The ivory silk of my wedding gown whispered against the marble floor as I walked down the aisle, but to me, the sound was more like a shroud wrapping around a coffin. My coffin.
Every eye in the cathedral was on me pitying, judging, gossiping. I could hear the whispers even over the soft notes of the organ.
"Poor thing…"
"She's marrying him? After everything?"
"Guess her family really is in trouble."
My fingers tightened around the bouquet of white roses until thorns bit into my palm. My father's company was drowning in debt; my mother was bedridden from the stress. The only lifeline thrown to us came with a steel chain and his name was Adrian Kane.
The man who had ruined my life once before.
Adrian stood at the altar, tall and immaculate in a black tailored suit. His expression was carved from ice, as if the vows about to bind us for life were a mere business deal, and to him, they were.
Our gazes locked for the briefest moment, and I felt my chest tighten, not from love, but from the memory of the last time we had stood face-to-face. Three years ago. The night he accused me of betraying him and made sure I paid for it.
I tore my eyes away before the memories could choke me.
My father waited at the end of the aisle, his proud smile not quite hiding the guilt in his eyes. He handed me over to Adrian with a quick pat on my hand. "Be strong, Lily," he murmured. I almost laughed. Strength was all I had left.
The priest began speaking, words of faith and love that rang hollow in my ears. My attention stayed fixed on the man in front of me my soon-to-be husband, my enemy.
"Do you, Lily Everett, take Adrian Kane to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth. "I do."
His turn came. He didn't hesitate. "I do." The words sounded like a contract being signed.
The rings were exchanged, cool metal sliding over my finger, sealing the deal. It was done. I was now Mrs. Adrian Kane—by name, never by heart.
The kiss was a mere brush of lips, mechanical and cold. Flashbulbs went off as the press captured the moment, turning my humiliation into tomorrow's headline.
As the ceremony ended, Adrian leaned down, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
"Don't think this ring changes anything between us," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "You're still the same woman who stabbed me in the back, and I will never forget it."
My nails dug into my palm. Stabbed him in the back? He had no idea how wrong he was. But this was not the place to defend myself not with cameras watching our every move.
We walked down the aisle together, smiling for the audience, our bodies close but hearts galaxies apart. Outside, the limo waited, sleek and black, a perfect metaphor for this marriage beautiful on the outside, suffocating within.
Inside the car, the silence was thick enough to strangle. I kept my gaze on the passing city, ignoring the way his presence filled every inch of space.
"You're quiet," he said finally, his tone dripping with mockery. "Not like the Lily I remember. Didn't you have more fight in you before?"
I turned to him, forcing a polite smile. "I'm just saving my energy. We have a lifetime to spar, don't we?"
His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Don't worry. I intend to enjoy every second of it."
The rest of the ride was silent, but not peaceful more like the eye of a storm.
The penthouse he brought me to was nothing short of breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, polished marble floors, and a modern elegance that screamed power and wealth. It should have felt like a dream home. Instead, it felt like a gilded cage.
"You'll stay in the guest room," he said, walking toward the bar and pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "This marriage is a public arrangement. In private, we live separate lives."
"Fine by me," I replied, dropping my bouquet on the nearest table. The flowers looked as out of place as I felt.
He sipped his drink, studying me over the rim of his glass. "Remember, Lily every move you make, every word you say in public, reflects on me. You will smile, you will play the loving wife, and you will not embarrass me."
I crossed my arms. "And what do I get in return?"
His eyes darkened. "Your family's company stays afloat. And maybe… if you're good, I won't make your life harder than it already is."
I took a step closer, meeting his gaze without flinching. "You don't scare me, Adrian."
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes amusement? Interest? It was gone before I could be sure.
He set his glass down. "We'll see about that."
Hours later, after changing into a satin nightgown and retreating to the guest room, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. The city lights spilled through the window, casting patterns on the walls. My mind replayed his words, his accusations, the cold certainty in his voice when he called me a betrayer.
He didn't know the truth. And if I had my way, he never would.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door opened, and Adrian stepped inside, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, his expression unreadable.
"We have an event tomorrow," he said. "A charity gala. Be ready by seven. And wear something that says you belong on my arm."
I sat up. "Why? I thought we were keeping this private."
His lips curved, but it wasn't a smile. "Oh, Lily. We're going to show the world what a perfect couple we are. And you're going to love every minute of it."
I narrowed my eyes. "And if I don't?"
He stepped closer, until his shadow fell over me. "Then I'll make sure you do."
Our eyes locked, the tension between us a dangerous mix of anger and something else I didn't want to name.
And for the first time since I said "I do," I realized just how dangerous this marriage could be.
Cliffhanger: The game between us had begun and I wasn't sure who would win