I stared at him , still frozen from the words that had just left his mouth . I blinked in confusion . It didn't feel real , my fingers twitched by my side . I opened my mouth , but nothing came out . Then his voice changed , cold and detached , " that's perfect for the media . " I blinked , " what ? " " This , " he said , motioning toward me , " is exactly what my father wants . To make this announcement believable . Hart and Sterling , two legacies bound together but for that to sell , people need to believe I'd actually want something to do with you . " The blow landed harder than I expected . I swallowed the knot rising in my throat and looked away . I didn't know what hurt more , his words or how easily they came out of him . I was supposed to be used to it by now , the distance , the walls , the cold glances but a part of me couldn't stop seeing him as the man who used to show up at my restaurant just to hear me talk . He turned away and called for the car . We didn't speak as we walked to the entrance . The driver opened the door without a word . Rick slid into the backseat first , sitting on the far side , his arm against the window . I got in after him and stayed close to the door on my side and the ride was immediately filled with silence . I stared ahead , my hands resting in my lap . Every now and then I could feel him glance my way , but he said nothing . The only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the occasional buzz of his phone . He didn't look at me once after that . I wanted to ask him what this event was . Why it mattered so much , why two grown men would agree to tie their families together through something as personal as marriage but I knew I wouldn't get the answers , especially not from him . The city blurred past the windows , until finally the car slowed in front of a wide event center glowing under massive white lights . It was stunning , grand , too over the top . Huge glass doors , fountains at the entrance , black carpets rolled out instead of red . A crowd was already forming . I sat up straighter , eyes widening . " There's media here ? " Rick didn't answer . He just stepped out first . The second the door opened , camera flashes went off . People swarmed toward the ropes , shouting his name , holding up phones and microphones . I hesitated for half a second before the driver opened my side . I was shocked by the fame he possessed , I had spent too much time focusing on my personal growth in those times to even know any information about him . I stepped out and was hit with a wall of light . Flash after flash , people yelling questions I couldn't even hear clearly . I froze , my eyes scanning the chaos . My chest tightened . I wasn't ready for this , I wasn't ready to be 1/3 8:42 pm Chapter 12 seen like this , next to him , like I belonged here . 55 vouchers Rick noticed . His arm slipped around my waist like it was second nature , his other hand reached for mine and gave it a gentle squeeze . It didn't feel like affection , it felt like instruction , like he was telling me to breathe , to hold it together . We started walking . The noise got louder as we neared the main stage . Photographers followed us , someone called out about the wedding , another about how fast it all happened . Rick kept one hand firm on my waist and the other casually adjusting his cuff . He looked composed and confident , not one crack on the surface . When we reached the front , a mic was handed to him . I stood slightly behind , unsure if I should step forward or not . He didn't hesitate . " I want to thank everyone for being here today , " Rick said , voice smooth , public , practiced . " As many of you know , the Sterling and Hart families have had a long history of collaboration and today we take that a step further . I'm proud to officially introduce my wife , Fiona Sterling ." The applause was immediate . Camera lights flickered even harder now . I stood stiff , offering a tight smile . Every second under those lights felt like hours . All I could think about was how none of this was real . It was just a performance , one I had offered myself up for . The venue inside was just as loud as the outside , grand chandeliers , live classical music , glass walls with views of the skyline , and tables filled with rich people in tailored suits and glittering gowns . Everyone held champagne flutes , they all looked important . We were stopped every few steps , more congratulations , more questions , people commented on how well we matched , how elegant we looked together . I smiled through all of it , letting Rick lead . Then I heard it . " They look too polished , " someone whispered behind us . " It's like … there's no chemistry ." " They're probably just business , " another voice added , " this looks more arranged than anything else . " They didn't know I could hear them , but I did . And worse , they were right . There was no chemistry , no affection , just Rick's cold hold on my waist and my fake smile . If people caught on , if this event failed , whatever deal his father had forced him into might collapse . I didn't know what it was , but it clearly meant everything to Rick if he was willing to marry someone he claimed to hate just to make it happen . He moved away for a moment , cornered by a few older men in suits , business friends . They shook hands and laughed and patted him on the back . I watched him for a second too long , then my mind clicked . I didn't think . I just walked forward , my heels hit the floor hard . I reached him , wrapped my hands around 2/3 ED 8:42 pm E Chapter 12 the back of his neck , and tilted my head . He looked down , confused . And I kissed him . 55 vouchers His lips caught mine with more warmth than I expected . His hands went to my waist again , firmer this time . The cameras flashed louder than before as everything faded but that moment . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!