Corrupted by Innocence

BRAD

I’m aware that my son doesn’t grasp the gravity of his actions, or the necessity of this arranged marriage. His mother would have known how to handle this, how to soothe his wild ways before we were left with no choice but to thrust an unsuspecting girl into his life.

But my wife isn’t here anymore, and I’m doing the best I can with what I have.

When I heard about his latest scandal, I jumped into action. But this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Yes, it’s a publicity stunt, but it’s one I’ve been considering for months.

The shareholders have been breathing down my neck, threatening to withdraw their support unless I get Xavier under control. I probably should have acted sooner, but I held out hope that he would outgrow his reckless behavior.

He hasn’t, so it’s time for drastic action. He doesn’t have to like it. He just has to go along with it for eighteen months.

Eighteen months is all I’m asking. But to him, it’s going to feel like an eternity.

The initial list had almost fifty women on it, but Ron helped me whittle it down to those who had minimal contact with Xavier, or at least didn’t move in the same social circles.

Fifty became seven, which wasn’t surprising. I wasn’t exactly a saint in my youth either.

I sit behind my desk, a symbol of my power and wealth. But for the first time in years, I’m not sure I want the lifestyle that comes with it.

Without my wife, my life has started to unravel, and Xavier’s antics have escalated with each media scandal.

If things continue this way, Xavier will land himself in trouble I can’t bail him out of. That’s why this marriage has to work.

Each woman was contacted beforehand and agreed to be part of this discreet selection process. No one can know that this relationship is a sham.

It has to appear as though Xavier’s wild ways were due to commitment issues, not the reckless behavior of a man unfit to inherit Knight Enterprises.

After meeting the last woman, I knew she was the one for him. I had no idea that Xavier would want her too.

But it has to feel natural.

I need Xavier to meet her, and I need to see that spark in his eyes, the same one I saw when he looked at her photo.

At the gala next week, he’ll meet all seven candidates and make his final choice.

And then, Xavier’s new life will begin.

He’ll have someone he needs to protect, and I’ll make damn sure he does.

For his sake and mine.

ANGELA

I study my reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on my lips as I take in the sight of my petite figure, highlighted by the velvet dress gifted to me by Brad Knight himself.

The man has style; the dress’s violet hue sparkles under the bathroom lights, bringing out the golden flecks in my usually dull brown eyes. My blonde hair has been styled and hangs heavily down my back.

I don’t look like myself, but then again, I never have.

I’ve been on the run for as long as I can remember, but not for the reasons Brad Knight believes. I’m not some helpless girl who needs a helping hand to get by.

No, that’s just the image I’ve crafted. It’s the image I want everyone to believe. It’s the image I want Xavier to fall for.

So far, it’s working. Brad approached me nearly three weeks ago after spotting me in the flower shop where I pick up my special order roses.

He was captivated by the innocence in my eyes and offered me a way out of my humble existence. A deal I’ve been waiting for.

Xavier’s hand in marriage.

But while Brad thinks he’s salvaging Xavier’s reputation, he’s actually just handed his son over to the devil.

I’m not some naive flower waiting to be defiled. I’m not a hopeless romantic waiting to find my forever in the form of a wealthy playboy, Xavier Knight.

And if you think I’m a gold digger, you can fuck off.

I probably have more money than that spoiled brat who thinks he owns the world.

He believes he’s invincible, that nothing can knock him off his pedestal.

Well, he’s in for a rude awakening because I’m more than just a pretty face, and I’m here to bring him down.

I laugh at the mental image of Xavier sprawled on the floor, my glittering stiletto heel pressing into his neck as I order him to submit to my will. I extend my leg, the dress parting along the slit as I admire the high heels on my feet.

Angela Carson, the innocent part-time flower shop worker, would never have been able to afford such luxury. This is her first real moment in the spotlight. This is her chance to seize the biggest opportunity she’s ever had.

I snort because while the shoes are nice, and the velvet feels incredible against my skin, they’re nothing compared to the wardrobe I have stashed away in my unassuming apartment. There’s a handbag in one of those boxes that’s worth a month of Xavier’s undeserved salary.

Sure, I’m Angela Carson, but I’ve also been Brittany, and Layla, and Stephani, and Jennifer. Each of those women was at the top of her game, ruling over those beneath her, and Angela will be no different.

~I will be no different.

I turn my attention back to the woman in the mirror, taking one last lingering look, my fangs slowly emerging. My hunger stirs, my hand flying to my mouth as I try to calm myself.

I haven’t fed in a week, and it’s starting to show. I usually have better control over my needs, but preparing for this moment has consumed me. My eyes dart to the stylist in the corner who’s ignoring me.

I’m not sure why she’s still here, but she’s a tempting snack.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to keep my desires in check. I need to save them for someone who’s worth it. My hands fall away from my mouth, and I let out a sigh of relief as my fangs retract. I need to be cautious.

Guided by the waitress, I head towards the gala. She walks with her head bowed in my presence, making me feel like a queen being led to her execution. But I’m not the sacrificial lamb here.

I haven’t seen the other girls yet, but I’ve been in this game longer than they have. I know that when it comes down to it, he’ll choose me. He thinks he can make me bend to his will.

He believes I’ll be like all the other girls, falling at his feet and swooning at the mere sight of him.

He’s going to try to break me.

Little does he know, I’m already broken.