Unwilling Bride (Married to the Underworld CEO)

Author: [writers hub]

The video call ended with a soft click, leaving Zara alone in the oppressive silence of the luxurious suite. Mina Song's face, flawlessly beautiful and utterly chilling, lingered in her mind. "You are merely a prop, little girl… You wouldn't survive the collateral damage." The words reverberated, a cold, stark warning. Zara wasn't just trapped by Ragnar; she was now caught between two titans, one who owned her, and another who saw her as an inconvenient obstacle to be removed.

A wave of nausea washed over her, and she stumbled to the opulent bathroom, barely making it to the basin before she retched. There was nothing in her stomach but bile, the residue of fear and humiliation. She splashed cold water on her face, staring at her reflection. Her eyes, usually bright with creative spark, were now haunted, shadowed. This wasn't Zara Jones, the designer who sketched dreams; this was a hostage, adorned in silk and jewels, living on borrowed time.

"Collateral damage," she whispered, the words tasting like ash. How many enemies did Ragnar Botermet have, not just in the corporate world, but in the shadows of the underworld he commanded? How many of them would see her, his sudden, convenient wife, as a weakness to exploit, a target to eliminate? The thought sent a fresh shiver down her spine. The incident with the prototype, the blinding cameras, the accusations of espionage… Mina Song's confidence reinforced her gut feeling. This wasn't an accident. This was a setup. But by whom? And why her?

Just as she was trying to compose herself, a soft knock came from the door. It was Madam Cho again, her face impassive. "Madam, it is nearly dawn. Chairman Botermet requests your presence in the private study. The media will be making their announcement shortly."

Zara's heart hammered. Dawn. The public unveiling. This was it. The moment her old life officially ceased to exist and her new, terrifying facade began. She took a deep, shaky breath, forcing a semblance of composure. "I understand, Madam Cho. I'll be there."

She followed the housekeeper through the silent, grand corridors once more. Every painting, every intricate vase, every polished surface seemed to mock her, reminding her of the astronomical price of her freedom. When they reached the study, Ragnar was already there, standing before a massive screen displaying various news channels, all set to breaking news alerts. Director Ahn was present as well, his eyes fixed on the screen, a tablet clutched in his hand.

Ragnar didn't look at Zara as she entered, his attention solely on the waiting media. He was a man utterly focused, a king on the precipice of a new strategic move. His aura of cold authority was almost suffocating.

Suddenly, all the screens flickered, and a prominent news anchor's voice filled the room, grave and dramatic. "We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news from Botermet Industries. In an unexpected turn of events, Chairman Ragnar Botermet has just announced his marriage to Ms. Zara Jones, a rising figure in the design world, effective immediately. The announcement comes on the heels of recent reports regarding a breach at Botermet Industries R&D, which the company states has now been 'amicably resolved' with Ms. Jones, and they look forward to a prosperous future."

A flurry of images flashed across the screen: a professionally doctored photo of Zara and Ragnar looking surprisingly serene (a miracle of graphic design, Zara thought bitterly), then a shot of Botermet Tower, and a blurred image of Zara being escorted out of the building. The news anchor then swiftly pivoted to the "romantic angle," painting a picture of a whirlwind, discreet courtship between the reclusive CEO and the talented designer.

Zara watched, horrified and fascinated, as her life was rewritten before her eyes. It was a masterful deception. No mention of the shattered prototype, no hint of the debt, no whisper of the threats. Just a neatly packaged fairytale for public consumption.

Ragnar finally turned, his gaze sweeping over her. "Effective, wouldn't you agree?" His voice was cold, yet a hint of something unreadable lingered in his eyes.

"A work of fiction," Zara retorted, her voice low. "Propaganda."

Director Ahn cleared his throat. "The Chairman has also arranged for a press conference later today, Madam. A brief appearance to introduce you formally to the public."

Zara's eyes widened. "A press conference? Today? I can't. I'm not prepared!" The thought of facing a barrage of questions, of maintaining this elaborate lie, made her stomach clench again.

Ragnar's gaze hardened. "You will be prepared. My staff will ensure it. This is not a request, Zara. It is your first public duty as my wife. And it will set the tone for your role." His eyes bore into hers, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. "Remember, every eye will be on us. Do not make a mistake."

The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air. A mistake at the press conference, and the collateral damage would not just be her, but her family. He knew exactly how to twist the knife. Zara's defiance flared, mixed with a chilling dread. She was about to be pushed into the lion's den, expected to smile and play the part, all while knowing she was a captive bride in a deadly game.

And out there, somewhere, the true architects of this game were watching, waiting for her to falter.