Contracted by the Cold-Hearted CEO

Chapter 4: A Deal Sealed with Ice

Aria had never seen anything like the Blackwell Foundation Gala.

The venue—a renovated ballroom with chandeliers that looked like frozen rain—was filled with New York’s elite. The air smelled like money, secrets, and the kind of champagne that had its own security detail.

She stood just inside the grand entrance, wearing a floor-length midnight blue gown that clung to her like second skin. She didn’t recognize herself in the mirrors she passed.

Hair: swept up in a soft, elegant twist.

Makeup: glamorous, flawless, and miles outside her comfort zone.

Jewelry: borrowed, but worth more than her apartment.

Dominic’s team had transformed her. From boho artist to billionaire’s bride-to-be. All in forty-eight hours.

And yet, she’d never felt more like an imposter.

“You clean up well,” a cool voice said at her side.

Aria turned. Dominic was dressed in a black tuxedo, sharp enough to cut glass. He looked every bit the Ice King tonight—impeccable, unreadable, and devastatingly handsome.

“I’m still wearing heels I don’t know how to walk in,” she muttered.

“Just smile and hold on to my arm. No one will notice.”

He offered his arm. She hesitated—just a second—then slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow.

Cameras flashed the moment they stepped onto the carpet.

Photographers shouted their names. Reporters angled for a quote. Aria smiled like her life depended on it—because in a way, it did.

Dominic leaned in, his lips near her ear, all for show.

“You’re doing well,” he murmured. “Keep it up.”

Her heart skipped at the sound of his voice that close.

Then she remembered: performance.

Everything was a performance.

They entered the ballroom, greeted by gasps and whispers. People noticed them. The room shifted when Dominic Blackwell walked in. He didn’t just attend events. He owned them.

And now, so did Aria.

“She’s the artist, right?”

“I thought he didn’t date anyone.”

“She’s pretty, but is she Blackwell-level?”

Dominic guided her through it all like he was built for it. They posed for photos, gave a short joint interview, and mingled with CEOs, board members, and socialites.

Aria smiled, nodded, and said the lines they rehearsed.

“We met at a charity auction.”

“Yes, it was love at first collision.”

“He proposed privately. Very intimate.”

“She’s brought out a softer side in me,” Dominic said at one point.

Aria almost choked on her drink.

But the crowd ate it up.

“Are you having fun yet?” Dominic asked during a lull.

“Define fun,” Aria replied, eyes scanning the room.

Then a tall, impeccably dressed woman approached them. Early forties, with striking red lipstick and a cold smile that could rival Dominic’s.

“Dominic,” she purred. “You finally brought a woman to one of these. Is the world ending?”

“Elaine,” he said stiffly. “This is Aria, my fiancée.”

Elaine’s eyes scanned Aria from head to toe. “Fiancée? I see. Does she know about your last one?”

The air chilled around them.

Aria’s heart kicked. There was another one?

Dominic’s jaw flexed. “That’s not a topic for tonight.”

Elaine raised a perfectly arched brow. “Of course not. Well, congratulations… I think.”

She walked away, leaving ice in her wake.

Aria turned to Dominic. “What was that about?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Then, “Ancient history. Irrelevant.”

“You had a fiancée before?”

“Yes. It ended badly. And if you want this to work, you won’t ask about her again.”

That edge in his voice—cold, warning—made Aria’s skin prickle.

“This whole thing is built on lies,” she said quietly. “How do you expect it not to crumble?”

Dominic glanced around, then pulled her toward the balcony, away from the curious eyes.

The city sparkled below. Wind tugged at her hair.

Dominic turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “This deal was your way out. Your second chance. But it’s also my shield. I need this to work, Aria.”

“You mean I need to play my part.”

“Yes.”

“And what do you do while I smile and lie for you?”

“I protect you,” he said simply. “No one touches you. No one ruins you. For one year, you’re untouchable.”

She studied him. “And after that?”

His eyes darkened. “You walk away… with everything you’ve ever wanted.”

It wasn’t the words that shook her.

It was how he said them—with such certainty, such control.

Like he’d already calculated the endgame.

Aria stared out over the city, heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t a fairy tale. This wasn’t love.

This was a deal.

A deal sealed not with passion, but with frost.

And somewhere deep down… she knew it was going to burn.