Sunlight filtered through a gap in the curtains, casting a beam into the room and onto the figure in the bed. Emma Watson stirred, her mind foggy as she slowly opened her eyes to the bright light. The events of the previous night came rushing back to her, and she jolted upright, only to find herself trapped by a strong arm.
Panic set in as she threw the covers aside, revealing a body covered in bruises, each mark a painful reminder of the nights activities. Slowly, she turned her head to see the face of Liam Hemsworth, his handsome features relaxed in sleep, his muscular chest bearing faint tooth marks that she couldnt help but feel a surge of embarrassment and anger.
The memories of the night before flooded her mind鈥攈ow she had only intended to catch her cheating boyfriend, Jake Simmons, in the act. Instead, she found herself entangled with Liam Hemsworth, the CEO of Hemsworth Corp.
As if sensing her restlessness, Liams eyes fluttered open, and he regarded her with a mix of satisfaction and cold indifference. "Now, are you ready to talk?" he asked, his voice laced with an arrogance that she found infuriating.
Emma bristled at his tone. "Ive told you already, I didnt mean to be in your room. It was a mistake!"
Liams lips curled into a disdainful smirk. "A mistake that conveniently landed you in my bed. What are you really after, Miss Watson? Money? Power? Or perhaps a bit of both?"
Fury boiled within her, but she managed to keep her composure. "I dont want anything from you, Mr. Hemsworth. Just let me go, and we can forget this ever happened."
His gaze swept over her, taking in her disheveled appearance. "You might not be so eager to forget last night." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "But if you insist on playing games, I can play too. Heres my offer: complete the work on my desk by tomorrow, and you can keep your job. Fail, and Ill make sure you never work in this city again."
Emmas heart sank. She had worked so hard to secure her position at Hemsworth Corp, and now it was all at risk because of one terrible mistake. Gathering her clothes, she stormed out of the room, determined to prove herself.
Back at her desk, Emmas fingers flew over the keyboard as she tried to complete the mountain of work Liam had given her. The pain in her stomach, a reminder of the stress she was under, was almost unbearable, but she refused to give in.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, she felt her energy waning. But she couldnt stop now; she had to finish this. With a final stretch, she printed the last page of the report and breathed a sigh of relief. It was done.
She rushed to Liams office, eager to hand in her work and secure her job. But as she entered, she found him leaning back in his chair, a look of cold amusement on his face.
"I see youve managed to complete the task," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "You may stay. Tomorrow, go to HR and fill out the paperwork for your official position."
Before she could respond, he continued, "But dont for a second think that this means were even. Last nights check was merely a bonus for your efforts."
Emmas heart raced as she realized that the check he had given her was real. A million dollars鈥攆or a single night. The gravity of the situation hit her, and she stumbled out of his office, her mind reeling.
She had to get that check back. It was too much, and she wouldnt allow herself to be bought so cheaply. As she rushed back to her desk, she made a promise to herself鈥攖o get her life back on track and to never be at the mercy of someone like Liam Hemsworth again.