Chapter Eight : The Wedding We Can't Escape
Eliana Carter had always imagined her wedding day would be different.
She had pictured love—a man who adored her, a moment that felt right.
She would be in love.
She would walk down the aisle, knowing she had found someone she could trust.
Instead, she was here.
Standing in a private bridal suite of a lavish cathedral, staring at her reflection in the mirror while wearing a wedding gown that wasn't supposed to mean anything.
Because this wasn't real.
This was a business deal.
A contract signed in ink and sealed with a lie.
"Stop looking like someone's dragging you to your execution, her best friend, Naomi, huffed as she adjusted the fabric of Eliana's dress. "Most women will kill for this wedding".
Behind her, Naomi was fastening the last buttons of her dress, watching her through the mirror. "You look breathtaking."
Eliana swallowed. "That's the problem."
Naomi sighed. "Are you having second thoughts?"
No.
Yes.
Maybe.
It wasn't the marriage that scared her. It was the way she was starting to feel too much—the way Adrian's presence had started seeping into places she never intended.
Because no matter how much she tried to convince herself that this was just business—
Somewhere deep down, it didn't feel like a lie anymore.
"Ellie," Naomi's voice softened. "This is just for a year, right? You'll walk away clean."
A clean break.
That was the plan.
So why did she feel like she was about to make a mistake she wouldn't be able to undo?
Before she could answer, the door opened.
A staff member peeked in.
"It's time."
Eliana exhaled sharply, gripping her bouquet.
No turning back now.
Meanwhile, Across the City…
Adrian Blackwood had never been nervous in his life.
Not when he sealed his first billion-dollar deal.
Not when he faced ruthless investors.
Not even when his father left him an empire to control.
And yet, as he stood in front of a gilded mirror, adjusting his tie, he felt something dangerously close to nerves.
"Never thought I'd see the day," Leo, his best man, teased from behind him. "Adrian Blackwood—a married man."
Adrian smirked, shaking off the unease. "Don't get used to it. It's temporary."
Leo chuckled. "Sure. Tell yourself that when you're kissing her in front of the entire world."
Adrian didn't respond.
Because that was the problem.
Eliana was supposed to be just another deal.
Another chess piece in his carefully planned strategy.
But she wasn't.
Because when he looked at her, he forgot this was all for show.
And that was the real danger.
A Wedding No One Can Question
The cathedral was filled with powerful elites, media giants, and the world's most influential figures.
The moment Eliana stepped inside, a hush fell over the room.
All eyes were on her.
The press would call her stunning.
The internet would worship her.
But all she could focus on was Adrian.
He stood at the altar, waiting, his piercing gaze locked onto hers.
The world faded.
And suddenly, this didn't feel like a business deal.
It felt like something else.
Something dangerous.
Then, before she could second-guess herself—
She reached him.
And the moment their fingers brushed as he took her hand, her heart betrayed her.
Vows That Feel Too Real
The officiant cleared his throat.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Adrian Blackwood and Eliana Carter…"
Eliana barely heard the words.
Her heart pounded too loudly.
Then—
"Do you, Adrian Blackwood, take Eliana Carter to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"I do."
It was smooth. Confident.
Like he meant it.
She should have been relieved.
Instead, her stomach twisted.
Then it was her turn
"Eliana, do you take Adrian to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her pulse raced.
She should say no.
She should run.
But instead—
She met his eyes.
And whispered the two words that sealed her fate.
"I do."
The Kiss That Changed Everything
"The groom may now kiss the bride."
Eliana barely had time to react before Adrian's hand slid around her waist, pulling her in.
Then—
His lips met hers.
It should have been calculated.
It should have been just for show.
But it wasn't.
Because the moment his lips moved against hers, a shockwave pulsed through her.
She wasn't supposed to feel this.
She wasn't supposed to want this.
And yet—
Her body betrayed her.
She leaned in.
She kissed him back.
And the worst part?
It didn't feel fake.
It felt like the beginning of something she couldn't control.
The Wedding Night… and the Twist That Changes Everything
Hours later, after the reception, Eliana found herself standing in the penthouse suite of the most luxurious hotel in the city.
Her wedding gown pooled around her feet.
She should be relieved.
She should feel in control.
Instead—
She felt like she had walked into a trap.
The door opened.
Adrian stepped inside, his tuxedo undone, his expression unreadable.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then—
He smirked. "Still standing, Mrs. Blackwood?"
She crossed her arms. "I told you not to call me that."
His eyes darkened. "Why? Afraid it's starting to feel real?"
Her breath hitched.
Because the truth was—she was afraid.
Afraid that this wasn't just a game anymore.
And that was when it happened.
A knock on the door.
Eliana frowned. "Are we expecting someone?"
Adrian's jaw tensed. "No."
He opened the door—
And froze.
A woman stood there.
She was stunning, tall, elegant, and dressed in a designer outfit.
But it wasn't her beauty that made Eliana's stomach drop.
It was the way she looked at Adrian.
Like she knew him.
Like she had history with him.
"Eliana," the woman said smoothly, stepping forward, "I don't believe we've met. I'm Cassandra."
Eliana's blood ran cold.
She had heard that name before.
Cassandra Whitmore.
Adrian's ex-fiancée.
And the woman he had once almost married.
Eliana turned to Adrian, searching his face for answers.
But for the first time ever—
Adrian Blackwood looked caught off guard.