The internet was ablaze.
Sebastian’s press conference had gone viral within minutes—his public declaration flooding every social platform, news outlet, and blog. People hailed him as a modern-day romantic, a powerful man who chose love over legacy. But others weren’t as forgiving. Whispers of manipulation, strategic moves, and damage control lingered like smoke in the aftermath.
Amelia watched it all unfold from the quiet sanctuary of her apartment.
She had never felt more exposed.
The world knew her name now—not as an efficient secretary, not even as the wife of a CEO, but as the contract bride. Every photo of her was dissected. Every smile she had ever shared with Sebastian was turned into a meme, a think piece, or a theory.
The thing that stung the most wasn’t the judgment—it was t
