đ Chapter Three: The Charity Gala
Emma adjusted the shimmering black gown that hugged her figure as she stared at her reflection in the ornate mirror of the penthouse. The room buzzed with muffled voices from the staff preparing downstairs, but Emma's mind was elsewhere. Tonight wasn't just another eventâit was her first real test as Alexander Wolfe's wife in public.
The invitation was clear: attend the gala, smile for the cameras, make polite conversation, and above all, don't cause a scene.
She barely recognized herselfâthe woman poised, radiant, and polished. The girl who'd signed the contract a week ago was still somewhere beneath the surface, buried under layers of silk and glitter.
The limousine glided through the city streets, arriving at the glittering ballroom of the Metropolitan Grand Hotel. The air inside was thick with expensive perfume, laughter, and whispered negotiations.
Alexander was already there when Emma entered, surrounded by business associates and board members. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharpâalways watching, always calculating.
He stepped forward as cameras swarmed, offering Emma his arm. Together, they faced the flashing bulbs, the murmurs, and the questions.
"Mrs. Wolfe, you look stunning tonight," a reporter said, voice dripping with curiosity. "How do you feel stepping into such a public role?"
Emma smiled, steady and composed. "It's an honor. I hope to contribute to the causes Mr. Wolfe supports."
Alexander's lips twitched in something close to a smile, then he murmured, "Stay close. Follow my lead."
Throughout the evening, Emma moved through the crowd, shaking hands, accepting compliments, and listening to stories she barely understood. It was exhausting, but beneath her practiced smiles, her mind raced.
She caught glimpses of Alexander's softer sideâhow he paused to speak kindly to the gala's charity director, or the brief smile he gave a child receiving aid. But the cold steel never left his gaze when business was discussed.
Later, alone for a moment in the garden, Emma's phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:
"Be careful. Not everyone here wants you to succeed."
Her heart skipped. She glanced around but saw only shadows.
Alexander's voice came from behind.
"You've already made enemies," he said quietly.
Emma met his gaze, unafraid. "Good. That means I'm doing something right."
He studied her, eyes narrowing just slightly. "Just rememberâthis world doesn't forgive mistakes."
She nodded. "Neither do I."
As the night deepened, Emma realized this contract marriage was more than a public act. It was a battlefieldâand she was determined to win.