His bride for a night

Chapter 3

Emma woke to the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the presidential suite.For a few moments, she forgot where she was.Then she saw the wedding dress hanging neatly in the corner and the diamond ring on her finger. It hadn't been a dream.She was Mrs. Emma Harrington. At least for now.

A gentle knock came at the door.

"Come in," she called.A hotel attendant entered with breakfast and a stack of newspapers.

"Good morning, Mrs. Harrington."

Emma smiled awkwardly. "Thank you."

As soon as the attendant left, she picked up the top newspaper.Her heart nearly stopped.

Across the front page was a photo of her and Ethan on the balcony the night before. They looked as though they were sharing an intimate moment.

The headline read:

AMERICA'S NEW POWER COUPLE: ETHAN HARRINGTON FINDS TRUE LOVE.

Emma whispered, "Oh no..."Just then, the suite door swung open. Ethan strode in, his expression grim, holding the same newspaper.

"I take it you've seen the headlines."

Emma nodded."They're everywhere."

"They've gone viral," he said. "Every news outlet is running the story." Before Emma could respond, Richard Harrington entered the suite.

For the first time, the powerful businessman looked genuinely worried."We have a problem."

Ethan folded his arms.

"I've noticed."

Richard sighed.

"Our company's stock jumped nearly eight percent this morning because investors believe the Harrington family is more stable than ever."

Emma frowned.

"What does that have to do with us?"

"If you announce an annulment today," Richard explained, "the media will ask questions. Investors will panic. The merger we've spent years negotiating could collapse."

Ethan looked at his father in disbelief.

"So what are you saying?"Richard took a deep breath. "You need to stay married."Silence filled the room.

Emma stared at him.

"For how long?"

"Six months."

Six months?" she repeated.

Richard nodded.

"After that, you can divorce quietly. By then, the merger will be complete."Ethan's jaw tightened.

"You planned this." I planned a wedding,Richard replied calmly.

"The media created the rest."Emma shook her head."This wasn't our agreement."Richard looked at her with regret."I know. If you refuse, I won't force you.Ethan turned to Emma.You don't owe us anything. She looked from Ethan to his father, then remembered the hospital bills waiting at home, her nursing tuition, and her mother's fragile health.

Finally, she spoke. If we do this... there will be rules.

Ethan raised an eyebrow.I'm listening. We live as roommates.Agreed.

No lying to each other. Agreed,she asked

And when the six months are over, we walk away without making things difficult."Ethan extended his hand.

Deal

Emma looked at his outstretched hand for a moment before shaking it.The agreement was made.Neither of them noticed Victoria Reynolds watching from across the hotel lobby.

She lowered her sunglasses, her eyes fixed on their joined hands.

So,she murmured with a cold smile, the fake bride is staying. Pulling out her phone, she made a call.

I need everything you can find on Emma Carter. Every secret, every mistake, every person she's ever known." She ended the call and glanced toward the couple one last time.If she's going to play the role of Mrs. Harrington, Victoria whispered, I will make sure she regrets it.I will make her life a living hell