Married To The Boss on Contract

“We’re going to be late!” Tessa shouted from the living room for the third time that evening. Inside the bedroom, Elena groaned dramatically as she stared at herself in the mirror. Dresses covered nearly every inch of her bed while makeup products were scattered across the vanity. “I don’t know what to wear,” Elena complained. Tessa walked into the room wearing a sparkling silver dress that fit her perfectly. “You’ve said that about five times already.” “Because it’s true.” “Elena.” Tessa grabbed the black dress hanging from the closet door and tossed it toward her. “Wear this one.” Elena caught it carefully before narrowing her eyes. “A black dress?” “Yes, the black one. Trust me.” A few minutes later, Elena finally stepped out of the bathroom wearing the dress. Tessa’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God.” Elena frowned nervously. “What?” “You look insane.” Elena laughed. “Insane good or insane bad?” “Tessa good.” That made Elena smile. The dress hugged her body perfectly without trying too hard. Elegant. Sophisticated. The slit along her leg added just enough temptation, while the soft curls framing her face completed the look. “I have to look perfect tonight,” Elena admitted while putting on her earrings. “What if the boss actually shows up tonight?” She winked, indicating that she’s joking around now. Tessa rolled her eyes with a grin. “Please. You’re perfect in whatever you wear. Just hurry up before we miss the entrance.” Elena grabbed her clutch and phone before following her best friend out of the apartment. But even as they entered the elevator, Elena’s nervousness remained. Tonight mattered. The Hartwell Corporation Annual Gala was the biggest event of the year. Promotions were announced. Executives attended. Connections were made. And Ryan would be there too. The thought alone made butterflies erupt in her stomach. Tessa noticed immediately. “You’re thinking about your man aren’t you?” Elena bit her lip to hide her smile. “Maybe.” “You’re obsessed.” “He’s my boyfriend.” “And you’re obsessed with him.” Elena looked away shyly. That answer alone was enough. — The Grand Sapphire Hotel looked breathtaking. The ballroom glittered beneath crystal chandeliers while elegant music filled the air. Waiters carrying champagne drifted between guests dressed in luxury. The second Elena stepped inside, she immediately searched the crowd for Ryan. And then she found him. Standing beside the bar in a fitted black tuxedo. He looked unfairly handsome. As if sensing her gaze, Ryan turned. The moment he saw Elena, he completely stopped moving. His eyes slowly traveled over her body. And stayed there. Elena’s breath caught. Ryan abandoned the conversation he was having without hesitation and walked straight toward her. “Wow,” he said quietly once he reached her. Heat rushed into Elena’s cheeks. “Hi.” Ryan shook his head slowly like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Baby, you didn’t tell me you were planning to ruin my sanity tonight.” Tessa snorted loudly beside them. Elena laughed softly. “Please babe. You’re exaggerating.” “I’m absolutely not.” Ryan stepped closer, his hand sliding around her waist possessively. “Do you know how many men have been staring at you since you walked in?” Elena smiled teasingly. “Jealous?” “Very.” His answer came too quickly. Tessa grinned. “See? This is why everyone hates attractive couples.” Ryan ignored her completely, still staring at Elena. “You’re beautiful.” The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten warmly. “Thank you,” she whispered. He leaned closer suddenly. “No seriously. I can’t even focus right now.” Elena burst into embarrassed laughter while Tessa dramatically pretended to gag. “You two are making me jealous.” Ryan finally glanced at her. “You’re just jealous because I get to take Elena from you.” Tessa smirked strangely. “Yeah. Right” Something about her tone felt odd for a second. But then she laughed it off. And Elena ignored the uncomfortable feeling entirely. The night continued beautifully after that. Ryan barely left Elena’s side. They danced beneath the chandelier lights while soft jazz music played around them. At one point, Ryan pulled her closer during a slow song until her chest pressed against his. “You know something?” he murmured near her ear. “What?” “If we leave right now, nobody would blame us.” Elena laughed breathlessly. “Ryan!” “I’m serious.” “You’re terrible.” “You’re distracting.” She shook her head while smiling uncontrollably. God, she loved this man. Later, they returned to their table where Tessa was already halfway through another glass of champagne. “Finally,” she said dramatically. “I was starting to feel single.” Ryan sat beside Elena casually. “That sounds like a personal problem.” Tessa pointed accusingly at him. “You stole my best friend.” Ryan pulled Elena closer smugly. “And I’m keeping her.” Elena rolled her eyes affectionately. “You’re both ridiculous.” A few coworkers stopped by their table throughout the evening, complimenting Elena repeatedly. “You look gorgeous tonight.” “Ryan, you better put a ring on that woman.” “You two are honestly couple goals.” Every single comment made Elena happier. Until eventually— Tessa stood from the table. “I’m going to the washroom,” she announced. Elena laughed. “Need me to come?” “Nope. I’ll survive.” Ryan smirked. “Yes.” Tessa shot him a look before walking away. About ten minutes later, the host announced the beginning of the annual awards presentation. Employees slowly settled into their seats while lights dimmed around the ballroom. Right then, Ryan’s phone buzzed. He checked the screen briefly. His expression changed for the smallest second. “Everything okay?” Elena asked. “Yeah.” He stood up quickly. “Important call. I’ll be right back.” Elena reached for his hand before he could leave. “Don’t disappear.” Ryan smiled softly before leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Never.” Then he walked away. The awards ceremony began shortly after. Applause echoed throughout the ballroom as different departments received recognition. But ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. Ryan still hadn’t returned. “Hey,” one of her coworkers whispered while leaning toward her. “Mr. Calloway’s looking for Ryan. Have you seen him?” “No,” Elena admitted. “He went to take a phone call.” The woman sighed. “Well, management needs him.” “I’ll go check.” Elena stood carefully before slipping away from the crowded ballroom. The hallway outside felt strangely quiet compared to the noise inside. “Ryan?” she called softly while checking near the elevators. Nothing. She walked farther down the corridor. Still nothing. Then— A laugh echoed faintly nearby. Female. Familiar. Elena froze instantly. Another voice interrupted. Ryan’s voice. Low. Intimate. Elena’s stomach dropped. The sound came from one of the private VIP rooms at the end of the hallway. The door wasn’t completely shut. And suddenly, every instinct inside her screamed that something was wrong. Slowly, Elena approached. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor while her chest tightened with every step. Then she heard Tessa laugh again. “You’re crazy,” she whispered breathlessly. Ryan answered immediately. “You love it.” Elena stopped breathing. Her trembling hand slowly pushed the door open wider. And her entire world shattered. Ryan had Tessa pinned gently against the wall. His mouth crashed against hers hungrily while her hands tangled inside his hair. The champagne glass in Elena’s hand slipped from her fingers. CRASH. The sound echoed violently through the room. Ryan jerked backward immediately. Tessa’s eyes widened in horror. For one long second, nobody moved. Elena stared at them blankly. At her boyfriend. At her best friend. At the betrayal unfolding right in front of her eyes. Her voice came out barely above a whisper. “How long?” Neither of them answered. Tears immediately filled Elena’s eyes. “How long?” she repeated louder this time. “Elena—” Tessa started shakily. “Don’t.” Elena stepped backward like Tessa’s voice physically hurt her. “Don’t you dare say my name right now.” Ryan moved toward her desperately. “Baby, listen to me—” “Don’t call me that!” The pain in her voice sliced through the room. Ryan stopped instantly. Elena looked at him like she didn’t recognize him anymore. “How can you both do this?” “It’s not—” “How?,” Elena repeated brokenly. Tessa looked panicked now. “Elena, please—” “You’re my best friend.” Silence. Heavy. Crushing. Then Ryan ran a frustrated hand through his hair before stepping toward her again. “Elena, it’s not what it looks like.”