as surprisingly comfortable, but the grand bed, still empty, loomed large in the expansive room. I checked my phone

im using. A quick scroll through his social media revealed a stark landscape of business news, financial updates, and the occasional perfectly curat

ghtly blurry photo from last night's reception – one where we stood side-by-side, me smiling, him looking stoic, but undeniably with me.

er. This is purely business. I reaffirmed my resolve. H

g back to my sofa-bed. I was still Ellie W

must have just finished a workout. His broad shoulders filled the doorway, his muscles defined beneath the fabric. He was an impressive physical spec

. He was already alert, radiating a quiet intensity. He looked

ublic consumption. To solidify our 'united front.' I hope tha

mile. "Efficient. Good. Get dressed. We're having breakfast out." H

ady analyzing his motives. Breakfast out. Public. A calculated move to counter the

et watch. Nothing flashy, nothing that would draw undue attention, yet perfectly suited for my new status as Mrs. Becker. I looked

He looked every inch the powerful magnate, his presence commanding. He glanced at my outfit, a flicke

able, Arjun's hand subtly found the small of my back, a proprietorial gesture that was both unexpecte

, stripped of any affection, but undeniably effective. He wasn't doing this for me, or for us.

n as an asset, not a burden. To be respected for my mind, not for my beauty or my vulnerability. I would use his resources

g the initial merger proposals. While the financial projections are sound, I believe there's a significant unta

lips. His dark eyes met mine, a flicke

agine a truly intuitive system, something beyond what's currently available. The market for premium smart home technology is exploding. We could position ourselves as t

d an intense focus. When I finished, the silence stretched, punc

id, a hint of something that might

I replied, me

trategy is too narrow. I'll give you a week. Develop a comprehensive business plan for this new division. Show me

was it. My chance. "

s coffee. A faint smile touched his lips,

e approached our table. "Arjun, my dear fellow! And

on my back again, a subtle but firm gesture. "Ellie, this

ur charade. I smiled, extended my hand gracefully, and played the part of the devoted, charming wife, engaging in polite co

But then, it was quickly overshadowed by a fierce determination. This wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about provin

lf. She thinks she's won. But I

atching us drive away. Her eyes, narrowed slightly, were fixed on our retreating ca

o a demanding one. I had to continue proving myself, day in a

kept replaying the morning. Arjun' s unexpected pride, Essie' s watchful g

in hues of orange and purple. The day had been productive, exhil

atching the sunset, a half-empty glass of wine in her hand. Her face was pal

snarled, his charm completely gone. "The way you carried on at the wedding, then at breakfast, drawing all that attention! Do you have any idea how much damage that does to my reputa

was low, menacing. The man who had charmed me, betrayed me, and was now manipulating my cousin, was showing his true colors behind closed do