Bound to the Billionaire's Vow

CHAPTER 4

The Lie Between Us

Dominic’s POV | Third Person

She was late.

Again.

He hated lateness. Especially hers. Because it meant she was avoiding him. Because it made him think.

And when Dominic Blackwell started thinking about Alina, things got complicated.

Marcus, his driver, glanced at him through the rearview mirror. Should I text Mrs. Blackwell again, sir?

No. She’ll come.

Eventually.

He leaned back, ignoring the vibration of his phone. Vincent had been calling all morning no doubt to ask why the media hadn’t gotten new photos of their happy marriage yet.

Play nice, Vincent had said.

Dominic could fake almost anything. Except patience.

Five minutes later, the door opened and Alina stepped in. She didn’t step in with the kind of apology he expected, not even with her head down.

Sorry, she said without emotions, smoothing her dress Wardrobe malfunction.

He didn’t believe her. And she knew it.

You’re twenty minutes late, he said, coolly.

I didn’t know fake wives had a schedule.

He glanced at her, amused. Fake or not, you're sitting next to the CEO of Blackwell International. And we’re attending a charity gala with press coverage. Try not to bring your bad attitude.

She rolled her eyes. I’ll smile. I’ll wave. I’ll even pretend to like you. Is that good enough, husband?

His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

(The Gala)

The gala was held at The Glass House Manhattan’s crown jewel for the rich and untouchable.

Cameras flashed the moment they stepped out. Dominic’s hand gripped Alina’s waist as they walked up the carpet. It looked romantic. It felt like a hostage situation.

Smile, he murmured.

I am smiling, she muttered through clenched teeth.

Inside, the room buzzed billionaires, diplomats, women in diamonds big enough to blind you, and men who smiled like they were always closing a deal. Everyone looked important. And bored.

Dominic made his rounds, handshakes sharp, conversations sharper. Alina followed silently, her face unreadable.

Until they got cornered by Cassandra West.

Ex-fiancée. Current board investor. And one of the reasons Alina never truly felt safe.

Cassandra wore blood-red. Always did when she wanted attention.

Well, well, she purred, circling them like a lioness. Dominic. And the little wife.

Alina stiffened beside him, but Dominic didn’t react. Cassandra.

I must say, this marriage thing suits you. You’ve softened. Her eyes flicked to Alina. Though I do wonder what she brings to the table. Besides well, decorative value.

Alina looked like she wanted to speak, but she brings silence. Something you never could manage.

Cassandra laughed, high and sharp, but her eyes glittered with venom. Touché. I suppose we all grow in time.

She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. Watch her closely, Dom. Fragile things break when ignored.

Then she was gone.

Alina exhaled like she’d been holding her breath.

You okay? Dominic asked, not looking at her.

Why wouldn’t I be? she said, voice tight. It’s not like your ex just threatened me in the middle of a ballroom or anything.

He glanced at her then. Really looked. Her fingers were trembling slightly as she reached for a glass of champagne.

I’ll handle Cassandra, he said.

Alina scoffed. Why bother? It’s not like this marriage means anything to you.

Dominic didn’t answer. Because it was easier to pretend.

They left early.

He didn’t ask. She didn’t explain. The drive back was wrapped in silence the kind that felt louder than words.

As soon as they stepped into the penthouse, Alina walked straight to the kitchen without a glance his way. She kicked off her heels with a quiet sigh and reached for the wine, like she’d been holding it together all night and finally let herself breathe. Dominic stood in the doorway, watching her. Saying nothing. Just watching.

You handled yourself well tonight, he said.

Wow. Is that a compliment? I should frame it.

He sighed, stepping further in. Look

No, she cut in, spinning around. Let’s not do that. Let’s not play this game where we pretend we care. You don’t want to be married to me. I don’t want to be married to you. Let’s just exist, peacefully, in different corners of the house.

Fine.

She blinked, startled at how quickly he agreed.

But then he walked closer, his voice quieter. But if you think I’ll let people like Cassandra West corner you without consequences, you don’t understand me at all.

Dominic

She’s a snake, he interrupted. And she’s waiting for you to sleep. Because when you do, she’ll use it to attack me.

Alina stared at him.

So what am I to you, exactly? she whispered. A liability? A weakness?

He paused. He was about to say rubbish

Instead, he said, A shield.

Her face fell.

Wow, she muttered, stepping back. That’s worse.

She brushed past him. You weren’t supposed to be here, he said, so quietly it barely reached her ears. She froze. I didn’t want a wife, he added, still not looking at her. Eyes fixed on the floor like the truth was too heavy to lift. I didn’t want complications. I had control. And then you came in wide-eyed, naive, and so damn stubborn and suddenly everything feels exposed.

Alina didn’t move.

I don’t hate you, he added.

She turned slowly. That’s a low bar.

His lips twitched. Fair.

Another silence. This one softer. Still jagged.

I didn’t ask for this either, she said finally. But if I’m going to be your wife even on paper I need to know you won’t throw me to the wolves.

He looked up.

You have my word.

And somehow that hit harder than it should have.

Later that night, Dominic sat alone in his study.

He wasn’t reading. Wasn’t working. Just staring. Like the flames might give him answers he couldn’t find anywhere else.

He hated promises. Hated needing to keep them.

But something about her made him want to.

She wasn’t built for his world not yet but something in her eyes told him she could be. If given time. If

not broken first.

And if anyone tried?

They’d learn just how far Dominic Blackwell would go to protect what was his.

Even if it wasn’t real.

Yet.