A wife in the spotlight

The grand Cole estate was a place that exuded power, wealth, and legacy. Its towering marble pillars, sprawling gardens, and glistening chandeliers spoke of old money—money that carried influence far beyond what Ava could comprehend. But beneath the elegance, an invisible weight pressed on her shoulders. She was now part of this world, and whether she liked it or not, she had to prove she belonged.

She wasn't naive. She knew whispers followed her the moment she stepped into this life. Damien's parents, Nathalie and Eleanor Cole, had made their disapproval clear even before they met her. But now, the scrutiny was no longer confined to the Cole estate—it had reached the public.

Ava adjusted the pearl necklace resting against her collarbone, her fingers trembling slightly as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Tonight was the first time she would be stepping into the public eye as Damien Cole's wife. It wasn't just a family dinner—it was a full-scale gala, attended by CEOs, socialites, and powerful figures from across the city.

And, of course, the press.

Her stomach twisted at the thought.

"Are you ready?" Damien's voice came from behind her.

She turned, meeting his dark, calculating gaze. He was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, exuding the effortless confidence she could only dream of possessing.

Ava swallowed. "I don't think I'll ever be ready."

"You'll have to be," he replied coolly. "Tonight, you'll be in the spotlight. Every reporter, every camera, every guest will want to know who you are."

His words sent a chill down her spine.

And as if on cue, Damien's parents entered the room.

Eleanor's gaze swept over Ava with practiced elegance, her lips pursing slightly in disapproval. "The dress is decent," she commented. "At least you won't embarrass us tonight."

Ava stiffened at the remark, but she forced herself to smile. "Thank you."

Nathalie Cole, Damien's father, was less subtle. He eyed her with the same critical stare he used in business negotiations. "Let's get straight to the point, Damien," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Why the rush? Why did you feel the need to marry within a month?"

Damien remained impassive, his expression unreadable. "Does it matter?"

Nathalie scoffed. "Of course, it matters. You're the heir to this empire, and instead of securing a proper alliance, you marry…" He gestured toward Ava, as if struggling to find the right words. "Someone with no influence, no class, and no social standing."

Ava clenched her fists but remained silent.

Eleanor sighed, shaking her head. "We had countless women lined up—women from prestigious families, with proper upbringing. Yet, you chose someone… ordinary."

Damien's jaw tightened. "My marriage is my decision."

"But why her?" Eleanor pressed. "Surely there's a reason."

A flicker of something dark passed through Damien's eyes, but he masked it instantly. "I married her because I wanted to."

Ava's breath caught. It was a lie. She knew it.

The real reason was the clause in Nathalie Cole's will—the one that would strip Damien of his company if he didn't marry within a month. But Damien wouldn't admit that. Instead, he played his role perfectly, maintaining the illusion of control.

Nathalie let out a sharp breath. "Very well. But you should know, Damien, that marriage is not just about personal choices—it's about power. And if she cannot prove she is worthy of our name, you will regret this decision."

The words lingered in the air like an unspoken threat.

---

Ava in the Public Eye

The moment they arrived at the gala, Ava understood what Damien meant about the spotlight.

The flashing cameras, the eager reporters, the murmurs of curiosity—she had never been the center of attention like this before.

Reporters swarmed as soon as they stepped onto the red carpet.

"Mrs. Cole! Over here!"

"Ava, can we get a statement?"

"How does it feel to be married to one of the most powerful men in the country?"

Ava's heartbeat thundered in her ears, but she kept her posture straight. She had to.

One reporter stepped closer. "There have been many speculations about your background. Could you tell us more? Where did you study? What kind of business do you run?"

The question caught her off guard.

Damien's grip on her waist tightened slightly—a silent warning.

Ava cleared her throat. "I studied business management," she answered, choosing her words carefully. "And I've worked hard to build my own brand."

"Interesting," the reporter mused. "Some sources say you come from a humble background. How does it feel to suddenly be part of such wealth?"

Ava's stomach twisted.

"I believe success is measured by determination, not just background," she replied smoothly.

Another reporter chimed in, "Many are calling you one of the most beautiful women to enter high society. How do you feel about all the comparisons to other socialites?"

Ava forced a small smile. "Flattering, but I believe every woman is beautiful in her own way."

Despite her calm answers, she could feel the eyes on her—the judgment, the curiosity, the doubt.

And when they finally entered the grand ballroom, Damien leaned down and murmured, "You handled that well."

Ava wasn't sure if it was a compliment or another test.

---

A Night of Silent Battles

The evening was a blur of introductions, polite smiles, and whispered comments.

Damien's parents weren't the only ones skeptical of her. The guests, the business partners, even the women who once pursued Damien—all of them watched her as if waiting for her to make a mistake.

"She doesn't belong here."

"She must have seduced him somehow."

"I give this marriage six months."

The words weren't spoken to her directly, but she heard them.

Still, Ava stood tall.

Because if there was one thing she had learned in life, it was that survival wasn't about where you came from—it was about how well you could adapt.

---

After the Gala

The ride home was silent.

Ava's mind replayed everything—Damien's lie, his parents' doubt, the way the media dissected her existence.

She turned to him, breaking the silence. "Do you ever get tired of pretending?"

Damien's gaze flickered toward her, unreadable. "Pretending?"

"That everything is perfect," she said softly. "That nothing affects you."

For a moment, something almost vulnerable flashed in his eyes.

But then, just as quickly, it was gone.

"We all have roles to play, Ava," he said. "Yours is to be my wife. Mine is to ensure we both survive this."

The words stung.

She wanted to believe there was more to this marriage than contracts and appearances. But deep down, she knew the truth.

She was just another piece in his game.

And the question was—how long could she keep playing?