married to my enemy

Liana's pov The glass doors of my father’s office swing open, and the scent of expensive whiskey hits me first. He’s sitting behind his desk, shoulders slumped, face pale — the image of defeat in a thousand-dollar suit. I’ve never seen him look like this. The great Richard Hayes, the man who once boasted that no one could outsmart him in the boardroom, now looks like a ghost. “Dad?” I whisper. “You said it was urgent.” He lifts his gaze to me, and the sadness in his eyes sends a chill down my spine. “Liana… he’s here.” “Who...” The door opens again before I can finish. Adrian Cole. Even his name tastes bitter in my mouth. The last time I saw him was a year ago at a charity gala — the same night he humiliated me in front of half of Ravenshore’s elite. I’d called him a corporate vulture; he’d smirked and told me to “learn how the world really works.” And now, here he is. Standing tall, sharp, and perfectly unbothered. The dark gray suit, the silver watch, the quiet arrogance in his stride — all of it screams danger disguised as elegance. “Miss Hayes,” he says coolly. His voice is low, steady, with that subtle hint of control that makes people listen before they even think to resist. “Mr. Cole,” I reply, matching his tone. “Didn’t expect to see you anywhere near this office unless you were planning a takeover.” His lips twitch, not quite a smile. “I’m not planning one. I already have.” My father winces. I blink, frozen. “What do you mean?” He pulls out a thin document and slides it across the desk — the movement smooth, practiced, predatory. “Your father’s debts are higher than the company’s assets. Without my help, Hayes Industries will be bankrupt within the month.” My throat goes dry. “And your help comes with a price, I’m guessing?” His gaze locks on mine. “Always.” He waits for a heartbeat, then says the words that steal the air from the room. “I’ll clear your father’s debts. In exchange, you’ll marry me.” The words hang between us like smoke. I almost laugh, except it comes out broken. “You’re joking.” “I don’t joke about contracts,” he replies simply. My pulse pounds in my ears. “Marriage? That’s... that’s insane.” “Not insane,” he says, stepping closer. “Strategic. My board is pressuring me to settle down. Your family needs saving. It’s convenient for us both.” I stare at him, searching for a flicker of emotion — pity, guilt, anything. But his face is unreadable. “You think I’d marry a man who humiliated me? Who destroyed my foundation project for profit?” He tilts his head slightly. “You think I destroyed it.But what do you actually know, Liana?” My father slams his palm on the desk. "Enough! Adrian, please, this isn’t necessary—” “Yes, it is,” he says sharply, eyes never leaving mine. “Your father’s mistakes put you in this position, not me. I’m offering a solution, not a punishment.” I clench my fists. “You’re offering ownership.” “Call it whatever you like,” he murmurs. “But think carefully, Miss Hayes. Without this agreement, your father loses everything — the company, the house, even the Hayes name. With it… you keep your world intact.” I want to throw the papers in his face. I want to scream that I’ll find another way. But deep down, I already know the truth. There is no other way. He senses my silence and leans closer, voice dropping to a whisper that grazes my skin. “You have twenty-four hours to decide. My lawyer will be in touch.” Then he turns and walks out — calm, confident, untouchable. The moment the door shuts, my father collapses back in his chair. “Liana,” he chokes, “don’t do it. I can fix this ”. But we both know he can’t. And somewhere deep inside, I know Adrian Cole is already counting on that. Adrian's pov She still looks the same. Fierce. Proud. Impossible to ignore. When I walked into Richard Hayes’ office and saw Liana standing there — chin high, eyes defiant — it took everything in me not to smirk. The last time we spoke, she called me “soulless.” I almost thanked her. She was right. That night, I decided I’d never let the Hayes family win again. I remember her father’s signature on the documents that destroyed my father’s company — the betrayal that sent my old man to the hospital and ended his career. Liana probably doesn’t even know the truth. That’s fine. She will. Slowly. But not yet. To her, this is business. A contract. A merger. To me, it’s justice — served cold and legally binding. My assistant catches up with me outside. “Mr. Cole, shall I prepare the press statement?” “Not yet,” I say. “Not until she agrees.” He hesitates. “You think she will?” I glance back at the closed office door, where I left her standing — angry, confused, and beautifully trapped. “She will,” I murmur. “Pride won’t save her father. I will.” I step into my car, pull out my phone, and send a short message to my legal advisor. Proceed with the marriage contract draft. Deadline: tomorrow noon. As the city lights blur past the window, I allow myself one brief moment of weakness — one image I shouldn’t have held onto. Liana’s eyes. Fierce, burning, alive. I tell myself this isn’t about her. It’s about revenge. But even I don’t fully believe that anymore.