The CEO's Reluctant Bride

Morning sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of the penthouse, casting golden hues across the polished floors. Ava sat at the kitchen island, absently stirring her coffee, the events of the gala replaying in her mind—their dance, his fleeting vulnerability, and the way he shut her out afterward.

Why does it bother me so much? she wondered, sipping the now-lukewarm brew. It was supposed to be just a contract. Just business. No messy feelings, no confusion. Yet, here she was, caught in the emotional crossfire of a man she barely understood.

Footsteps echoed behind her. Adrian appeared, freshly dressed in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, dark trousers hugging his frame. He looked effortlessly put together, while she felt like a tangled mess of emotions.

"Morning," she muttered.

He poured himself coffee, the silence between them thick with unspoken words.

"You left pretty fast last night," she ventured, unable to keep the curiosity at bay.

"Didn't see the point in sticking around."

"Right." Her gaze dropped to her mug. "Must've been nothing important."

His jaw tightened. "I said drop it."

"And I said I'm tired of pretending like none of this affects me!" She stood abruptly, chair scraping the floor. "You pull me close, kiss me like you mean it, and then act like I'm invisible! Which is it, Adrian? Because I'm done playing emotional ping-pong."

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "You think this is easy for me?"

"No, I think you're a master at shutting people out. But newsflash—I'm not one of your employees you can just order around!"

The tension snapped. His hands found her waist, pulling her close. Too close. "You want the truth? Fine. You're dangerous, Ava."

Her breath hitched. "Dangerous?"

"Because this—" his gaze dropped to her lips, voice rough—"wasn't supposed to happen."

Her heart pounded, torn between wanting to push him away and pull him closer. What the hell are we doing?

Before either of them could act on the charged moment, Adrian's phone buzzed insistently. He swore under his breath, pulling away to answer.

"What?" His expression darkened with each passing second. "I'll be there."

He hung up, avoiding her eyes. "I have to go."

"Is it about that 'nothing' from last night?" she challenged.

He paused at the door. "Stay out of it, Ava. This isn't your fight."

"But I'm in it now, aren't I?"

His gaze softened—just for a heartbeat. "That's what I'm trying to prevent."

And then he was gone, leaving her standing amidst the silence and chaos he always seemed to carry.

Hours later, restless and needing clarity, Ava found herself at the Sinclair Corporation headquarters. Bad idea? Probably. But sitting around feeling useless isn't me.

Stepping into the sleek lobby, she was met with a mix of curious glances and polite smiles. The receptionist's eyes widened. "Mrs. Sinclair! Can I—"

"I'm here for Adrian." Ava offered a tight smile, breezing past.

On the executive floor, the atmosphere shifted—tense whispers, guarded looks. Something was definitely off.

Before she could knock on his office door, it swung open. Daniel, Adrian's longtime friend and advisor, stepped out, surprised to see her.

"Ava," he greeted. "Didn't expect you here."

"Yeah, me neither. What's going on?"

Daniel hesitated. "It's complicated."

"Try me."

Before he could answer, Adrian's voice barked from inside. "Daniel—" He stopped short upon seeing her. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same."

His gaze flicked to Daniel, who quickly excused himself. Closing the door, Adrian faced her. "I told you to stay out of it."

"And I told you I'm done being left in the dark. If I'm supposed to play the doting wife, maybe fill me in on the drama?"

He rubbed his temples, sighing. "There's... an issue with one of my past deals. Someone's stirring up old dirt."

"Is that why Vanessa showed up at the gala?"

His expression darkened. "Among other things."

"Adrian, if this affects me—even indirectly—I deserve to know."

He studied her for a long moment, walls wavering. "Fine. But you won't like it."

"Try me."

"Vanessa isn't just some ex," he began, voice low. "She's tied to a family I wronged years ago. They're using her to get to me—through you."

Her stomach twisted. "So... I'm collateral damage in your corporate war?"

"I never wanted you involved."

"Too late."

Silence stretched between them until she sighed, softer now. "Look... I didn't sign up for danger. But if we're in this mess, we face it together. No more secrets."

He nodded slowly. "Deal."

"And Adrian?"

"Yeah?"

"Next time you kiss me like that... don't act like it meant nothing."

His gaze darkened, a flicker of something dangerous—and thrilling—lighting behind his eyes. "Noted."