The Billionaire's Accidental Bride

CHAPTER TEN

Caught on Camera The kiss wasn’t just for show. It was heat and hunger and history and something terrifyingly real. I was breathless when we pulled apart. Cole didn’t speak. He just stared at me like I was the only thing keeping him grounded. The next morning, the internet exploded. “Billionaire Power Couple Melts Times Square!” Clips from the kiss were everywhere. Trending. Memes. Interviews. People believed we were in love. I almost believed it. Cole handed me his phone. “Our engagement just tripled my stock value.” I laughed, weakly. “Glad I could help.” But deep down, I was unraveling. That kiss—it woke something. Something I’d locked away after Damien. Later that week, Cole surprised me with a private dinner on the rooftop. “Why are you doing this?” I asked. He looked me dead in the eye. “Because I don’t want to pretend anymore.” My heart skipped. “I want to kiss you again,” he said. I stepped forward. Then a phone buzzed. His expression fell. “It’s Vanessa.” His ex. “Why is she calling?” “She’s back,” he said grimly. “And she wants a meeting.” “Why?” Cole swallowed hard. “She knows the marriage is fake.” “And if I don’t comply—she’ll leak the wedding night video.”