No Strings Attached

The Proposition

Olivia's head throbbed as she slowly regained consciousness. The room was dimly lit, and it took her a moment to realize she was lying on a couch in an unfamiliar mansion. Panic surged through her as she remembered the events that had led her here.

She tried to sit up but felt a sharp pain on the side of her head. Groaning, she touched the spot and winced. Just then, the door opened, and Ethan walked in, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"You're awake," he said flatly.

Olivia glared at him, fear mixing with anger. "What do you want from me?"

Ethan ignored her question and tossed her phone onto her lap. "Text your family and friends. Tell them you're going on a road trip and will be back in two weeks."

"Why should I do that?" Olivia demanded.

Ethan stepped closer, his eyes cold. "Because if you don't, they'll start looking for you. And that wouldn't be good for either of us."

Reluctantly, Olivia took the phone and began typing the message, her fingers trembling. She sent it to her parents, her best friend, and a few other close contacts. Once she was done, she handed the phone back to Ethan, who took it with a smirk.

"Good." he said, gliding the phone along her face. Olivia felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of fear and an unexpected thrill. Ethan's touch was both unsettling and oddly captivating.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes locking onto hers. Then he pulled back, his demeanor shifting back to businesslike. "I need you to do something else for me."

Olivia's heart raced. "What now?"

Ethan leaned against the wall, his gaze never leaving her. "You're going to be my girlfriend."

"What?" Olivia's voice was a mixture of shock and disbelief.

"I need you to pretend to date me," Ethan explained. "I have an ex who needs to see that I've moved on. You help me make her jealous, and you go free at the end of the two weeks. Simple."

Olivia stared at him, her mind racing. This man had kidnapped her, threatened her, and now he wanted her to be his fake girlfriend? The idea was absurd, but she didn't see any other options.

"And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's expression hardened. "You won't. Trust me, it's in your best interest to cooperate."

Olivia swallowed hard, feeling trapped. She had no choice but to agree. "Fine," she said finally. "I'll do it."

Ethan nodded, satisfied. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. There's a ball tomorrow night that we need to attend. You'll need a dress, so we'll go shopping when you're done resting."

As he left the room, Olivia lay back on the couch, her mind spinning. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into, but one thing was clear: the next two weeks were going to be anything but ordinary.

Once Ethan was gone, Olivia took a moment to look around the room she was in. It was elegantly furnished, with rich fabrics and tasteful decor. Everything looked expensive and carefully chosen. Despite her situation, she couldn't help but appreciate the luxury around her.

For a brief moment, she entertained the idea that she might actually enjoy this. The fancy surroundings, the thrill of a new experience—it was all very tempting. But she quickly pushed those thoughts away. She couldn't forget why she was here and who she was dealing with.

Olivia sighed and closed her eyes, willing herself to rest. She needed to be ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.