Layla woke up feeling unusually energized. Maybe it was the comfortable bed, she thought with a small smile. But the smile quickly faded as reality hit her. Oh no. She sat upright. She was married now. Married! And that came with responsibilities. She glanced at the clock—it was already past seven. She was supposed to prepare breakfast.
Panicking, Layla hurried into the bathroom, showered quickly, and got dressed. She hoped Carlen could drop her off at the shop. But as she descended the stairs, the sight of a neatly set breakfast pancakes with syrup and bacon stopped her in her tracks. Beside the food was a note. She picked it up and read:
"There are cars in the garage. Drive whichever you prefer. If you can't drive, you can order a cab. Miss Joy, the housekeeper, will be coming to clean the house and restock groceries, so there's no need to worry about chores. Enjoy your day, Mrs. Adams."
Layla raised a brow. So this is what it's like to marry rich, she thought, shrugging. What a pity it won't last long.
---
Adols Company
"Boss! Boss!" Dan, Carlen's assistant, called out in a panic, running into his office.
"What's the matter?" Carlen asked, not looking up from his desk.
"There are photos of you circulating online," Dan said breathlessly. "You're hugging a man passionately in one and… in another, he's kissing you on the cheek."
Carlen froze. "Let me see." Dan handed over the tablet, and Carlen's jaw tightened as he recognized the images.
"It's from my time in the States," he said dryly. "Josh,my roommate was drunk and was acting foolish, I had to carry him on my back."
"How did they get these photos, Boss?" Dan asked nervously. "Do you think someone from your past leaked them to your competitors?"
"Have you traced the IP address?"
"No, Boss. We couldn't."
"Then leave it to me." Carlen's voice was cold as steel. "Announce to the media that I'll hold a press conference tomorrow. Take down every site where these photos have been uploaded, and warn them not to publish anything further unless they want their media house shut down."
Once Dan left, Carlen got to work. It didn't take him long to trace the IP address to the basement of a house owned by none other than Vince Shaw, his long-time rival.
"VINCE SHAW!" Carlen growled, his anger palpable. "When I'm done with you, your company won't recover."
To keep Shaw occupied, Carlen immediately used his grandfather's influence to pressure one of Shaw's major partners to terminate their contract. The partner agreed, knowing they stood to gain more from Carlen's company. This sent Shaw's company into disarray. Vince's father, the CEO, was livid.
"How could you let this happen?" he barked at Vince. "Fix it! Now!"
Vince, however, was at a loss. He couldn't understand why their collaborator had not only pulled out but willingly paid the hefty cancellation fee.
---
Layla's Evening
Layla had been busy at the shop all day and wanted to get home before Carlen. She left work 30 minutes earlier than usual, but as she arrived, she saw his car parked outside.
"Good evening," she said softly as she passed him in the living room, heading upstairs before he could respond.
"Layla," he called after her, his voice calm but firm. "Am I scary?"
She paused on the staircase, uncertain how to answer.
"Why do you always run whenever you see me?" he asked, his tone quieter now.
When she didn't respond, he sighed. "After you're done showering, come down for dinner. I have something important to discuss with you."
Layla nodded hesitantly and continued upstairs.
As she showered, her mind raced. What does he want to ask me? Does he want… a child? Does he want to… sleep with me? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. We had an agreement. That's not part of it.
When she came downstairs an hour later, the dining table was set with a delicious spread.
"Did you cook this?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
"I lived alone in the States for years," he replied casually. "I had to learn. I came back to take over the family business."
Dinner was peaceful. They ate in silence, but when Layla tried to do the dishes afterward, Carlen protested.
"You don't have to. I'll handle it."
"I can't let you," she insisted, feeling uncomfortable letting him clean up after cooking.
Later, as they talked, Carlen brought up the cars in the garage. "I noticed you didn't take any. Didn't you like them, or… can you not drive?"
"I haven't finished my lessons," she admitted. "I hope to complete them soon."
"Layla, I need you to attend the press conference with me tomorrow," he said suddenly. "We need to act like we're truly in love. I'll tell them we're married."
Layla hesitated. "I don't want my face in the media. My parents don't even know I'm married. What if they investigate and harass my family?"
"I'll keep your identity hidden. You can wear a mask if you'd like."
After a long pause, Layla agreed.
---
The Press Conference
The next morning, Layla came downstairs to find a team waiting for her.
"These are the makeup artists and designer," Carlen explained. "They'll help you get ready."
Hours later, Layla barely recognized herself. The woman staring back at her in the mirror was stunning.
"Am I really this beautiful?" she whispered in awe.
When she stepped into the room, Carlen, dressed in a crisp white Armani suit, couldn't take his eyes off her.
"You look breathtaking," he said softly.
At the conference, the crowd erupted as Carlen helped Layla out of the car. Reporters clamored with questions.
"Who is she?" one asked. "Does she know you like men?"
"She's my wife," Carlen replied calmly.
"Was it a shotgun marriage?"
"No."
"What's her name?"
"Mrs. Adams."
The crowd gasped.
"How can you be with her if you like men?" another reporter challenged.
Carlen's voice turned icy. "Who told you I like men? Have I slept with you before?" He then presented evidence clearing up the photos.
A reporter raised a hand. "If you're married, can you kiss her to prove it?"
The crowd began chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Carlen turned to Layla, his voice gentle. "May I?"
She nodded hesitantly.
The kiss was brief but electrifying. Layla felt a heat she hadn't expected. He's… a good kisser, she thought as her heart raced.
After the conference, Carlen returned to work, but Layla couldn't stop replaying the kiss in her mind. Her fingers brushed her lips, a soft smile tugging at the corners.
I didn't want it to end.