Chapter 8 – The Kiss That Changed Everything

Ava felt like the world had tilted off its axis.

The moment Adrian's lips met hers, everything else—Daniel's presence, the flashing cameras, the murmurs of the crowd—faded into nothing.

But then, as quickly as it started, Adrian pulled away.

The warmth of his touch lingered, but his eyes were unreadable.

She barely had a second to breathe before Daniel spoke, his voice cold. "So, that's how it is."

Ava turned, heart still racing. Daniel's expression was unreadable, but the tension in his posture said enough.

Adrian smirked. "Finally catching up?"

Daniel exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Enjoy your game, Ava," he muttered, stepping back into the crowd and disappearing.

Ava's stomach twisted. This wasn't how she wanted things to go. This wasn't supposed to happen at all.

But before she could process it, Adrian's hand slipped around her wrist again, pulling her inside, away from prying eyes.

The second they were alone in a secluded hallway, she yanked free. "What the hell was that?!"

Adrian leaned against the wall, completely unfazed. "Damage control."

"Damage control? You just kissed me in front of the press, Adrian! That's not damage control, that's

"Necessary."

Her breath hitched. His voice was too calm, too certain.

"You expect me to believe that?" she snapped.

He pushed off the wall, stepping closer. Too close. "Do you want to see the headlines tomorrow?" His voice was smooth, dangerous. "Because I already know what they'll say."

Ava swallowed, her pulse pounding. He wasn't wrong.

If that photo of her and Daniel made it out first, the narrative would spin against her. Against them. The engagement would look weak, like a façade.

But now, with that kiss…

The world would see Adrian Kingston as the possessive fiancé, shutting down any competition.

And Ava? She'd be the woman he was willing to fight for.

Her chest tightened. It was a brilliant move. Calculated.

But that didn't mean she had to like it.

She lifted her chin, eyes burning. "Next time, ask before you decide to shove your tongue down my throat."

Adrian smirked, completely unfazed. "Noted."

A muscle ticked in her jaw. I'm serious, Adrian.

He exhaled slowly, studying her. "I know." A pause. Then—softer, almost unreadable. "But it worked."

And that was the problem.

Because it did work.

And worse? She could still feel the kiss lingering on her lips.

Before she could say another word, Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his smirk returning. There's already an article up.

Ava's stomach dropped. "What does it say?"

He held up the screen.

CEO Adrian Kingston Makes a Statement A Passionate Kiss That Ends All Rumors.

Beneath the headline was a high-resolution photo of the kiss Adrian holding her like she was the most important thing in the world.

Ava's breath caught.

It looked real.

It looked like love.

Adrian slipped his phone back into his pocket. "You're welcome."

She glared at him. "I hate you."

His lips twitched. If that were true, you wouldn't have kissed me back.

Ava's face burned,I was caught off guard.

Adrian hummed, amused. "Sure."

She huffed, turning on her heel to leave. But before she could escape, his voice stopped her.

"Ava."

She hesitated, not turning around.

His voice dipped lower. Be careful with Daniel.

Something in his tone made her chest tighten. But before she could ask what he meant, Adrian was already walking away.

Leaving her standing there, heart pounding, realizing that this game had just become far more dangerous than she ever imagined.