The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of the east wing, dragging Emma from uneasy dreams. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. For a moment, she almost forgot where she was—until the sight of velvet curtains, gilded furniture, and a balcony view of the sprawling estate reminded her.
This isn't home. This is his world.
A sharp knock startled her. Before she could respond, a maid stepped in, bowing slightly. "Madam, the master requests your presence. You are to be prepared immediately. The stylist is waiting."
Emma blinked. "Stylist?"
"Yes. You are accompanying the master to a press conference this afternoon. The Williams family will make an official statement regarding your marriage."
Her stomach flipped. Press conference? Marriage announcement? She wasn't ready for this—not emotionally, not mentally.
But she had no choice.
Hours later, Emma stood before a full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back at her.
Her hair had been swept into an elegant chignon, a few delicate strands framing her face. The stylist had given her a flawless, natural glow with just enough lipstick to accentuate her trembling lips. The dress she wore was a designer piece—an ivory sheath that hugged her figure modestly but tastefully.
She looked… like a CEO's wife.
But inside, her heart raced like a trapped bird.
The door opened, and Alexander stepped in. He was in a perfectly tailored black suit, his sharp features unreadable as his storm-grey eyes swept over her.
For a fleeting second, something flickered in his gaze—approval? Surprise?—before his expression cooled again.
"You'll do," he said flatly.
Emma's lips pressed into a thin line. Of course. Nothing more, nothing less.
The press conference was held in a grand ballroom at one of the Williams Corporation hotels. Reporters swarmed outside, cameras flashing as the limousine pulled up.
Emma's fingers twisted nervously in her lap. Through the tinted glass, she saw the sea of flashing lights, the chaos of paparazzi shouting questions.
Her throat tightened. "I can't… I've never—"
Alexander's hand suddenly covered hers, firm and steady. "Calm down."
She looked at him, startled. His gaze was still cool, but his touch anchored her like a tether in a storm.
"They smell fear," he murmured. "Don't give them anything to use against you. You're Mrs. Williams now. Hold your head high."
Before she could respond, the car door opened.
The cameras went wild.
Alexander stepped out first, tall and commanding, his aura cutting through the chaos like a blade. Then he extended a hand back into the car.
Emma hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her trembling hand in his. His grip tightened around hers—not tender, but unyielding, forcing her to steady herself as he helped her out.
The flashes nearly blinded her. Reporters shouted questions—
"Mr. Williams, is it true you married in secret?"
"Who is she? What's her background?"
"Was this an arranged marriage?"
Emma's knees threatened to buckle, but Alexander didn't falter. His hand on hers was iron as he led her inside, ignoring the barrage. His silence was its own kind of dominance.
Inside the ballroom, journalists filled every seat, microphones and cameras pointed toward the stage where a podium awaited. The Williams Corporation logo gleamed on the backdrop.
Emma sat beside Alexander at the long table on stage. She felt every eye on her, every whisper cutting through the air.
Finally, Alexander rose and adjusted the microphone. The room instantly fell silent.
"Good afternoon," his deep voice carried, smooth and commanding. "I know there have been rumors circulating regarding my personal life. Today, I will make this clear once and for all."
He extended a hand toward Emma, and though her pulse spiked, she placed her hand in his.
"This is my wife, Emma Williams. As of last week, we are legally married."
Gasps rippled through the room. Cameras clicked furiously.
Emma tried to force a smile, her cheeks stiff. She could feel the skepticism in the air—the disbelief, the judgment.
A reporter raised a hand. "Mr. Williams, why the secrecy? Why marry without a public announcement until now?"
Alexander's expression didn't waver. "Because my personal life is not a spectacle. And it will remain that way. But out of respect, I am making this statement today. Further questions about my wife will not be tolerated."
Emma's chest tightened. He was cold, yes, but his words… they were also protective. He wasn't offering explanations, but drawing a line the media wouldn't dare cross.
Still, not everyone was satisfied.
Another reporter stood. "Mr. Williams, some say your sudden marriage is suspicious. Was there pressure from the board? Or perhaps…" the woman's eyes flicked to Emma, sharp and cutting, "…a scandal to cover up?"
Emma froze.
But Alexander's eyes narrowed dangerously, and his voice dropped a degree colder. "Careful."
The warning was soft, but the weight behind it silenced the room instantly.
The conference ended quickly after that. Alexander led Emma out once more, shielding her from the press with his towering presence.
In the limo, Emma exhaled shakily, sinking into the seat. "I thought I was going to faint…"
"You didn't," he said simply, eyes fixed out the window.
She studied him, her voice quiet. "Why… why did you defend me back there?"
His jaw flexed, but he didn't look at her. "Because you're my wife. At least in name. And no one disrespects a Williams."
Her heart fluttered against her will. She turned away quickly, staring at her hands. Don't fall for him, Emma. Don't you dare.
But the storm wasn't over.
As they entered the mansion later that night, Emma froze at the sight waiting in the grand hall.
A tall, elegant woman stood there, draped in designer silk, her red lips curved into a venomous smile. Her long legs crossed as she leaned casually against the marble pillar, like she owned the place.
"Welcome home, darling," the woman purred, her gaze sliding to Emma with icy disdain. "So this is the little wife you've picked up?"
Emma's stomach dropped.
Alexander's voice was clipped, his tone like frost. "Rachel. What are you doing here?"
Rachel's smile widened, though her eyes glittered with malice. "Oh, come now, Alex. Did you think you could marry someone in secret and I wouldn't find out? After everything between us?"
Her gaze sharpened on Emma, raking her from head to toe. "She doesn't even look like she belongs in your world. Tell me—was she just the cheapest option available?"
Emma's chest burned, her fists tightening at her sides. But before she could speak, Alexander's arm moved—sliding around her waist, pulling her firmly against him.
His voice was ice. "Careful, Rachel. Speak that way about my wife again, and you'll regret it."
Emma's breath hitched. The word "wife" rolled off his tongue with dangerous finality, leaving Rachel momentarily stunned.
But the glint in Rachel's eyes promised one thing—this was only the beginning.