The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers, the air thick with perfume, champagne, and gossip. Elena stood beside Adrian, her satin gown hugging her frame like a second skin. Every camera in the room seemed to point at them, flashing relentlessly.
Adrian's hand rested on the small of her back, warm to anyone watching, but she could feel the subtle pressure guiding her every step. He was playing the role of the devoted husband, and she, the perfect bride.
They moved from group to group, greeting politicians, CEOs, and women with diamond necklaces worth more than her entire apartment building. Elena's cheeks hurt from smiling, her mind still swirling from the paparazzi frenzy days ago. The whispers hadn't stopped since.
A socialite leaned in, giggling. "Mr. Kane, you two are just… perfect together. The scandal really boosted your love story in the media."
Adrian's lips curled into a flawless smile. "The media loves a good romance," he said, his voice smooth, hiding the blade beneath.
They posed for another photo, Adrian's arm sliding around her waist as though she belonged to him. His touch was possessive, almost claiming.
Then, as the cameras clicked, he leaned in, close enough that only she could hear and brushed his lips against her cheek. The world saw a tender gesture.
But his whisper was a dagger:"Smile… or I'll give them something real to talk about."