Dangerous curiosity
664 Words
Mira couldn’t stop thinking about the phone call.
For three days, the words repeated in her mind like a song she couldn’t escape.
She stays exactly where she is.
Alexander had sounded angry.
Not the calm, controlled irritation she was already used to seeing from him — but something colder. Possessive almost.
And that made absolutely no sense.
Their marriage wasn’t even real.
At least… it wasn’t supposed to be.
—
The media frenzy only got worse after the kiss.
Every news outlet in the city suddenly became obsessed with Alexander Knight and Mira Ashford.
Photos of them flooded social media.
Articles analyzed their “chemistry.”
Strangers online were already calling them the perfect power couple.
Mira found the entire thing ridiculous.
Unfortunately, the contract required them to maintain appearances publicly, which meant attending events together — including tonight’s charity auction at the Grand Meridian Hotel.
“You look nervous,” Alexander said as their car pulled up outside the venue.
“I’m reconsidering every life choice that brought me here.”
To her annoyance, he looked unfairly attractive in a black tailored suit.
Alexander glanced at her calmly. “You’ll survive.”
“That’s comforting.”
The driver opened the door, and flashes immediately exploded outside.
Mira instinctively stiffened.
Without hesitation, Alexander placed a steady hand against her lower back.
The simple gesture surprised her.
Not because it was romantic.
Because it felt natural.
Protective.
And somehow that unsettled her more.
The moment they stepped onto the red carpet, reporters began shouting questions.
“Mira, how did Alexander propose?”
“When’s the wedding?”
“Are the rumors true about a private ceremony in Italy?”
Mira nearly laughed at how wildly incorrect everything was.
Alexander handled the chaos effortlessly, guiding her through the crowd with calm confidence.
Every touch looked convincing.
Every glance appeared intimate.
The performance was perfect.
Too perfect.
Inside the ballroom, wealthy guests immediately surrounded them with congratulations.
Mira smiled politely while silently dying inside.
One older woman clasped her hands dramatically. “You two look so in love.”
Mira almost choked on her champagne.
Beside her, Alexander answered smoothly, “Thank you.”
Not even a hint of discomfort.
How was he this good at lying?
As the evening continued, Mira noticed something strange.
Alexander never left her alone.
Not once.
Every time another businessman approached her too closely, Alexander appeared beside her within seconds.
Every time reporters crowded her, he redirected attention calmly.
Even during conversations, his eyes constantly tracked her movements across the room like he was making sure she stayed within sight.
It was beginning to feel less like a fake relationship and more like…
No.
Impossible.
Mira stepped outside onto the balcony for fresh air, gripping the railing tightly.
The city lights glittered below while cool wind brushed against her skin.
A few seconds later, she heard footsteps behind her.
Of course.
Alexander joined her quietly.
“You disappeared.”
“I needed air.”
His gaze lingered on her face carefully. “You’re overwhelmed.”
“That tends to happen when the entire country thinks I’m marrying a billionaire.”
Silence settled briefly between them.
Then Mira turned toward him slowly.
“Can I ask you something?”
“You usually do.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Why are you acting like this marriage is real?”
For the first time since she met him, Alexander looked caught off guard.
Barely.
But enough for her to notice.
“You’re holding my waist in public,” Mira continued softly. “Watching me constantly. Protecting me from reporters like I actually matter to you.”
Alexander’s expression became unreadable again.
“It’s part of the arrangement.”
“No,” Mira said quietly. “Some of it is. But not all of it.”
The wind shifted between them.
Neither spoke for a moment.
Then finally, Alexander looked directly into her eyes.
And instead of answering—
He stepped closer.
- Writer
