Chapter Three: Into the Lion’s Den
1012 Words
Alina’s first official appearance with Damien was at a charity gala hosted by one of New York’s most prestigious foundations. She stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror, feeling like an imposter. The red gown Lexa had chosen clung to her in all the wrong ways, but the makeup artist had done miracles with her eyes—making them look softer, less wary.
“Look at you,” Lexa said, adjusting the necklace around Alina’s neck. “From waitress to billionaire’s bride overnight. This city won’t know what hit it.”
Alina forced a smile. “I just hope I don’t trip on stage.”
Lexa laughed. “Try not to freeze or say something stupid. I’ll be right there.”
As the car rolled through the glimmering streets, Alina’s stomach churned. The flashing cameras outside the grand venue confirmed what Lexa had said—the media frenzy was real. Reporters whispered, snapping photos as Damien and Alina stepped out, his hand resting possessively on her lower back.
She felt the weight of every gaze. Whispers of scandal, suspicion, and gossip swirled around them like a storm.
Inside, the grand ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and elegantly dressed guests. Damien’s world was polished, perfect—and Alina felt like a pebble among diamonds.
Damien’s calm hand found hers as they walked toward the VIP table. “Relax,” he murmured, voice low enough only for her. “Play the part.”
She nodded, squeezing his hand but feeling her nerves spike as reporters edged closer.
“Mr. Cross, is this your new wife?” a sharp female reporter asked, flashing a microphone.
Damien’s lips curved into a practiced smile. “Yes, this is Alina Reyes. We’re married.”
The camera flashed. Alina blinked but kept her composure.
The evening blurred into a whirlwind of polite smiles, forced laughter, and whispered introductions. Alina met investors, socialites, and Damien’s board members—each scrutinizing her with veiled skepticism.
During a break, Alina escaped to the terrace, gulping cool night air.
“You did fine,” Damien said, joining her quietly.
“I felt like I was drowning.”
He looked at her, eyes unexpectedly soft. “I know it’s not your world.”
“Not even close.”
She glanced at the moonlit skyline. “Why me? Why pick me?”
He hesitated. “Because you’re real. Not a gold-digger, not some social climber. You have a reason.”
She felt a flicker of something unspoken between them but pushed it aside.
“Don’t get comfortable,” he warned. “This is business. Nothing more.”
Alina sighed. “Right. Business.”
---
The following days were a dizzying cycle of media interviews, photo ops, and more fittings. Alina learned the nuances of Damien’s world: the subtle power plays, the double-edged smiles, the unspoken rules.
At board meetings, she sat quietly beside him, absorbing the tension and whispered conversations. Damien’s colleagues greeted her with polite nods but never missed a chance to remind her with subtle looks that she was an outsider.
One evening, during a shareholders’ dinner, Damien introduced her to an imposing man with a cold smile.
“This is Adrian Chase, my business rival,” Damien said.
Adrian’s gaze was sharp, almost predatory. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said to Alina. “Congratulations on your new role.”
Alina smiled politely but sensed the challenge beneath his words.
Later, Damien pulled her aside. “Adrian won’t make this easy. He suspects the marriage is a sham.”
“I’m not exactly subtle either.”
He gave a rare genuine laugh. “I’ll protect you.”
—
Amid the chaos, Alina’s phone buzzed with updates on Leo’s recovery. Each positive message lifted her spirits, reminding her why she endured this charade.
But secrets weighed heavy. Alina hadn’t told Damien she was hiding something crucial—something that could shatter the fragile truce between them.
One night, alone in the guest suite, she stared at the small positive test in her hand.
Pregnant.
Her breath caught. Panic flooded through her veins. How could this happen? She’d been so careful to keep distance—yet here was the undeniable proof.
She wanted to scream, to cry, but instead, she whispered, “Leo… I’m going to give you a family.”
---
The next morning, Damien arrived with his usual cold precision, but when he saw the look on Alina’s face, concern flickered in his eyes.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
Alina hesitated, then shook her head. “I need to talk.”
He nodded, motioning for her to sit. For once, his guard was down.
“I’m pregnant,” she said quietly.
Damien’s jaw clenched, and for a heartbeat, Alina thought he might storm out.
Instead, he sat back, fingers steepled.
“This complicates things.”
“You’re telling me.”
“We need to be careful. This marriage can’t turn into a scandal.”
Alina swallowed hard. “What now?”
“We keep this between us. No one else can know.”
“Agreed.”
He looked at her with something almost like vulnerability. “You’re stuck with me, Mrs. Cross.”
Alina let out a shaky laugh. “Seems that way.”
---
In the days that followed, Alina felt the walls closing in. Every glance, every whispered comment, every staged photo op felt heavier.
Elaine Roth, Damien’s stepmother, began to make her presence known, her icy stare cutting through every room.
At a private dinner, Elaine cornered Alina.
“You don’t belong here,” she said smoothly. “This is my family’s legacy.”
Alina met her cold eyes without flinching. “I’m here to survive.”
Elaine smiled thinly. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”
---
As the chapter closed, Alina and Damien stood together on the rooftop, the city lights sprawling beneath them like a s
ea of stars.
“We’re playing a dangerous game,” Damien said.
Alina nodded, resolve hardening. “Then let’s make sure we win.”
- Writer
