Chapter 3 : Married by Morning
657 Words
Elena found out she was married on the internet.
She stared at her phone in disbelief as headline after headline filled the screen.
BILLIONAIRE DAMIAN COLE WEDS ENERGY HEIRESS ELENA WALKER IN SHOCK PRIVATE CEREMONY
POWER COUPLE SHAKES WALL STREET AND ENERGY SECTOR
FROM BOARDROOM TO BEDROOM: COLE’S SECRET BRIDE REVEALED
Her stomach twisted.
This man is unbelievable, she muttered.
Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Damian.
She answered without greeting. You said we’d plan the announcement.
And we did, he replied calmly. Just faster than you expected.
Faster? she snapped. I woke up married, Damian!
You woke up protected, he corrected. The board has stopped panicking. Investors are calm. The deal is back on track.
She pressed her fingers to her forehead. You blindsided me.
I warned you, appearances matter, he said. This is the price of power.
She closed her eyes, fighting the urge to scream. Where are you?
Your apartment, he said. We need to talk.
Her heart skipped. You’re where?
The line went dead.
Thirty minutes later, Elena stood in her living room, arms crossed, watching Damian survey the space like he owned it.
This is temporary, she said sharply. You are not moving in.
I know, he replied, unbothered. But the press thinks otherwise.
She threw her phone onto the couch. You could’ve warned me.
You would’ve said no, he said simply.
She opened her mouth to argue then stopped.
He was right.
That didn’t make it hurt less.
Damian turned to her, his expression was serious. From today on, everything we do is watched. Cameras. Rumors. Expectations.
I didn’t agree to be your decoration, she said.
You agreed to be my wife, he replied. There’s a difference.
The word hit her again wife.
Fake. Temporary. Dangerous.
A knock came at the door.
Elena froze. Please tell me that’s not the press.
Damian checked his watch. Too early. That’ll be my legal team.
Moments later, two sharply dressed women entered, setting documents on the table.
Mrs. Cole, one of them said with a polite smile.
Elena flinched.
We’ll go over behavioral expectations, public boundaries, and image alignment, the woman continued.
Image alignment?.Elena repeated.
Yes, the lawyer said smoothly. No visible tension. No public disputes. Affection when necessary.
Damian’s gaze flicked to Elena.
Her face burned. Affection is not part of the deal.
It is now, Damian said quietly. Controlled. Minimal.
The lawyer slid a page forward. Public gestures. Hand holding. Eye contact. One kiss per major appearance.
Elena stood abruptly. This is insane.
Damian rose with her. This is strategy.
She looked at him, truly looked and saw the man who planned everything five steps ahead.
You’re enjoying this, she accused.
No, he said, lowering his voice. I’m surviving it.
The lawyers finished and left, leaving the apartment thick with tension.
Elena walked toward the window, needing space. You don’t get to rewrite my life.
I already did, he said softly. But I’m trying not to break it.
She turned, anger and confusion mixing in her chest. Why me?
His jaw tightened. Because the deal requires stability. And because… I never forgot you.
Her breath caught.
That doesn’t give you the right.
I know, he said. But it gives me the truth.
A sudden flash of cameras outside drew her attention. Paparazzi.
They’re already here, she whispered.
Damian stepped closer. Then we perform.
Before she could react, he placed a hand on her waist and drew her gently toward him.
Her body reacted before her mind could stop it.
Smile, he murmured. Trust me.
She forced a smile as he leaned down and brushed a kiss against her cheek.
It was soft. Public. Controlled.
And it still sent heat racing through her veins.
The cameras clicked wildly.
When he pulled away, their eyes locked.
For one dangerous second, the world disappeared.
Then Elena remembered.
Every step closer to him came with a cost.
And this marriage had only just begun.
- Writer
