"Is that your wife, or a goddess in disguise?"
The voice came from across the ballroom, loud enough for Kylie to hear as she stepped into the grand hall beside Cole. She wore a fitted black gown that shimmered with tiny crystals under the chandelier light, her dark hair swept up into a sleek knot. Her heels clicked softly against the marble, but every eye was already on her. On them.
Cole didn't respond to the comment. Instead, he extended his hand and guided her in, calm as always, his expression unreadable. But the strength in his grip said everything.
"Remember," he whispered under his breath as they descended the main stairs, "tonight we're not just married. We're invincible."
Kylie gave a small, practiced smile. "Then let's give them something to talk about."
The Pioneer Corp Annual Investors Gala was no small affair. It was the event of the season, hosted in the grand ballroom of the Clarence Regency Hotel. The room was filled with crystal chandeliers, golden table settings, top CEOs, political figures, investors, and whispering elites. It was crawling with cameras, socialites, and power hungry executives in designer suits. Tonight would be their first official appearance as Mr. and Mrs. Walter since the interview dropped.
As they entered, all heads turned. The ballroom's murmur dimmed. People watched them like they were a rare performance act.
Cole leaned closer. "We're already winning."
But Kylie wasn't so sure. Because across the room, standing under a golden archway, she saw him.
Sebastian Carter.
Her ex-fiancé. The man who stole her legacy, manipulated her father into rewriting the will, caused her downfall and orchestrated the media smear that painted her as mentally unstable.
He looked the same. Dark suit. Slicked hair. Smile like a razor.
"Of course he's here," she muttered.
Cole followed her gaze, his jaw tightening. "Let him watch."
"He's going to try something."
"Then let him. We're always two steps ahead."
Kylie hated how steady Cole was. But tonight, she was grateful. Her hands might tremble on the inside, but standing next to him made her feel strong.
The evening unfolded like a play.
First came the introductions Cole was moving through the crowd like a practiced politician. Kylie stayed close, smiling gracefully, shaking hands with board members, being introduced to senators and executives.
She was dazzling. Even the doubters those who had once called her unstable and unfit couldn't take their eyes away from her.
"You're playing the game well," Cole murmured as they paused at the bar.
"I'm not playing," Kylie said softly. "I'm remembering what it feels like to stand where I belong."
He looked at her for a long moment. Something in his expression shifted.
"Good. Because Sebastian isn't the only one watching."
They turned, and there he was.
Sebastian Carter.
He sauntered toward them with a champagne glass in hand and a smug, well practiced smile. "Well, well," he said smoothly. "The bride and groom. Aren't you two the image of ambition?"
Kylie lifted her chin. "Sebastian. Still lurking around corporate parties like you own the place?"
"Only the parts you lost."
Cole stepped forward slightly. "Do you have something to say, Carter, or are you just here to sniff around for weaknesses?"
Sebastian's smirk widened. "Touchy. I was just offering my congratulations. It's not every day one marries a man for power and not get eaten alive."
Kylie gave him a slow smile. "And yet, here I stand. Alive, married, and about to take back what's mine. Isn't fate funny?"
"Fate has a sense of humor," Sebastian replied. "So does the board. Let's see how long they tolerate your theatrics."
"This isn't a show," Cole said, voice like ice. "This is war. And in war, the ones who underestimate their enemies tend to disappear."
Sebastian's smirk faltered. "We'll see."
"Yes," Kylie said, stepping closer, her voice low and sweet. "We will."
The rest of the night passed in waves.
There were speeches. Toasts. An award ceremony Cole presented, and Kylie stood beside him like a queen. They were photographed dozens of times. Onlookers whispered.
"They look good together."
"She's stronger than we thought."
"That man is dangerous."
In the shadows, Sebastian Carter watched with growing tension.
Later, during a slow waltz, Kylie finally said what had been brewing all night.
"Was any of that real? The way you defended me?"
Cole's arm tightened around her waist slightly as they danced. "I said I'd protect you. I meant it."
She looked up at him. "Even when it's not in the contract?"
He didn't answer immediately. The music swelled between them. His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.
"Let's win first. Then we'll see what's left."
Her heart dipped in disappointment, even though she'd expected the answer.
After the gala, they returned to the penthouse.
Kylie immediately stepped out of her heels, sighing as she walked barefoot across the marble floor.
"I forgot how exhausting pretending can be," she muttered.
Cole pulled off his jacket and loosened his tie. "We weren't pretending. We were positioning."
She turned toward him. "You didn't have to go so hard on Sebastian."
"He was provoking you."
"I can handle him."
"I know," he said. "But you don't have to fight alone anymore."
Kylie froze. Something about the softness in his voice took her off guard.
"You mean that?"
"Yes."
A beat of silence.
"You know," she said softly, "for a man who doesn't believe in love, you're dangerously good at acting like a husband."
He stepped closer. "And you're dangerously good at making me forget it's all pretend."
Their eyes met. The air between them was different tonight heavier. Charged.
Cole brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. Slowly. Deliberately.
"Kylie," he said, voice low, "do you want this to stay fake? Or are you starting to wonder too?"
She opened her mouth. But the words tangled in her throat.
Instead of answering, she stepped back.
"I should get some rest," she said quickly. "Tomorrow's a big day."
He didn't press. Just nodded once.
But after she disappeared into her room, Cole stood alone for a long time in the empty living room, staring out into the night.
Whatever line had been between them was starting to blur.