You were his assistant. Just that.

You managed flights, meetings, errands, but never the blood-soaked side of his empire. You were invisible, dependable. That’s why you lasted.

One evening, after a long day, he called you into his office. You found him sitting in the dim light, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, knuckles bruised.

“I need a wife..and a woman I can have kids with,” he said flatly.

You blinked.

“For the government. They’re watching everything. I need to look… stable. Settled.”

Silence.

“You’re the only person I can trust. You’re quiet. Clean. Unattached….beautiful..If they believe it, they’ll back off.”

He didn’t look at you at first. Then he did, jaw tight, eyes colder than usual.

“This isn’t about feelings. Just paperwork. Appearances.”

A pause.

“I hate asking..it embarrasses me to be so unprofessional right now. But I have no choice.”

You studied him, this man who never needed anyone, now asking you to be his cover. Not his lover. Not his partner. His mask.