The ballroom buzzed with low murmurs, and you could hear the soft clinking of crystal champagne glasses all around. It wasn't my first time at a gathering like this—these elite events were practically ingrained in my DNA.
I recognised a few people, exchanged polite smiles, and nodded at acquaintances who were either too curious or too wary to outright question my presence.
Sophia, of course, was at my side, practically vibrating with excitement. "You look like a damn goddess," she whispered, nudging me playfully. "If Aiden doesn't combust on sight, he's not human."
I laughed lightly, adjusting the deep crimson gown that Aiden had sent. "If he isn't, then what will he be?" I asked, turning to smile at another patron I recognised.
"I swear, if one more rich old man looks at me like I'm an appetiser, I'm throwing this drink at them."
I smirked. "Please don't. We don't want to get kicked out before the real show starts."
"As if your dear husband would ever let that happen." She wiggled her brows. "Speaking of which, where is the Devil Himself?"
As if on cue, a familiar, intoxicating scent surrounded me. A firm hand pressed against the small of my back, and I knew—without even turning—who it was.
"Jasmine," Aiden's deep voice sent a shiver down my spine.
I exhaled slowly before turning to face him. And damn.
Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo that fit him like a glove, Aiden had an undeniable presence that made people take notice. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his deep-set eyes seemed to hold my gaze, keeping me right where I was.
His gaze swept over me slowly, in approval. "You look stunning," he murmured, voice low enough for only me to hear.
I swallowed. "I know. And you know exactly what I'd be wearing, so…" I trailed off.
A ghost of a smirk played on his lips. "Modest as ever. Still, I'm impressed."
Sophia elbowed me lightly before clearing her throat dramatically and grinning at Aiden. "Alright, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Infuriating, I'd have introduced myself, but I assume you already know everything about me."
His lips twitched in amusement as he turned to her. "Sophia, best friend, lawyer, partner-in-crime." He nodded. "It's a pleasure."
Sophia hummed. "Flattery will get you nowhere, but I'll allow it."
Aiden chuckled before turning his attention back to me. His hand slid to my wrist, fingers wrapping gently but firmly. "Are you ready?"
Was I? No. Not even remotely.
But I nodded anyway.
Satisfied, Aiden led me forward. We stopped just as he took the stage, his presence commanding the entire room's attention instantly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," his smooth, controlled voice echoed through the large ballroom. "Thank you all for joining us tonight."
Polite applause rippled through the room.
Aiden's sharp gaze scanned the crowd before settling on me. "Tonight, we celebrate not just business and alliances, but something far more important." He paused, letting the anticipation build. "Love."
I froze.
What?
Aiden reached out a hand. "Jasmine darling, join me."
Oh, hell.
Every single eye in the ballroom was now pinned on me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and began walking towards the stage.
Aiden continued smoothly, "In all the chaos that life throws at us, love has a way of finding us in the most unexpected moments. And in one of those moments…" He turned toward me and extended his hand, helping me up. "I found my wife."
The room broke into gasps and excited whispers.
Oh, hell no.
I swallowed thickly and forced a neutral expression as I walked up to him, slipping my hand into his. He brought it up to his lips, pressing the faintest kiss to my knuckles.
It was just for show.
It was just for show.
Right?
The next thing I knew, Aiden was sliding a ring onto my finger—an emerald stone, dazzling under the chandelier lights… the same one he showed me in his office.
Before I could process it, he tilted my chin up, leaned in—
And kissed me.
In front of everyone.
For a split second, I didn't move.
I felt the warmth of his lips, the firm yet deliberate pressure, the way his free hand rested lightly against my waist. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't overly dramatic.
But it was enough to make my breath hitch.
Enough to make my heart stupidly skip a beat.
And then it was over.
The room erupted into applause.
Aiden pulled back just slightly, his lips barely an inch from mine. His voice was low, only for me. "Believable enough?"
I swallowed hard, my heart going into a full sprint.
I barely remembered the next few minutes, only that we wove through the crowd, exchanging congratulations, shaking hands, smiling at those who suddenly acted as if we were the royal couple of the century.
It wasn't until Aiden finally led me to a quiet corner, away from the suffocating stares, that I found my voice again.
And promptly slapped him.
His head barely turned, but his expression shifted into mild amusement as he rubbed his jaw. "What was that for?"
I glared. "You know exactly what."
Aiden cocked a brow. "The speech?"
"The kiss."
He smirked. "Ah. That."
I crossed my arms. "We agreed—no intimacy."
"Is a kiss intimate?" he mused, tilting his head. "I was simply making it believable."
I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, right, because kissing your 'business wife' in front of a room full of people was completely necessary?"
"Yes," he said smoothly. "It solidifies the illusion."
I scoffed. "Illusion, my ass."
Aiden chuckled, clearly entertained by my frustration. "Would you rather I had kissed you in private?"
I opened my mouth—then closed it, scowling.
Damn him.
"Just… warn me next time," I muttered.
"No fun in that."
"Ugh. You are infuriating."
"And yet, you married me."
I opened my mouth to argue—
Then, someone cleared their throat.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stood nearby, arms crossed with an amused smirk. His dark auburn hair was neatly styled, and sharp blue eyes flickered between us with something between curiosity and exasperation.
"Kieran," Aiden greeted, unbothered. "Perfect timing."
"Yeah, I figured I should save you before she tries to kill you," Kieran replied smoothly.
Aiden smirked. "Jasmine, meet Kieran Hawthorne. My… right hand man, Vice CEO and a pain in the ass."
Kieran offered me a polite nod. "It's a pleasure, Luna."
Luna?
Aiden shot him a warning look, which I caught.
Kieran just grinned. "The Minister wanted a word, but I'll let him know you're occupied for now. Let me leave you two to continue your little lovers' quarrel. Try not to get a divorce before the night's over, yeah?"
And then he walked off, whistling.
I exhaled. "He's… interesting."
Aiden chuckled. "You'll get used to him. Anyways, I should go attend to that. I'll be back."
I nodded, rubbing my temples as I watched him walk away.
I just had to keep playing my part.
That's what I told myself.
I decided to stay on the balcony for some air, but suddenly, I felt a hand wrap around my wrist.
I turned sharply.
Alex.
His grip was tight, his expression darker than I'd ever seen. "What's the meaning of all this bullshit, Jasmine."
I yanked my arm back. "It is what it is, Alex."
His jaw clenched. "You were mine… You are mine."
I rolled my eyes. "Let go, Alex."
His fingers tightened instead. "You think Aiden Frost is actually going to keep you? This marriage won't last a month."
I rolled my eyes. "Walk away, Alex."
But his grip only tightened. His mask cracked—anger spilling through the cracks. "Your father promised you to me," he spat.
Something inside me snapped.
"I am not a contract," I hissed. "And I was never yours."
Alex's face twisted. And then—
He shoved me back, forcing me against the balcony railing.
My breath hitched. And before I could react, a low, dangerous growl filled the air.
There was a blur of movement, and suddenly, Alex was gone—slammed against a stone pillar with brute force. Aiden's hand fisted in his collar; his grip was tight enough to choke.
"Touch her again," Aiden growled, eyes glowing dangerously, "and you lose a hand."