Ambitions Entwined

Chapter 1 | Scandalous Proposal

The setting sun cast a golden glow over London as I stood at my office window. My heart raced, replaying the board's shocking ultimatum in my mind. Marriage. That single word felt like a noose tightening around my neck, threatening to strangle the independence I'd fought so hard to achieve.

Hot, sharp fury bubbled up inside me. I had sacrificed everything to create Hunter Enterprises - countless sleepless nights, missed birthdays, and holidays spent hunched over my laptop. My parents had scrimped and used their savings to put me through university, and I had worked myself to the bone to prove my worth in this cutthroat industry. And now, the board wanted me to parade down the aisle like a trophy wife?

A sharp knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, James Maeers swept into my office as if he owned the place. His 6′2" frame filled the doorway in an impeccably tailored Huntsman suit, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. Those piercing blue eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken despite my best efforts.

"Well, well, if it isn't the blushing bride-to-be," James drawled, his lips curving into a smirk that made my blood boil.

I crossed my arms, my emerald silk blouse rustling with the movement. "What do you want, Maeers?" I snapped, my voice dripping with venom.

James sauntered closer. His Italian leather shoes made no sound on the plush carpet. The scent of his cologne - a heady mix of sandalwood and something uniquely him - filled my senses. "I've come with a proposition, my dear Noreen. One that could solve both our problems."

My teal eyes narrowed as my heart pounded against my ribcage. Experience had taught me that James did nothing out of the goodness of his heart. "I'm listening," I said cautiously, my curiosity getting the better of me.

James leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. "Marry me."

My eyes widened in shock, and I took an involuntary step back. "Excuse me?"

"Consider it, Hunter," he pressed, his voice low and persuasive. "Your board wants you to tie the knot; my company could benefit from some positive publicity. It's a mutually helpful arrangement."

I scoffed, put more distance between us. "And what makes you think I'd ever agree to marry you, of all people?"

James's eyes glinted dangerously, reminding me of a predator cornering its prey. "Because, sweetheart, we both know you're backed into a corner. And I'm offering you a lifeline."

My mind raced as I considered his words. As much as I hated to admit it, James had a point. My options are limited, and marrying him would buy me time to figure out my next move. But the thought of being tied to him, even on paper, made my skin crawl.

"This conversation is over," I said finally, my voice as cold and hard as steel. "Get out."

A grin spread across James's face as he adjusted his crimson tie with long, elegant fingers. "Don't ponder too long, darling. My offer has an expiration date."

With that parting shot, he strode out of my office, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.

I sank into my chair and cradled my head in my hands, a mane of thick black hair falling over my face. How had it come to this? Just yesterday, I had been on top of the world, and now I was quietly contemplating a sham marriage to my biggest rival and tormentor.

Unbidden memories of our shared past at university flooded back. James had been a constant thorn in my side, always ready with a cutting remark or a cruel prank. I'd thought those days were behind me, but it seemed fate had other plans.