Chapter 6: My Fake Husband
380 Words
Ava barely slept.
The unfamiliar bedroom was larger than her entire apartment. The king-sized bed, crystal chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows reminded her that she was no longer living her old life.
She was now Mrs. Blackwood.
At least on paper.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood," a maid said with a respectful bow. "Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you in the dining room."
Ava followed the maid downstairs.
The dining table was long enough to seat twenty people.
At one end sat Ethan Blackwood, reading the morning newspaper while sipping black coffee.
He didn't look up.
"You're three minutes late."
Ava frowned.
"I didn't know breakfast had a schedule."
"It does now."
She rolled her eyes and sat opposite him.
The servants placed a luxurious breakfast before them.
Neither of them spoke.
The silence became unbearable.
Finally, Ava broke it.
"So... are we supposed to pretend we're happily married all the time?"
Ethan folded his newspaper.
"Only when someone is watching."
"And when no one is watching?"
"We live separate lives."
Ava nodded.
"That sounds easy enough."
Before Ethan could answer, Sophia rushed into the room, looking alarmed.
"Mr. Blackwood, the reporters are outside again."
Ethan sighed.
"They're persistent."
He stood and walked toward Ava.
"What are you doing?" she asked as he reached for her hand.
"Acting."
He intertwined his fingers with hers.
"From this moment on, whenever we're in public, you're my wife."
The warmth of his hand caught her off guard.
She reminded herself it meant nothing.
It was only part of the contract.
Together, they stepped outside.
The cameras immediately began flashing.
"Mr. Blackwood! When is the wedding ceremony?"
"Mrs. Blackwood, how did you win the billionaire's heart?"
Ethan smiled for the cameras and gently wrapped an arm around Ava's shoulders.
She played along, smiling even though her heart raced.
Hidden among the reporters, a man wearing a black cap lowered his camera.
He wasn't a journalist.
He quietly sent a single photo of Ethan and Ava together.
A message appeared on his phone moments later.
Target confirmed. Proceed with the next phase.
Unaware that someone had already begun plotting against them, Ethan led Ava back inside.
Their fake marriage had just become far more dangerous than either of them expected.
- Writer
