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.

My phone buzzed, startling me out of the reverie. A text from Katherine, my best friend since high school, lit up the screen.

Despite my foul mood, a smile crept onto my face. Katherine always knew how to lift my spirits, even on my worst days.

I couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Katherine to turn a casual dinner into a full-blown girl's night out.

I glanced at the clock, realising I only had a few hours to prepare. After tying up loose ends at work, I gathered my things and headed for the elevators. I was determined to push thoughts of James and his preposterous proposal to the back of my mind, at least for one evening.

A sense of unease washed over me as I stepped out into the crisp London air. My life had taken an unexpected turn, and I wasn't sure where this new path would lead. But one thing was clear - I wouldn't go down without a fight.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

When I arrived, the rooftop bar teemed with London's young and beautiful. Chatter from the trendy crowd mingled with the pulsing beat of the latest pop hit. My teal eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for Katherine's signature fiery red waves.

"There you are!" Katherine's voice rang out above the din. She hugged me tightly; her favourite Chanel perfume enveloped me. "I was thinking you'd stood me up."

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and slid into the velvet-upholstered booth next to my friend. "As if. I'd never pass up the chance to hear your latest gossip."

Katherine's green eyes sparkled with mischief as she flagged down a server. "Two elderflower mojitos, please. And keep them coming."

One of my eyebrows arched sceptically. "Trying to get me sloshed already?" signalling the server, I asked for a charcuterie and cheese board.

"Perhaps," Katherine teased, a conspiratorial grin spreading across her freckled face. "But trust me, you'll need some liquid courage after you hear what I've got to say."

Intrigued, I leaned forward. "Alright, spill. What's this earth-shattering news?" I asked her just as the server returned with two drinks.

Katherine mimicked my posture, her voice barely carrying over the ambient noise. "Word on the street is that James Maeers is in the market for a wife."

I nearly choked on my drink, the mint leaf tickling my throat. "Come again?"

"I know, right?" Katherine nodded emphatically. "Apparently, his parents are breathing down his neck, insisting he settle down and polish up that playboy image of his. They claim it's bad for business."

My mind whirled. Suddenly, James's impromptu proposal made sense. He was just as desperate as I was.

Katherine studied my face, her expression knowing. "But wait, there's more. His parents have their sights set on a few ladies."

My pulse quickened. "Really?"

A Cheshire cat grin curved Katherine's lips as she tapped my nose playfully. "And You, bestie, are on that list!"

I felt the air leave my lungs for the second time that evening. "That's absurd," I sputtered, struggling to regain my composure. "James despises me, and his parents don't even know me!"

Katherine shrugged and took a long sip of her mojito. "Maybe. But desperate times call for desperate measures, don't they? It seems their family's company is currently struggling, and a marriage will be the type of good publicity they need to rise again."

I shook my head, trying to process this new information while recalling our earlier encounter in my office.

Katherine watched me closely, her smile softening. "Look, I know you two have a complicated history." She waved her hand dismissively, her collection of silver bangles jingling. "I'm just passing on the juicy tidbit I overheard at dinner with his parents last weekend."

Bitting my plum lip, I mulled over Katherine's words. Thoughts of the board's ultimatum and the ticking clock hanging over my head swirled in my mind. Perhaps marrying James wasn't such a far-fetched idea after all, especially given that he seemed to be in as tight a spot as I was. We can negotiate something beneficial for both of us...; the thought crept in briefly before I firmly pushed it away.

"Well, it's certainly... intriguing," I said finally, draining the last of my drink. My mind was already working overtime, considering the potential ways to gain the upper hand in this bizarre situation.

Katherine nodded and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't overthink it, Noreen. I just wanted you to be prepared if someone springs this on you when you least expect it."

With alcohol flowing steadily, Katherine was soon reminiscing about our university days and love lives - or their non-existence.

"So, Bestie, moving into more interesting topics: how're things in the dating department going?" she asked, sipping her mojito. "I haven't heard much from you about it."

I mused, my voice tinged with longing, "My love life doesn't seem to extend much further than those office walls these days."

Kat wiggled her eyebrows playfully. "Is that your way of telling me you decided to get kinky in the office instead of wining and dining them?" she chuckled and added, "Bold move!"

Swatting her arm, I snorted, "I wish!"

"Well, back in University, I would say it was quite colourful..." she joked, trying to lighten the mood. "What was the name of that boyfriend of yours...the one with beautiful emerald green eyes and bad boy looks?"

Looking at my friend, eyebrow raised. "You mean Elliot?"

Katherine nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Elliot, that's the one! He was quite the charmer, wasn't he?"

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Old history, Kat. Besides, we were young and foolish back then."

"But those green eyes, the looks, the physique..." Katherine teased, fanning herself and earning another playful swat from me.

"Well, he's far, far away, and we only lasted a year", I pouted. "He had to move abroad with his parents..."

Katherine gave her a knowing smirk, "But it was good while it lasted..."

I coughed, choking on my drink as I caught on to her play of words. "You have no remedy..." a laugh escaped my lips, mingling with music and happy conversations in the bar.

As the night progressed, we lost ourselves in laughter and casual conversation, temporarily forgetting the world's weight. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life would change in ways I never imagined.

When we finally parted ways, it was late. I hailed a cab, "Campden Hill, " I instructed the driver. Settling in the back seat, I watched the lights and neon signs blur by as the car wove its way through the streets.

It pulled up to my house. I paid the driver and climbed up the few steps to my front door, my heels the only sound in the silent street.

Inside, I kicked off my shoes and padded across the cool marble floors to the kitchen. Pouring myself a glass of Portuguese red wine, I relished the rich aroma filling the air as I settled onto my plush couch.

The weight of my impending decision pressed down on me. I needed to consider every angle and every possible outcome. But one thing was certain—I wouldn't let anyone, least of all James, dictate my future.

Sipping my wine, I let my mind wander through various scenarios. Perhaps I could leverage James's proposal in my negotiations with the board and take advantage of his equal predicament to negotiate the terms of a possible fake relationship.

Setting down my empty glass, I made my way to the bedroom. As I went through my nightly routine, removing my makeup and changing into silk pyjamas, my mind continued to churn with possibilities.

As I slipped between the cool cotton sheets, I took a deep breath, centring myself. Tomorrow was a new day, and I was ready for whatever it might bring. Let James Maeers and the board think they had me cornered—I would show them exactly what Noreen Hunter was made of.