Look, I’m Riven Kael. 

Twenty-eight, data analyst, zero ambition beyond paying rent and avoiding small talk. My life was spreadsheets, instant ramen, and the occasional ghost I pretended not to see. 

Then one mandatory company gala, because of course it was mandatory, turned into the universe’s worst prank.

I touched a cursed amulet. 

I just touched it. 

Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a penthouse that costs more than my entire bloodline, sporting a glowing marriage sigil on my wrist, legally and magically hitched to Azryth Valek. 

Yes, that Azryth Valek. 

The CEO of half the planet, a walking sin in a three-piece suit, an ancient demon lord who was literally sealed inside said amulet until I accidentally set him free.

He says we’re bound. Separation means both of us die slowly and painfully. 

Soul-consumption optional but very much on the table if I’m stupid enough to fall for him. Which, newsflash, I am not. I’m not. 

Shut up.

So now I’m living with an unfortunately hot CEO from hell, dodging assassination attempts disguised as corporate mergers, banishing spirits that show up at my desk like unpaid interns, and pretending we’re a power couple for the cameras while he smirks like he knows exactly how much I want to strangle him. Or kiss him. Or both. 

Brain, we are not doing this.

I didn’t sign up for boardroom battles, multiversal rifts, or the terrifying realization that the arrogant demon who ruined my life might be the only one who truly sees me.

But here I am. Still complaining, still fighting, still falling, against every shred of common sense, hopelessly, stupidly, irrevocably in love.

Because when the universe marries you to the devil, it doesn’t ask for consent.

It just hands you the ring.

And damn it, I’m keeping it.

Author here: Hi readers! Quick heads-up, due to a posting error, the content of Chapters 40 and 41 were swapped. For correct reading order, please read Chapter 41 first, then return to Chapter 40. I'm really sorry for the confusion and thank you for your patience 💛


We were in the living room, Azryth working on his tablet, me pretending to read while actually watching him over the edge of my book. The afternoon light caught his profile, sharp and perfect.


"You." I set down the book. "How you hesitate sometimes when we're close."


"You do, like you're waiting for something to go wrong." I stood, crossed to him. "You're waiting for me to be her."


His jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it.


"Do you?" I stopped in front of him. "Then why do you keep holding back? Like intimacy with me is dangerous."


Chapter 40 - In Which Everything Changes