Chapter 5:The Red Dress
331 Words
Eliana’s closet was full of clothes she didn’t buy.
Silk. Cashmere. Labels she couldn’t pronounce. All black, white, beige — colors for a woman who didn’t want to be seen.
Then she found it.
Red. Backless. A slit up to her thigh. It whispered “touch me and die” in 4 languages.
Damien’s stylist called it “boardroom appropriate.” Eliana called it armor.
The dinner was at Vance Tower. Ironic.
Twelve board members. Their wives. Two reporters Damien “didn’t invite.” Crystal chandeliers and a man at the piano playing something that sounded like a funeral.
Damien’s hand settled on her lower back as they entered. Possessive. Warning. “Smile,” he murmured against her ear. “You’re my wife, not my prisoner.”
“Funny,” she said, taking champagne from a tray. “I can’t tell the difference.”
The first hour was lies. Fake laughter. Questions about her “background” that were really accusations.
“Eliana, dear, what did you do before you... married?” Mrs. Vance asked, pearls clicking. “We’ve heard so many rumors.”
Eliana set her glass down. “I worked three jobs. Then I married your husband’s biggest problem.”
The table went quiet. Damien’s thumb pressed into her spine. Not angry. Impressed.
Then the reporter stood. “Mr. Vance, is it true this marriage was arranged to save your company from bankruptcy?”
Damien’s jaw locked. Before he could speak, Eliana laughed.
“Bankruptcy?” She stood, red silk sliding against her skin. Every eye followed. “Honey, check your sources. I married him because he begged. On one knee. In the rain.”
A lie. A beautiful, dangerous lie.
Damien’s eyes darkened. The room buzzed. Mrs. Vance choked on her wine.
Ten minutes later, Damien dragged her into a coat closet.
“You started a war,” he growled, caging her against fur coats. The door locked behind them.
Eliana tilted
To Be Continued in chapter 6....
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