The CEO's Reluctant Bride

Ava adjusted the hem of her dress for the tenth time, the silk fabric unfamiliar against her skin. Standing before the full-length mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back—hair swept into elegant waves, makeup highlighting her features with subtle allure, and the midnight-blue gown hugging her curves in ways that felt both empowering and unnerving.

Behind her, Adrian's reflection appeared in the mirror. Clad in a tailored black tuxedo, he looked like he had stepped out of a magazine—sharp lines, effortless confidence, and that infuriatingly calm expression that always managed to rile her up.

"You clean up well," he remarked, voice smooth but carrying that usual edge.

She arched a brow. "Don't sound too enthusiastic. I might get the wrong idea."

A fleeting smile tugged at the corner of his lips—but, true to form, it vanished almost instantly. "We need to look convincing tonight."

"Right. Because nothing screams 'happy couple' like mutual disdain."

Ignoring her jab, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. Inside lay a delicate diamond necklace. Without waiting for her permission, he stepped behind her, fingers brushing her skin as he clasped it around her neck.

The contact sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. Get a grip, Ava.

His gaze met hers in the mirror. "We play the part. No mistakes."

"Understood," she muttered, though her heart thudded uncomfortably.

The Gala – Glitz, Glamour, and Whispers

Stepping out of the sleek black car, Ava was immediately greeted by a barrage of camera flashes and murmured speculations. Her arm slid into Adrian's—part of the act, she reminded herself—as they walked the red carpet.

"She's the wife?" someone whispered.

"I heard it was a rushed wedding—probably for business," another voice added.

Ava kept her smile poised, but every word felt like a needle.

Inside, the venue dazzled with opulence—chandeliers dripping with crystals, tables adorned with silver and white roses, and guests clad in designer gowns and expensive suits. It was a world of wealth, power, and veiled hostility.

Adrian leaned in, voice low. "Stay close. Not everyone here is friendly."

"Oh, I gathered," she quipped, scanning the room.

It didn't take long for trouble to find them.

"Adrian."

The voice was soft, honeyed... and laced with poison.

Ava turned to see a stunning woman approach—tall, blonde, with piercing blue eyes and a smile that didn't reach them. Cassandra Sterling. Of course.

"Cassandra," Adrian greeted, his tone cool.

"And you must be Ava," Cassandra said, gaze sweeping over her. "I've heard... so much."

"All good things, I hope," Ava replied sweetly, meeting her challenge head-on.

"Oh, absolutely," Cassandra purred. "Marrying so suddenly—it's bold. Not everyone could handle Adrian's... complexities."

Ava's smile didn't falter. "Well, I've always been good at handling complicated men."

Adrian's jaw tightened—but whether from irritation or amusement, she couldn't tell.

The Threat Lurks Closer

As they moved through the crowd, Adrian's hand remained firmly on the small of her back—a possessive gesture that sent conflicting waves of comfort and annoyance through her.

A waiter approached with champagne flutes. Ava reached for one—

Adrian's grip on her wrist tightened. "No."

Startled, she glanced at him. His gaze was fixed on the waiter, sharp and assessing. The man paled under the scrutiny and hastily retreated.

"What was that about?" she whispered.

"The glass was tampered with," he murmured, voice barely audible. "Someone's making moves sooner than I thought."

Her pulse spiked. This is real.

The Dance – Lines Blur

"To avoid suspicion," Adrian said, "we dance."

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

"It's expected." Without waiting for agreement, he led her onto the dance floor.

His hand settled at her waist, the other capturing her hand. Their bodies moved in rhythm, the soft music a stark contrast to the tension coiling between them.

"You're enjoying this," she accused.

"Hardly." But his gaze lingered on hers, dark and unreadable. "Though you do surprise me."

"Oh?"

"You're handling this better than I expected."

"Sorry to disappoint."

A beat of silence. His thumb brushed against her waist—an accidental touch that felt anything but.

"You don't have to like me, Ava," he said quietly, "but stay alert. They're not just after me."

Her throat tightened. Why me? But now wasn't the time to ask.

The Cliffhanger – Shadows Strike

As the song ended, applause echoed. They began to step off the floor when chaos erupted—a figure, masked and swift, broke through security.

Adrian's instincts were lightning-fast—he yanked Ava behind him as the assailant lunged—then just as quickly veered away, melting into the crowd.

On the floor where the figure had stood lay a single note:

Next time, I won't miss.

Adrian's face was stone. Ava's heart pounded in her chest.

The game was no longer just business it was personal.