Elena stared at the mysterious text message for the tenth time that day. Who knew her secret? And what did they mean about Rafael having known her before?
"Are you ready?" Rafael's voice startled her.
Elena quickly tucked her phone away and turned to face him. Her breath caught. Rafael in a tuxedo was an unfair advantage in any negotiation. His dark eyes swept over her red gown appreciatively.
"You look stunning," he said. "Perfect for making Vivian jealous."
"Is that what this is about?" Elena asked carefully. "Making Vivian jealous?"
Rafael's expression closed. "This is about showing the world that the Sinclairs are a united front. Nothing more."
But Elena couldn't forget the text. Ask your husband why he REALLY hates the Carters.
"Rafael," she began, "is there something you're not telling me about your history with the Carters?"
His jaw tightened. "We all have our secrets, Elena. Or should I say, Selena?"
"That's not an answer."
"No, it's not," he agreed, offering his arm. "And tonight isn't the time for this conversation. The car is waiting."
The Carter Foundation Charity Gala was held at the city's most prestigious hotel. As their limousine pulled up, camera flashes exploded around them.
"Smile," Rafael murmured, his hand warm on the small of her back. "You're madly in love with me, remember?"
Elena plastered on her brightest smile as they walked the red carpet. Reporters shouted questions about their whirlwind romance.
"When did you know she was the one, Mr. Sinclair?"
Rafael pulled Elena closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "The moment she challenged me in a business meeting and proved me wrong. I knew then I'd found my match."
The answer surprised Elena. It wasn't what they'd rehearsed.
Inside, the ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and wealthy guests. Elena scanned the crowd, her heart hammering when she spotted them - Vivian, Jade, and Noah, standing together near the stage.
"There they are," she whispered, her nails digging into Rafael's arm.
Rafael covered her hand with his. "Breathe. Remember who you are now."
"Mrs. Sinclair," she said, steadying herself.
"Exactly." His eyes held hers. "Stronger than they ever were. Smarter too."
His confidence in her was like armor. Elena straightened her shoulders and let Rafael lead her through the crowd.
Vivian saw them first. Her perfect smile never faltered, but her eyes hardened.
"Rafael, Elena! How lovely to see the newlyweds."
"Vivian," Rafael nodded coolly. "Jade, Noah. Thank you for the invitation."
Jade Carter hadn't changed - still beautiful, still radiating entitlement. She looked Elena over with barely concealed disdain.
"The mysterious Elena Santos," Jade said. "Or should I say Sinclair now? You appeared out of nowhere and snagged the most eligible bachelor in the city. Impressive."
"Sometimes the right people find each other at the right time," Elena replied smoothly.
Noah Bennett stood awkwardly beside Jade, looking uncomfortable in his tuxedo. This man had once promised to love Selena forever, then helped plot her murder. Looking at him now, Elena felt not hatred but pity. He was weak, a puppet in Vivian's schemes.
"How did you two meet again?" Noah asked, his eyes not quite meeting Elena's.
"A charity auction in Paris," Rafael answered, his arm sliding possessively around Elena's waist. "Elena outbid me for a painting I wanted."
"I couldn't let him win everything," Elena added with a practiced laugh.
Vivian sipped her champagne. "And what did you do before meeting Rafael? Your background seems rather... unclear."
"International investment consulting," Elena replied, using the cover story they'd created. "Nothing as impressive as the Carter Foundation, of course."
"Few things are," Vivian agreed smugly.
Jade leaned forward, her voice dropping. "Mother is being modest. She's built the foundation into what it is today, especially after Selena's unfortunate accident."
Elena's glass nearly slipped from her fingers at hearing her old name spoken so casually. Unfortunate accident. Is that what they called attempted murder now?
Rafael's hand tightened at her waist, grounding her.
"Yes, I read about that tragedy," Elena said, her voice steady despite the rage burning inside her. "Your stepsister, wasn't she?"
"Half-sister, actually," Jade corrected, surprising Elena. "Same father, different mothers. But we were never close."
This was news to Elena. Half-sisters? Her father had always introduced Jade as his stepdaughter.
"Such a shame," Elena continued, watching their faces carefully. "She was so young."
"Yes, well," Vivian sighed dramatically, "Selena was always reckless. The sailing accident was terrible, but not entirely surprising."
Sailing accident? Elena nearly laughed at the audacity of the lie. They'd poisoned her champagne and pushed her off the yacht.
"I heard it was a drowning," Rafael said casually.
Noah suddenly looked ill. "Excuse me," he muttered, heading toward the bar.
Elena watched him go, noting his shaking hands. Guilty conscience, Noah?
"You seem very interested in old family tragedies," Vivian observed, her eyes sharp on Elena's face.
"I'm interested in everything about Rafael's business associates," Elena replied smoothly. "After all, your companies work closely together."
"For now," Jade said with a thin smile. "Though I heard Sinclair Industries has been buying up Carter subsidiaries at an alarming rate."
Rafael merely smiled. "Business is business."
"Indeed," Vivian agreed. "And speaking of business, I should greet the mayor. Elena, perhaps you'd like to join me? I could introduce you to some important people."
It was a test. Elena glanced at Rafael, who gave a barely perceptible nod.
"I'd be delighted," Elena replied.
As they walked away, Vivian's hand closed around Elena's arm like a vise. "You've made quite an impression on Rafael. I've never seen him so... attentive."
"We're in love," Elena said simply.
Vivian laughed softly. "Rafael doesn't fall in love, dear. He makes acquisitions. I wonder what he sees in you - what value you bring."
"Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think," Elena suggested.
Vivian stopped walking, her smile vanishing. "Let me give you some advice, Elena. Whatever game you're playing with Rafael, be careful. He has a particular hatred for the Carter family that goes beyond business."
"Why would that be?" Elena asked, sensing an opening.
Something flashed in Vivian's eyes - caution, perhaps? "Ask your husband about Selena's mother sometime. You might find his answer... enlightening."
Before Elena could respond, Vivian moved away to greet the mayor, leaving Elena frozen in confusion. Selena's mother? What did Vivian mean?
Elena's mother had died in a car accident when she was fourteen. What could that possibly have to do with Rafael?
Across the room, she caught sight of Noah watching her intently. When their eyes met, he quickly looked away.
Elena made her way to the bar, positioning herself near him. "Vodka tonic, please," she told the bartender.
Noah shifted uncomfortably beside her. "Mrs. Sinclair."
"Mr. Bennett," Elena acknowledged. "Enjoying the evening?"
"Not particularly," he admitted, his voice low. "These events remind me of someone."
"Your former fiancée?" Elena asked boldly.
Noah's head snapped up. "How did you—"
"Vivian mentioned it," Elena lied. "Selena Carter, wasn't it?"
Noah drained his drink. "Yes."
"You must have loved her very much," Elena pressed, watching his face.
"I did," Noah said, surprising her with what seemed like genuine regret. "But love isn't always enough, is it?"
"Enough for what?"
Noah's eyes darted nervously around the room. "To stand up to people like Vivian. Or your husband."
Before Elena could question him further, Rafael appeared at her side.
"Making friends, darling?" His voice was pleasant, but his eyes were warning Noah to back off.
"Just getting acquainted," Elena replied.
Noah mumbled an excuse and disappeared into the crowd.
"What did Vivian want?" Rafael asked quietly.
Elena studied his face. "She told me to ask you about my mother."
Rafael's expression froze. "What about your mother?"
"That's exactly what I'm wondering," Elena replied. "What connection could you possibly have to Selena Carter's mother?"
Before Rafael could answer, the lights dimmed and Vivian took the stage to welcome everyone to the gala. As she spoke about the foundation's charitable work, Elena leaned close to Rafael.
"We need to talk," she whispered. "Tonight."
"Not here," he murmured back. "Too many ears."
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of polite conversation and calculated smiles. Elena played her role perfectly, but inside, questions multiplied. What was Rafael hiding? And why did Noah seem so frightened?
As they finally left the gala, Elena spotted a familiar face in the crowd - a waiter who had been watching her all evening. When their eyes met, he nodded slightly, as if confirming something.
In the privacy of their limousine, Elena turned to Rafael. "Who is my mother to you?"
Rafael stared out the window. "It's complicated."
"Uncomplicate it," Elena demanded.
Rafael finally looked at her, his eyes dark with an emotion she couldn't name. "Your mother didn't die in a car accident, Selena."
Elena's world tilted. "What?"
"She was murdered," Rafael said quietly. "By Vivian Carter."
"That's impossible," Elena whispered. "My father said—"
"Your father lied," Rafael cut in. "And I know because..." He paused, seeming to struggle with his next words.
"Because what?" Elena pressed.
"Because your mother was my father's mistress," Rafael finally said. "Which makes you my half-sister's best friend."
Elena stared at him in shock as the pieces started falling into place. The mysterious texts. Rafael's vendetta. It wasn't just business—it was personal.
And it meant their fake marriage was far more complicated than either of them had planned.