ry guest, a thousand tiny needles pricking at my composure. Chloe' s triumphant smirk was a physical

mpulsive, emotional response had led to a spiral of vulnerability, making me an easy target for Curtis' s machinations and Chloe' s relentless envy. My family, steeped in

y the part they expect

resolve in it. I walked purposefully towards the makeshift stage, a small microp

and steady, devoid of any tremor. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate this joyous occasion." I scanned the room

f critical global importance demanded his immediate attention." I paused, letting the words hang in the air, allowing their weight to convey the gravity of the situation without revealin

rough the older, more

hat the spirit of this union is honored. Starting tomorrow, I will be stepping into my new role, working closely with the Becker team to integrate ou

profound silence fell over the ballroom, broken only by the clink of

ally so sharp, softened almost imperceptibly as she met mine. A flicker of respect, a recognition of my com

ity. Any sign of weakness was an invitation for predators, both within and without. My calm handling of Arjun's abs

s slits. The triumphant glow had vanished, replaced by a dark, simmering fury. How dare she? She's suppos

orm for my own empowerment. She would not forgive that. Just wait

ome intrusion into others' minds, was proving to be an invaluable

eir turn to offer blessings and well wishes. This was Chloe' s chance, I knew, to furth

air. My cousin, radiant in her white gown, now with a slightly too bright smile, appr

a mischievous glint within. Just a little nudge, Ellie

lding a champagne glass, a little too full. Her heel, a slender stiletto, was just a fraction too close to

.. two

floorboard beneath my foot, a loose one I had noticed earlier, groaned. A tiny vibration,

seemed to slow. The glass shattered on the polished marble floor. Chloe, caught off balance, pitched forward, landing awkwardly on her knees. A d

crimson map spreading across her lap. Her meticulously styled hair had come loose, falling across her face i

rise. He reached for Chloe, his hand offering support. Foolish woman. Always so dramatic. Now she'

ed to Chloe. The whispers returned, but this time, they were la

ugh the agitated murmuring. "Chloe, dear. That was quite the entrance. Perhaps a little less... theatricality next time." Her words were polite, but her tone was edged

don't know what happened. I must have... tripped." She shot a quick, furious glan

! I know you did! Her silent s

u walk it alone. My empathy was a shallow, fleeting thing. This was a consequence of her own toxic nature, her unrele

ride, drenched in wine, was whisked away to change, her dignit

g, held a newfound warmth. "Ellie," she said, her voice low, "you handled yourself admirably tonig

strength and intelligence above all else. And speaking of Arjun," she added, a glint in her eye

rings. She had brought him home. My heart gave an unexpected l

ing home

g. I sat on the edge of the plush sofa, the wedding dress now carefully packed a

click that resonated in the quiet.

y disheveled, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He ran a hand through his hair, then began to unbutton his cuff, his move

softly, standing

urney continued towards the study, as if I were a ghost. He

me to face the aftermath alone. Chloe, of course, had made sure the entire family knew of his continued absence,

t wasn't right. I hadn' t expected warmth, only professionalism. But still, the cold ind

replacing it with a fresh, crisp set. I fluffed the pillows, drew the heavy curtains against the pre-dawn light. I laid out a fresh towel on the en-suite bathroo

kets and a pillow, arranging them neatly. This was my bed. Our agreement

spray was a comforting sound in the silent house. When the wate

amp, falling across his forehead. He paused, his gaze sweeping the now-prepared room, then landing on the neat

lipping it on. My gaze, despite myself, lingered on the breadth of his shoulders, the defi

d, my voice feeling small in the vast spa

e in their depths. "You don't have to sleep on the sofa, Ellie. This is your room

to reiterate the nature of our arrangement. "The agreement was clear. A business p

my words, to find the hidden meaning beneath them. "A guest," he repeated

. A mutually beneficial arrangement. You get a presentable wife, a stable ima

rmchair, sinking into it. His eyes, though weary, were shar

his bare chest, still damp, the taut planes of his abdomen. I quickly looked away, warmth rising to my cheeks.

senting a united front. And I will uphold mine: protecting your family's interests, ensuring the merger's success, and providing you with... whatever else you de

nd I expect the same. Respect. Autonomy

onight. That was a good start." His gaze lingered on me, a rare spark of something akin to approval in

but for myself. My absolute priority was to secure my financial independence, to build an unshakeable foundation for myself. This marriage was merely a stepping stone, a strategic alliance. I would leverage h