. I expect an answer by Monday."

I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Yes, Monday."

He waves his hand dismissively, and I take that as my cue to leave. As I turn to exit his office, he calls out to me.

"Aurora?"

I turn back to face him, my heart racing with anticipation. "Yes?"

Nicholas's eyes lock onto mine, his expression intense. "Don't think about this as a simple business arrangement, Aurora. Think about it as a chance to change your life. And mine."

I feel a shiver run down my spine as I meet his gaze. There's something in his eyes that makes me wonder if I'm making a mistake. But I push that thought aside and nod.

"I'll think about it," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nicholas nods, his expression unreadable. "Good. I'll expect your answer on Monday, then."

As I exit the cold office, I bump into someone and instantly regret.

“ I'm so sorry” I apologize, taking a few steps back.

“ Watch where you're headed”He groans,his voice dripping with disdain. The sharp jawline and blue eyes that bear into mine scream something related to the Vanderbilts.

“ I suppose you're the new secretary my brother employed”.

“ I am.” I nod.

“ I see.” His eyes scan my body and discomfort washes me.

“ I'm Dominic Vanderbilt” he stretches

his arm for a handshake.

“ Aurora Belle” His gaze is piercing and uncomfortable and I want to get out of here in the next second.

Dominic's eyes narrow, his gaze piercing through mine. "I see," he says, his voice dripping with disdain.

I feel a shiver run down my spine as I meet his gaze. There's something unsettling about his intensity, something that makes me feel like he's trying to read my mind.

"Well, Aurora Belle," he says, his voice low and even. "I hope you're ready for what's coming."

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a sense of trepidation. "What do you mean?"

Dominic's smile is cold and calculating. "You'll find out soon enough," he says, his eyes glinting with malice.

And with that, he turns and walks away, leaving me feeling like I've just been pulled into a dangerous game. One that I'm not sure I'll ever be able to escape.

As I watch him go, I can't help but wonder what he meant by his ominous warning. And what he's planning to do next.

As I watch Dominic walk away, I can't help but wonder what he meant by his ominous warning. And what he's planning to do next.

But before I can even process my thoughts, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, my heart racing with anticipation.

And then I see it. A text message from an unknown number.

"Aurora, stay away from Nicholas Vanderbilt. He's not what he seems. Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th street at 3 pm if you want to know the truth."

My eyes widen as I read the message, my mind racing with questions. Who sent this? And what do they know about Nicholas?

I feel a shiver run down my spine as I realize that I'm in grave danger. And I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to escape.

Do I dare to go to the meeting and uncover the truth? Or do I ignore the message and risk everything?

The clock on my phone reads 2:55 pm. I have five minutes to decide my fate.