Terms And Conditions Of the Heart

Chapter One: The Lie That Changed Everything

Eliana Carter had never told a bigger lie in her life.

This was way too big

And considering that she had once faked food poisoning to get out of a disastrous date, that was saying something.

The lie had slipped out so easily—too easily—before she could stop it. One moment, she was sitting across from the three biggest investors in New York, and the next, the words had left her lips like they had been waiting for their grand debut.

Without hesitation.

"I'm engaged to Adrian Blackwood."

The room had gone dead silent.

Eyes staring at each other in suprise or disbelief.

Eliana's pulse had pounded in her ears as she watched the stunned expressions of the investors, the weight of her words crashing down on her. The problem was, she had no fiancé. No relationship. No boyfriend.

But she had Adrian Blackwood's name, and for some reckless, insane reason, she had used it.

How did his name come to her lips at this moment, what was she thinking?

And now, she was completely and utterly screwed.

Twelve Hours Earlier…

Eliana sat at the dimly lit bar of the Black Diamond Lounge, gripping her glass of whiskey like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. It was a Friday night, and the place was alive with New York's elite—the rich, the powerful, the untouchable.

And then there was her.

Her company, Carter & Co., was on the verge of securing a multi-million-dollar contract. It was the break she had worked for, the deal that would finally put her on the map. But tonight, during a preliminary meeting with the investors, they had dropped a bombshell.

"We don't just invest in businesses—we invest in stability. We prefer partners who have strong personal lives. A stable relationship is a sign of long-term commitment. You understand, Miss Carter, don't you?"

She had nodded, hiding the way her stomach twisted in dread.

They didn't just want a successful entrepreneur. They wanted a successful entrepreneur with a stable, committed relationship. A woman who wouldn't crumble under pressure or get distracted by fleeting romances.

Problem was, Eliana had neither stability nor commitment.

She had work.

She had late nights, sleepless hours, and business deals.

She had Carter & Co., which had been her only priority since she was twenty-two.

What she didn't have was a boyfriend.

And certainly not a fiancé.

Miss Carter isn't ready to let this opportunity slip her away.

Which led her here—to the Black Diamond Lounge, drowning in whiskey and regret.

And then, like a cruel joke from the universe, he walked in.

Adrian Blackwood.

The man who owned half of New York.

The man with a reputation as cold as the Blackwood name.

The man she had just unknowingly roped into the biggest lie of her career.

The Man, The Myth, The Mistake

Adrian Blackwood walked like he owned the world, and in many ways, he did.

Dressed in a sleek black suit that probably cost more than Eliana's rent, he exuded power and effortless confidence. His sharp jawline and piercing gray eyes made him a constant headline in business magazines—and women's fantasies.

And tonight, he was her only chance at survival.

Before she could rethink it, she stood, downed the last of her drink, and marched straight toward him.

The words feeling heavy to say.

"Adrian Blackwood," she said as she stopped in front of him, her heart hammering.

His gaze flicked to her, unreadable, his expression betraying nothing. "Miss Carter."

He knew her. That was a start.

"I need a favor," she blurted before she could lose her nerve.

One dark eyebrow arched. "A favor?"

She swallowed hard. "I need you to pretend to be my fiancé."

For the first time, Adrian looked caught off guard.

A moment of silence stretched between them before he let out a low, almost amused chuckle. "I have to admit, that's not what I expected you to say."

Eliana clenched her jaw. "I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't desperate."

"Clearly."

He studied her for a long moment, then glanced around the bar, as if making sure no one was eavesdropping.

"Let me get this straight," he finally said. "You—a woman I barely know—want me to pretend to be engaged to you?"

She nodded. "Just for a while. Just until I close a deal."

Adrian's lips quirked into something that wasn't quite a smile. "And what do I get out of this… arrangement?"

Eliana exhaled, gripping her purse tighter. She had anticipated this. She knew a man like Adrian wouldn't do anything without a calculated reason.

"I'll owe you a favor," she said.

He tilted his head slightly, considering her words. "A favor from Eliana Carter. And what exactly would that be worth to me?"

Well, what would worth a favor to Adrian, from Eliana?.

Heat crept up her neck, but she held her ground. "I built my company from the ground up. I have connections, influence, and a reputation for getting things done. You might not need a favor now, but someday, you will."

Adrian tapped his fingers against the glass he held, his gaze searching.

Then, to her complete shock, he said:

"Fine. But I have conditions."

Eliana's stomach flipped. "Conditions?"

A slow smirk played on his lips. "I'll be your fake fiancé for your business deal. But in return, you'll be my fiancée at family events until I say otherwise."

Eliana's eyes widened. "Why would you need—?"

"My grandfather," Adrian interrupted smoothly. "He's old-fashioned. He doesn't trust anyone to run Blackwood Industries unless they're… settled." His smirk deepened. "And he's been pressing me to find a wife."

Oh. Oh.

Adrian Blackwood—the billionaire, the untouchable businessman—needed a fake relationship just as much as she did.

It was risky. It was insane.

But it was perfect.

She squared her shoulders. "Fine. We have a deal."

Adrian extended his hand, his touch cool against hers.

"Congratulations, Miss Carter," he murmured. "You're now engaged to a Blackwood."

And just like that, the lie that would change everything began.