Married to my Ruthless CEO for one night

Chapter 3: The Lie

I thought signing the contract was the hardest part.

I was wrong.

"Smile."

Adrian's voice was ice as he pulled me into his side for the cameras.

Flash. Flash. Flash.

Cole Tower Gala. Half of New York's billionaires were watching us.

"Mr. Cole, is this your new wife?"

Adrian's arm tightened around my waist. "Yes. My wife."

The word felt like a lie in my mouth.

Because it was.

He didn't know I was the daughter of the man who bankrupted his father 10 years ago.

He didn't know I only married him to get close.

To destroy him.

But then he leaned down, his cologne hitting me.

"You’re shaking," he whispered in my ear. "Are you scared of me?"

"No," I lied. "I'm scared of myself."

His eyes darkened. For a second, the ruthless CEO mask slipped.

"Good," he murmured. "Stay scared."

The night went on. Handshakes. Champagne. Fake smiles.

Until we got home. His penthouse. 50 floors above the city.

He poured two drinks. Handed me one.

"To our marriage," he said.

I took the glass. My hands were still shaking.

"To contracts," I replied.

He stepped closer. Too close.

"I don't believe in contracts, Mrs. Cole. I believe in ownership."

My heart stopped.

Did he know?

Before I could answer, his phone rang.

He looked at the screen and his whole face went cold.

"We have a problem," he said. "Someone's leaking company secrets."

And I knew exactly who it was.

Me.