Rachelle's POV
The drive to my father's restaurant felt longer than usual. The world outside the car looked the same — morning sun, bustling streets, the smell of fresh bread from the corner bakery — yet nothing felt the same. Everything had changed.
I had changed.
When I stepped inside the restaurant, Dad looked up from behind the counter. The lines around his eyes deepened as soon as he saw me.
"Rachelle?"
His voice was soft, cautious — like he was afraid I'd vanish if he blinked.
I forced a smile, though it trembled. "Hey, Dad."
He walked closer, studying my face — the ring on my finger, the new clothes, the sadness I couldn't hide.
"Why?" he finally asked, voice breaking. "Why, Rachelle? Why would you leave Luis — the man you were about to marry — and walk out with Xavier Stones? You know what people are saying. You know how this looks."
I looked down at my hands, the shame burning through me. I wanted to tell him everything — the contract, the manipulation, the fear — but I couldn't. Not when Xavier's words echoed in my head: Don't test me, Rachelle. I don't forgive.
"Dad…" I began, my voice barely a whisper. "It wasn't what it looked like. Luis and I… we had misunderstandings — deep ones. Xavier helped me when things fell apart. I didn't plan it, it just… happened."
"Helped you?" he repeated, searching my eyes. "With what, exactly?"
I smiled faintly, forcing my tone steady. "My career, Dad. He gave me an opportunity I couldn't refuse. I thought maybe… marrying him would help stabilize things. He's kind in his own way — just… different."
It was a fragile lie — but one that carried enough truth to hold.
Dad sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just hope you know what you're doing, Rachelle. I can't lose you too."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and reached for his hand. "You won't, Dad. I promise."
For a moment, he nodded — believing me, or maybe just wanting to believe me.
And that broke me even more.
---
Later that evening, back at the mansion, I stood before the mirror, adjusting the sapphire-blue gown that shimmered under the golden light. The diamonds around my neck felt heavy, almost suffocating. The makeup artists had done their job perfectly — too perfectly. The woman staring back at me looked confident, untouchable. But inside, I was crumbling.
"Ma'am, Sir is waiting downstairs," a maid said softly.
I nodded, inhaling sharply, and walked toward the grand staircase.
---
Xavier's POV
He looked up the moment he heard her footsteps.
Rachelle descended the staircase like a vision — the soft rustle of her gown echoing through the hall, the chandelier's glow tracing the curve of her face. For the first time, Xavier's chest tightened. She was breathtaking.
For a moment — one foolish, dangerous moment — he forgot why she was there.
He forgot the contract, the revenge, the ghost of Micah that haunted every breath he took.
Then he blinked, forcing the thought away, his expression hardening. She's just a piece of the plan. Nothing more.
"Let's go," he said curtly, offering his arm. She hesitated — just for a heartbeat — before looping hers through his.
---
The ballroom glittered with gold and music. The city's elite gathered under one roof — laughter, champagne, and envy swirling in the air. Cameras flashed.
"Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Stones!" the host announced, and all heads turned.
Rachelle felt her heart race as whispers rippled through the crowd. The new wife of the most powerful man in D.C.
She forced a smile, her arm still linked with Xavier's, her heart pounding behind the calm mask she wore.
Across the room — Luis.
He stood near the bar, his jaw clenched, the glass in his hand nearly shattering. His eyes locked on her like a storm about to break.
The host raised his glass. "A toast — to the newest couple in town!"
Applause echoed. Xavier smirked faintly, raising his glass beside her.
"To new beginnings," he said smoothly, his gaze flickering toward Luis, cold and triumphant.
The crowd chanted, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Rachelle froze. Her pulse quickened. But Xavier, calm as ever, turned to her. His hand cupped her chin gently, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
"Play your role, wifey."
And before she could react, his lips brushed hers — light, deliberate, yet burning like fire.
The crowd erupted in cheers. But across the hall, Luis's glass shattered in his hand, blood mixing with champagne as fury clouded his eyes.
Xavier smiled against her lips, knowing he'd won this round.
Knowing Luis was watching every second.