Natalie's POV
Stop fidgeting.
Adrian's hand settled on my lower back as we stepped out of the car. Camera flashes exploded like lightning.
I'm not fidgeting, I lied, my hands trembling.
You're terrified. I can feel it. His voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear. Remember what we agreed. Tonight, we're madly in love. Can you do that?
The Blackwell Foundation Charity Ball. Five hundred of New York's wealthiest elite. Our first major public appearance since Eleanor's ultimatum.
We had three weeks left to prove our marriage was real.
I can do it, I said.
Then smile like you love me.
I turned to him, forced my lips to curve upward. His hand tightened on my back—possessive, gentle, protective.
The cameras went crazy.
Mr. Blackwell! Over here!
Mrs. Blackwell! How does it feel to be married?
Is it true you've only known each other a month?
Adrian pulled me closer, his body shielding me from the aggressive photographers. My wife and I are very happy. Now if you'll excuse us.
We walked into the hotel ballroom. Crystal chandeliers, designer gowns, enough diamonds to buy a small country. This was Adrian's world.
And I was supposed to belong here now.
Eleanor stood near the entrance, watching us like a hawk. Her eyes tracked every movement, every touch, looking for cracks in our performance.
Showtime, Adrian murmured.
He leaned down and kissed my cheek—soft, lingering, intimate. To anyone watching, it looked like a loving husband greeting his wife.
But his lips near my ear whispered: She's watching. Make it convincing.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, rising on my toes to whisper back: How's this for convincing?
Then I kissed him.
Not a gentle peck. A real kiss. The kind married people who loved each other would share.
Adrian froze for half a second. Then his arms came around me, pulling me closer, and he kissed me back.
When we broke apart, his eyes were dark and confused.
That was... he started.
Convincing? I finished, my heart racing.
Very.
Eleanor's expression was unreadable as she approached. Adrian. Natalie. How lovely to see such... enthusiasm.
Grandmother. Adrian's arm stayed around my waist. Beautiful event as always.
Yes. Though I notice you're both very good at playing your parts. Her smile was razor-sharp. One might almost believe you actually care for each other.
We do care, I said firmly.
We'll see. Eleanor's eyes glittered. The real test isn't public displays. It's what happens when no one's watching.
She glided away, leaving a chill in her wake.
She's testing us, Adrian said quietly.
I know.
Victoria materialized beside us, fake smile in place. Adrian, darling. I'd like to introduce your... wife to some family friends.
The way she said wife made it sound like a disease.
For the next hour, Victoria paraded me around like a circus act. This is Adrian's wife—yes, the sudden marriage, no, we hadn't met her before either, isn't it all very surprising?
Every introduction was designed to humiliate me.
Adrian stayed close, his hand never leaving my back. When someone asked invasive questions, he deflected smoothly. When Victoria's commentary became too pointed, he cut her off with icy politeness.
He was protecting me.
And it felt dangerously real.
Finally, the dancing started. Adrian held out his hand.
Dance with me.
It wasn't a question.
On the dance floor, he pulled me close. One hand on my waist, the other holding mine. We moved together to the slow music.
You're good at this, I said softly.
So are you.
I used to watch my parents dance in their restaurant. After closing, when they thought no one was looking. They'd put on old music and just... be together.
That sounds nice.
It was. They were poor but happy. The opposite of your family.
Adrian's jaw tightened. My family doesn't believe in happiness. Only power.
What do you believe in?
He looked down at me, something vulnerable in his eyes. I don't know anymore. I used to think control was everything. Maintain distance, avoid feelings, protect myself. His voice dropped. But lately, I'm not sure that's enough.
What changed?
You did.
The honesty in his voice stole my breath.
We danced in silence, his arms around me, my head against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, fast, unsteady, matching mine.
This didn't feel like pretending anymore.
Adrian
I know. His arms tightened. I know this is supposed to be fake. But right now, with you in my arms, it doesn't feel fake at all.
The music ended. We stood there, wrapped around each other, the ballroom full of people watching.
Marcus appeared beside us, grinning. Mind if I cut in, brother?
Adrian's entire body tensed. Actually, yes
It's just one dance. Marcus already had his hand out to me. Let me get to know my new sister-in-law.
Adrian's jaw clenched, but he couldn't refuse without causing a scene.
I took Marcus's hand, and Adrian let me go, reluctantly.
Marcus pulled me into a dance hold, smiling that charming smile that didn't reach his eyes.
So, Natalie. How much is my brother paying you?
I stumbled. What?
Come on. We both know this marriage is fake. The question is: what's your price?
I don't know what you're talking about.
No? He leaned closer. I have contacts too. I know about your debts. About the restaurant. About Lily feeding information to our grandmother. His voice turned cold. I know everything, Natalie. And soon, everyone else will too.
My blood ran cold. You're bluffing.
Am I? Check your phone after this dance. I sent you something interesting.
The music ended. Marcus stepped back, that fake smile returning.
Lovely dancing with you, sister-in-law. Let's do this again soon.
He walked away.
I stood frozen on the dance floor, heart pounding.
Adrian appeared beside me immediately. What did he say?
He knows. About the contract. About everything. My voice shook. Adrian, he's going to expose us.
Not here. Come on.
He led me out to a private terrace. The moment we were alone, I pulled out my phone.
One new message from Marcus.
I opened it with trembling hands.
It was a video. Security footage from Daniel's office the day we signed the contract. Crystal clear audio of Adrian explaining the arrangement: One year. Two million dollars. Then divorce.
And at the bottom: Enjoy the party. This goes to the press tomorrow unless you both do exactly what I say. – M
I showed Adrian. His face went white.
He's been planning this, Adrian said quietly. Waiting for the perfect moment to destroy me.
What does he want?
Another text arrived.
What I want is simple: You resign as CEO. Give me the company. And your wife disappears—permanently. You have 24 hours to decide. Choose wisely, brother. – M
I looked at Adrian, seeing the devastation in his eyes.
Everything he'd worked for. Everything he'd sacrificed. His entire life.
Marcus was taking it all.
And the price was me.