The next few weeks brought a tentative sense of stability to Dominic and Lena's relationship. Their conversations grew less guarded, their silences less tense. But beneath the surface, both of them knew their fragile truce could be shattered at any moment.
One Thursday morning, Dominic called Lena into his office. She entered to find him standing by the window, his back to her. The view of the city skyline framed him like a portrait—powerful, untouchable. But as he turned to face her, Lena caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes: concern.
"I need to discuss something with you," he said, his tone more formal than usual.
Lena tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Dominic gestured for her to sit, taking his place behind his desk. "There's an issue with one of our investors. They've been threatening to withdraw funding unless we present a united front as a married couple."
Lena frowned, trying to process his words. "You mean… they know about us?"
"They don't know the full story," Dominic clarified. "But they suspect something is off. They've requested that we attend their upcoming gala together. As a couple."
The air between them grew heavy with unspoken tension. Lena's mind raced. The idea of publicly presenting herself as Dominic's wife—after months of keeping their relationship under wraps—felt overwhelming. But she knew there was more at stake than her own comfort.
"And you think this will fix the problem?" she asked, her voice steady.
Dominic leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers. "It's not just about fixing the problem. It's about securing our future—both professionally and personally. If we want this marriage to work, we need to stop hiding."
Lena couldn't deny the logic in his words, but the vulnerability in his tone caught her off guard. For once, he wasn't speaking as the CEO or the cold businessman. He was speaking as a man trying to find a way forward.
"When is the gala?" she asked, folding her hands in her lap.
"Next Saturday," Dominic replied. "I've already arranged for a stylist to help you prepare. You'll need to make an impression."
Lena's lips twitched into a faint smile. "You make it sound like a business merger."
Dominic's mouth curved slightly, a rare hint of amusement. "Isn't that what this marriage started as?"
Her smile faded, the weight of his words settling over her. "Maybe it started that way," she said quietly. "But it doesn't have to stay that way."
Dominic's expression softened, and for a moment, Lena thought he might say something more. But instead, he nodded, the mask of professionalism sliding back into place. "Thank you for agreeing to this," he said. "I know it's not easy."
Lena stood, brushing invisible lint off her skirt. "Nothing about this marriage has been easy, Dominic. But I'm willing to try—if you are."
As she left his office, her heart felt heavier than before. The gala was more than just a public appearance; it was a test of their ability to navigate the complexities of their relationship. And Lena couldn't shake the feeling that the night would either bring them closer together or drive them further apart.
The week leading up to the gala was a blur of preparations. Dominic kept his distance, burying himself in work, while Lena found herself swept up in fittings and rehearsals for the event. The stylist he had hired was efficient but impersonal, choosing gowns and accessories with clinical precision.
By the time Saturday arrived, Lena was exhausted but determined. She stood in front of the full-length mirror in her dressing room, staring at her reflection. The deep emerald gown hugged her figure perfectly, the shimmering fabric catching the light with every movement. Her hair was styled in soft waves, her makeup flawless.
She looked every bit the part of a CEO's wife. But beneath the polished exterior, Lena felt like an imposter.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Dominic standing in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo. His eyes swept over her, and for a moment, he looked genuinely speechless.
"You look… stunning," he said, his voice low.
Lena felt her cheeks flush under his gaze. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself."
He stepped closer, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
Taking a deep breath, Lena slipped her hand into his. The gesture felt oddly intimate, sending a shiver down her spine.
The gala was held in a grand ballroom, filled with glittering chandeliers and the hum of conversation. Dominic and Lena entered together, their presence commanding attention. Heads turned, whispers followed, and Lena felt the weight of every gaze on her.
Dominic leaned in, his voice low in her ear. "Just follow my lead. We'll get through this."
She nodded, forcing a smile as they made their way through the crowd. Dominic introduced her to key investors and business partners, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. His touch was steady, grounding, and Lena found herself drawing strength from it.
But as the night wore on, the cracks in their facade began to show. A snide remark from one of the investors about their "unlikely pairing" made Lena bristle, and she saw Dominic's jaw tighten in response.
"Excuse us," Dominic said sharply, steering Lena away from the conversation.
Once they were alone, Lena turned to him, her frustration bubbling over. "You can't keep protecting me like this, Dominic. I can handle myself."
"I know you can," he said, his voice softer now. "But that doesn't mean I won't stand up for you."
His words caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
The evening ended with a slow dance, the two of them swaying to the music under the watchful eyes of the crowd. As Dominic held her close, Lena felt something shift between them—a connection that went beyond duty or obligation.
And for the first time, she allowed herself to hope that their marriage might become something real.