Bound by Scandal

The First Public Test

The grand ballroom of the Carter Foundation Gala shimmered under the weight of crystal chandeliers and the murmur of high society. Ava stood beside Liam near the entrance, her spine rigid, her smile fixed in place like a mask. The ivory gown she wore was elegant, its high neckline and long sleeves a deliberate choice—armor against the prying eyes and whispered judgments of Liam’s world. She adjusted the sapphire earrings he had given her, their weight a constant reminder of the role she was expected to play.

Liam’s hand rested at the small of her back, his touch possessive yet controlled. “You look stunning,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Ava didn’t glance at him. “I know.”

A corner of his mouth lifted, but he didn’t press further. Instead, his gaze swept over the crowd, assessing, calculating. “The media will be here soon. Remember what we discussed.”

Ava’s fingers tightened around her clutch. “I remember.”

Liam’s grip on her waist subtly tightened, a silent warning. “Good.”

She lifted her chin, her gaze scanning the sea of tailored suits and designer gowns. This was her first public appearance as Mrs. Liam Carter, and the weight of expectation pressed down on her like a physical force. She was no longer just Ava Monroe, the struggling artist. She was now a Carter—a name that carried power, influence, and a legacy she wasn’t sure she could uphold.

The media arrived in a flurry of flashing cameras and rapid-fire questions. Ava kept her smile in place, her hand tucked securely in the crook of Liam’s arm as they made their way through the crowd. Reporters called out, their voices blending into a cacophony of noise.

“Mr. Carter, how does it feel to be a married man?”

“Mrs. Carter, tell us about your wedding! Was it everything you dreamed of?”

“Liam, any plans for a honeymoon?”

Ava’s grip on Liam’s arm tightened, her knuckles white beneath the fabric of his suit. She could feel the weight of their gazes, the unspoken judgments, the curiosity about the woman who had captured the elusive Liam Carter.

Liam’s voice was smooth, controlled, as he answered a question about their future plans. “Ava and I are focused on building our life together. Everything else will come in time.”

Ava forced herself to relax, her smile never wavering. She had played roles before—pretended to be someone she wasn’t for the sake of survival. But this was different. This wasn’t just about her. It was about Liam, his family, his empire. And the child growing inside her.

Eleanor Carter approached them, her movements graceful, her smile polished to perfection. “Ava, darling, you look radiant.” Her gaze flicked to Liam, her expression softening just slightly. “Liam, you’ve outdone yourself this time.”

Liam’s smile was tight. “Mother.”

Eleanor’s attention returned to Ava, her eyes sharp and assessing. “I trust you’re settling in well?”

Ava met her gaze, her voice steady. “Yes, thank you.”

Eleanor’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Good. It’s important to find your place quickly in this family. The press can be ruthless if they sense weakness.”

Ava’s spine stiffened. “I’m well aware.”

Liam’s hand on her back pressed slightly, a silent command to tread carefully. But Ava refused to be cowed. She held Eleanor’s gaze, unflinching.

Eleanor’s expression remained serene, but there was a glint in her eyes—a challenge. “I’m sure you are.”

She turned away, gliding back into the crowd with the effortless grace of a woman who had spent a lifetime navigating the treacherous waters of high society.

Ava exhaled slowly, her fingers loosening their death grip on her clutch.

Liam leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “You handled that well.”

Ava didn’t look at him. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“You always have a choice, Ava.”

She finally met his gaze, her voice low. “Do I?”

Liam’s expression was unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes—something dark and possessive. “You’re my wife. That means you have my protection. But it also means you follow my rules.”

Ava’s chest tightened. “And if I don’t?”

His thumb traced a slow circle on her waist, sending a jolt through her. “Then you’ll learn what happens when you defy me.”

Ava’s pulse spiked, but she didn’t back down. “Is that a threat?”

Liam’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “It’s a promise.”

Ava wanted to argue, to tell him she wasn’t his to command. But the arrival of another group of guests interrupted them, their smiles wide, their congratulations effusive.

Liam’s hand on her back guided her forward, his touch a brand. “Smile, Ava.”

Ava forced her lips into a curve, her gaze scanning the crowd. She was playing a role, and she would play it well. But she refused to be a pawn in Liam’s game.

Not now.

Not ever.

As the evening wore on, Ava found herself separated from Liam, drawn into a conversation with a group of women who introduced themselves as old family friends. Their questions were polite, their smiles warm, but Ava could sense the undercurrent of curiosity, the unspoken demand for her to prove herself worthy of the Carter name.

“So, Ava,” one of the women said, her voice sweet but her eyes sharp. “What do you do?”

Ava met her gaze, her voice steady. “I’m an artist.”

The woman’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of dismissal in her eyes. “How lovely. And do you plan to continue with your hobby now that you’re married?”

Ava’s fingers tightened around her glass. “It’s not a hobby. It’s my career.”

The woman’s eyebrow lifted, but before she could respond, Liam’s voice cut through the tension.

“Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.”

He stepped beside Ava, his hand finding the small of her back, his touch possessive. Ava didn’t look at him, but she could feel the heat of his gaze, the silent command to follow his lead.

She didn’t argue.

Because the truth was, she was tired of playing nice.

They slipped away from the crowd, Liam guiding her to a quiet corner of the ballroom. Ava turned to face him, her voice low and fierce. “I don’t need you to rescue me.”

Liam’s gaze darkened. “I wasn’t rescuing you. I was reminding them who you belong to.”

Ava’s breath hitched. “I don’t belong to anyone.”

Liam’s hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheekbone. “You belong to me.”

Ava’s pulse roared in her ears, but she didn’t pull away. Couldn’t.

Because the truth was, she wasn’t sure she wanted to.