Chapter4:Rules We Were Meant to Break
854 Words
The first rule of the contract was clear.
Do not fall in love.
Elena repeated it in her head as she stood beside Damian in the lobby of Cole International Tower, cameras flashing like lightning around them. Her hand rested lightly on his arm, exactly as the public relations team had instructed.
Too close.
Too warm.
Too real.
Relax, Damian murmured without moving his lips. You look like you’re about to run.
I might, she whispered back. This feels wrong.
His fingers tightened slightly on her waist. It feels necessary.
A reporter pushed forward. Mrs. Cole, when did you know he was the one?
Elena’s heart skipped.
Damian didn’t hesitate. The moment she challenged me, he said smoothly.I knew she was different.
Elena forced a smile, even as her chest tightened. The lie slid too easily from his mouth.
Another reporter shouted, Was this a business arrangement or true love?
Damian leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear. Smile, he said softly.
Then, louder, for the cameras, Love doesn’t follow rules.
The words hit her harder than she expected.
The questions continued until security finally ushered them inside. The glass doors closed, muting the noise and giving Elena space to breathe again.
She pulled her arm away at once. Don’t do that.
Damian turned to her. Do what?
Say things like that, she snapped. You’re making it sound real.
It has to sound real, he replied calmly. That’s the deal.
No, she said. The deal is appearances. Not emotional manipulation.
His eyes darkened. Careful, Elena. You’re reacting.
She crossed her arms. Because I don’t trust you.
That much is obvious, he said. But trust isn’t required. Performance is.
She shook her head and walked toward the elevator. I need air.
The elevator ride was silent.
Damian stood beside her, close enough that she could feel his presence without looking at him. The faint scent of his cologne stirred memories she had spent years burying.
One night.
One mistake.
The doors opened on the executive floor.
As soon as they stepped out, Damian’s assistant approached. Mr. Cole, the board meeting is ready. They’re eager to meet Mrs. Cole.
Elena stiffened. Already?
Damian nodded. This is part of selling the marriage.
She followed him into the boardroom, her heart pounding. Around the long table sat powerful men and women, all eyes turning toward her with interest and judgment.
This is Elena Cole, Damian announced. My wife.
The title settled heavily on her shoulders.
Smiles followed. Polite. Curious. Calculating.
During the meeting, Elena spoke only when necessary, careful and controlled. She answered questions about Walker Energy with confidence, refusing to look like a decoration on Damian’s arm.
She felt it when the room began to shift when they stopped seeing her as a risk and started seeing her as an asset.
That scared her.
Because power was seductive.
And Damian wielded it effortlessly.
After the meeting ended, she followed him back into his private office.
That went well, he said.
I’m not thanking you, she replied.
I wasn’t asking, he said, pouring himself a glass of water. But you impressed them.
She met his gaze. Don’t confuse competence with obedience.
A corner of his mouth lifted. I wouldn’t dare.
She hesitated, then asked, Why did you say those things outside?
Which things?
About love, she said quietly. You didn’t have to.
Damian’s expression shifted, subtle, but real. The press senses hesitation. I eliminated it.
That wasn’t hesitation, she said. That was honest.
Silence stretched between them.
Honesty is dangerous, Damian finally said. Especially between us.
Elena felt the weight of that truth settle deep in her chest.
That evening, Elena returned to her apartment to find Damian there again.
This is becoming a habit, she said, dropping her bag.
Tomorrow we will attend a charity gala, he replied. We need to rehearse.
She scoffed. You rehearse marriages?
I rehearse survival, he said.
He stepped closer. We’ll walk in together. You’ll smile. I’ll introduce you. One kiss. Brief.
Her pulse jumped. On the cheek.
He shook his head. On the lips. Anything less looks distant.
She stared at him. You’re enjoying pushing me.
No, he said softly. I’m testing whether you’ll run.
Her breath caught. And if I do?
Then I’ll know I misjudged you, he said.
She hated that part of her wanted to prove him wrong.
Fine, she said. One kiss. Nothing more.
He nodded. Agreed.
They stood there, the space between them heavy and charged.
This changes nothing, she said.
Of course not, he replied.
But when he leaned in slow, controlled, deliberate, her body betrayed her.
The kiss was brief.
Professional.
And it still sent a sharp spark through her chest.
When he pulled back, his eyes searched her face, as if looking for something he didn’t want to find.
Good, he said quietly. You’re convincing.
She swallowed. You’re dangerous.
Yes, he agreed. And so are you.
After he left, Elena
Sank onto the couch, her hand touching her lips.
The rule echoed again in her mind.
Do not fall in love.
She wasn’t sure anymore which of them was closer to breaking it.
- Writer
