The gown Adrian chose for her was black.
Simple. Elegant. Dangerous.
Maya stared at herself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back. The fabric hugged her curves without being revealing, the neckline modest yet undeniably intimate. It wasn't flashy—but it was powerful.
"You look appropriate," Adrian said from behind her.
She turned slowly. He stood near the door in a tailored tuxedo, dark and precise, every inch the CEO the world feared. His gaze lingered on her for half a second too long.
"Appropriate," she echoed dryly.
"It means," he added quietly, "you look exactly like you belong."
Her heart skipped.
That wasn't part of the act.
The gala was held at the Grand Aurelia Hall—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and money dripping from every surface. Cameras lined the entrance, flashes erupting the moment Adrian's hand settled at Maya's waist.
This time, she didn't stiffen.
She leaned in instead.
The reaction was immediate.
Gasps. Whispers. Phones lifted.
"Smile," Adrian murmured.
She did.
And it came too easily.
They moved through the crowd like something choreographed—his hand guiding, her steps matching his without effort. They were watched from every angle, studied, analyzed.
Victor Hale stood across the room, champagne glass in hand, eyes sharp with interest.
He smiled slowly.
Adrian noticed.
His hand tightened on Maya's waist.
The auction portion forced proximity.
Small table. Narrow chairs. One microphone they had to share.
When it was Maya's turn to speak on behalf of the charity, Adrian remained standing beside her, his hand resting lightly on her back.
A show.
Except she could feel his warmth through the fabric of her dress.
"My wife will say a few words," Adrian said smoothly.
The word wife landed differently tonight.
Maya took the microphone, heart pounding. "This cause matters to me because it reminds us that power means nothing if it isn't used to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Her voice didn't shake.
Applause followed.
Adrian leaned down, lips close to her ear. "You were perfect."
Her breath caught.
"You're too close," she whispered.
"They're watching," he replied.
She knew.
Still—he didn't move away.
Later, the music changed.
Slow. Elegant. Intimate.
Victor approached, smiling. "Care for a dance, Mrs. Cole?"
Before Maya could answer, Adrian spoke.
"She's taken."
Victor's smile sharpened. "By contract."
Adrian stepped forward, placing a hand on Maya's lower back. "By choice."
The words were quiet.
But Victor heard them.
Maya did too.
They moved to the dance floor before she could think.
Adrian's hand settled at her waist. Hers rested against his chest. The music swayed around them, soft and enveloping.
They were too close.
"Relax," Adrian murmured. "You're tense."
"You're holding me too tightly," she replied.
He didn't loosen his grip.
"You didn't mind earlier," he said.
"That was for the cameras."
"And now?" he asked.
She didn't answer.
Because there were no cameras close enough to justify the way her heart was racing.
The world faded.
The crowd blurred.
There was only the slow rhythm, his breath warm against her temple, the subtle way his thumb brushed her side—unconscious. Instinctive.
"Adrian," she whispered.
"Yes?"
"This isn't pretend anymore."
His jaw tightened. "I know."
The song ended.
Applause erupted around them.
They didn't move.
Slowly, Adrian lifted her chin. His eyes searched hers—not cold, not calculating.
Hungry.
The distance between them closed.
Not for the audience.
Not for the press.
Just for them.
Maya's breath hitched as his lips hovered a breath away from hers.
Too close.
Too dangerous.
Her eyes fluttered shut—
A flash went off.
They pulled apart instantly.
Reality crashed back in.
Adrian stepped away, mask snapping back into place.
"Time to go," he said tightly.
Maya nodded, heart pounding violently in her chest.
They left the gala side by side, hands brushing—but not touching.
Victor watched them go, smiling.
Because now he knew.
Whatever this marriage was—
It was no longer just a lie.
And that made it exploitable.
Next: Chapter 13 - Adrian's Past
Just before their lips could meet, something dark flickered in Adrian's eyes—memories he had buried long ago.
Tonight | 11:30 PM – 12:30 AM