The press conference felt more like a coronation than a corporate announcement. Flashing cameras, murmured speculation, and rows of neatly dressed journalists sat like vultures in the gold-trimmed conference room of Aldridge Tower. The room practically gleamed, every surface polished to perfection—just like the story they wanted to tell.
And I was the lead actress in their fairy tale.
I stood beside Blake with my arms folded tightly across my waist, every fiber of my posture measured. Composed. Controlled. My blouse was white silk, tucked into a fitted navy skirt. The colors of unity, they said. Blue for Aldridge, white for Cater.
No one asked what I wanted to wear.
Blake stood a few inches away, tall and impossible to ignore in his crisp tailored suit. The cameras loved him. Strong jaw, smooth voice, the effortless poise of someone used to being the center of gravity. He looked like he belonged here.
I looked like I wanted to escape.
The press flashed questions, the PR manager deflecting with calm reassurances.
"Yes, the merger will streamline innovation between our two family companies."
"No, there was no coercion."
"Yes, Celine Cater and Blake Aldridge are fully aligned in their professional and personal commitment."
That last part made my stomach twist.
Blake leaned in slightly. "You okay?"
I didn't look at him. "Don't pretend to care."
He didn't respond. Just straightened and smiled for the cameras.
The moderator tapped the mic, and a hush fell.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this monumental event. We are gathered here today to formally announce the merger between Cater Innovations and Aldridge Global—two legacy empires entering a new era together. And along with this union comes a personal alliance."
He looked toward us, expectant.
Blake stepped forward. "As many of you already know, Celine and I are engaged. This merger is not just a strategic partnership—it is a symbol of our families' shared vision."
I forced my smile. Perfectly measured. Empty.
Cameras clicked. Lights flashed. I wanted to run.
Then, without warning, Blake turned to me. A small velvet box appeared in his hand. The room stilled.
I froze.
This wasn't in the script.
He opened it slowly, revealing a ring that glittered under the lights. A platinum band with a center stone so clear it might've stolen light from the sun. Custom. Extravagant. Calculated.
He took a breath and, for once, looked less like a CEO and more like a man walking into fire.
"Celine Cater," he said, voice steady but lower than before, "I know this wasn't either of our first choice. But since the world insists on watching, let them see two people who will make this work on our terms. Together."
I blinked.
He offered the ring.
I stared at it. At him. My mind raced with everything I should say. With the resentment still curled around my ribs.
But my hand moved on its own. Controlled. Professional.
I let him slip it onto my finger.
The room erupted into applause.
My smile didn't reach my eyes.
---
Back in the car, silence reigned.
The ring felt heavy on my hand, like a symbol of everything I hadn't chosen. The velvet box now sat in my lap, closed, but it may as well have been a branding iron.
"You should've warned me," I said flatly.
Blake didn't turn from the window. "I wanted it to look real."
"It is real. Just not in the way they think."
He turned then. His eyes met mine, unreadable. "They think what we let them think. That's the job now."
I clenched my jaw. "You really are good at playing the part."
"So are you."
We stared at each other for a breath too long.
He finally looked away.
I opened the box again and studied the ring. It was stunning. Perfect, really.
Too perfect.
"You picked it yourself?"
He nodded. "Weeks ago. Before the board finalized the terms."
I raised an eyebrow. "How thoughtful."
"I knew we'd have to do this. I figured you might appreciate something... deliberate."
It was deliberate, alright. A message wrapped in diamonds.
We pulled into the roundabout at my building, and I reached for the door.
"Celine."
I paused.
"This doesn't have to be war."
I turned to him slowly. "It already is. You just prefer to fight with flowers and rings instead of swords."
He said nothing. Only watched me go.
The cameras caught us again on the steps. I gave them a wave, a smile, and just the right tilt of the ring.
The perfect bride-to-be.
Even if inside, I was still setting fires.