Chapter 4 – The Price of Playing Along

Ava barely had time to process the whirlwind of the press conference before the real consequences started hitting her.

Headlines flooded the internet. "CEO Adrian Blackwood's Secret Engagement Who is Ava Sinclair?" "Power Couple or Business Deal?" Every news site, social media feed, and business blog was buzzing about them.

And, of course, her inbox was filled with messages some from curious colleagues, others from relentless reporters trying to dig deeper.

But the one that made her stomach churn?

A message from her ex, Daniel.

Daniel: Since when do you date Adrian Blackwood? This can't be real.

Ava clenched her jaw, fingers hovering over her phone screen. The nerve. He had no right to question her life, not after the way he left her like she was nothing.

She deleted the message without replying.

She had bigger problems.

The CEO's Demands

By noon, Ava was back in Adrian's office, not by choice, but because he had summoned her.

She pushed open the heavy doors and found him behind his desk, coolly scrolling through the latest headlines about them.

"Enjoying your handwork?" she asked, arms crossed.

Adrian didn't look up. "You should be thanking me."

Ava scoffed. "For what? Dragging me into this ridiculous scheme?"

His gaze lifted, sharp and unreadable. "For saving your career."

Ava's fingers curled into fists. I didn't ask to be saved.

Adrian stood, rounding his desk until he was dangerously close. His presence was overpowering, the heat of him an unsettling contrast to his icy demeanor.

"No," he murmured, voice low and deliberate. But you'll still play your role.

She hated how steady his gaze was, how he always acted like he held all the power.

Ava straightened her spine. I played along at the press conference. That's enough.

Adrian's smirk was slow, calculated. You think this is over?

Her stomach twisted.

He handed her a sleek, black envelope. There's a gala tonight. You'll be attending as my fiancée.

Ava's breath hitched. "What?"

"You heard me." His expression was unreadable. Seven o'clock. I'll send a dress.

Ava's hands tightened around the envelope. "You can't seriously expect me to

He leaned in, just enough to make her nervous, breathless. You want out of this contract?

She swallowed hard, but didn't back down. "Yes."

"Then play the role," he said, voice like silk wrapped around steel. Convince everyone this engagement is real. Then, maybe, we'll negotiate your exit.

Her heart pounded against her ribs.

Adrian straightened, adjusting his cufflinks like this was just another business deal.

Be ready at seven, Ava. I don't like waiting.

The Gala – A Night of Tension

By the time Ava arrived at the gala, she was barely holding onto her sanity.

The dress Adrian had sent was a deep, blood-red gown, clinging to her curves in a way that made her feel exposed and powerful all at once. It was stunning, but she hated that he had chosen it for her.

The event was a grand affair a luxurious ballroom, glittering chandeliers, and a sea of elites dressed in their finest.

Ava stepped out of the car, her pulse quickening as cameras flashed wildly around her. She wasn't used to this level of attention.

And then, she saw him.

Adrian stood at the top of the grand staircase, his black tux perfectly tailored, his presence commanding. The moment their eyes met, a slow smirk played at his lips.

He offered his hand. "Shall we?"

Ava hesitated.

Then, with the weight of the world watching, she took it.

Game on.