Chapter 28: Tangled in the Spotlight
Chapter 28: Tangled in the Spotlight
Elena
Elena adjusted the diamond bracelet around her wrist as the limousine pulled up to the grand ballroom of the Astoria Hotel. The red carpet stretched ahead, cameras flashing in rapid succession as dignitaries, CEOs, and celebrities arrived in glittering gowns and tailored suits.
This was the kind of event where power wasn't just displayed—it was solidified.
She exhaled slowly. Tonight was a performance, just like every other event in this contract marriage. The only difference? She was no longer sure who she was performing for—Jason, the world, or herself.
The car door opened, and Jason stepped out first, cutting an imposing figure in his tailored black suit. His presence commanded attention, and the moment he extended a hand toward her, the cameras went wild.
With practiced ease, Elena took it, allowing him to guide her out of the car. The moment their fingers touched, the electricity between them was undeniable.
They moved as a perfect unit, the epitome of power and elegance. Jason's hand settled at the small of her back, his touch possessive, firm—a claim disguised as protection. Elena's smile was poised, betraying nothing of the storm beneath the surface.
As they entered the lavish ballroom, chandeliers glittering above them, Jason leaned in. "Stay close."
Elena arched a brow but said nothing. She knew the game well enough by now.
---
The Event Begins
The night unfolded in a whirlwind of introductions and strategic conversations. Elena played her part flawlessly, engaging in polite discussions with industry leaders and foreign investors. If Jason noticed how easily she handled herself, he didn't comment.
But she felt his eyes on her. Always watching. Always assessing.
Halfway through the evening, a familiar voice broke through the crowd.
"Jason," Victoria Marcus purred, placing a perfectly manicured hand on his arm before her gaze flicked to Elena. "Elena. What a lovely surprise."
Elena kept her expression neutral. "Victoria."
Victoria's smile didn't falter, but something calculating flickered in her eyes. "You two certainly make quite the statement tonight."
Jason's grip on Elena's waist tightened slightly, but his expression remained unreadable. "Was there something you needed?"
"Just making observations." Victoria's gaze lingered on Elena for a second too long. "You play the role well, Elena."
The words were innocent enough, but the weight behind them was unmistakable. A challenge. A test.
Elena met Victoria's stare with unwavering poise. "I don't play roles, Victoria. I live them."
Jason's lips twitched as if suppressing amusement, but Victoria wasn't easily rattled. She let out a soft laugh. "We'll see."
And with that, she drifted away, her presence leaving a subtle tension in its wake.
Elena exhaled slowly, willing herself to shake off the encounter. But the unease lingered.
Then—
"May I have this dance?"
Elena turned, expecting to see another guest. Instead, Jason stood before her, his hand outstretched.
She blinked. "Jason, what are you doing?"
He leaned in, his lips brushing just near her ear as he whispered, "Dance with me."
It wasn't a request.
---
Jason's Possessive Counterattack
Jason guided her effortlessly onto the dance floor, his grip firm, his movements commanding.
Elena stiffened slightly. "Jason—"
"Just follow." His voice was smooth, unwavering.
The orchestra swelled, and Jason pulled her into the steps of a slow, elegant waltz. His hands controlled every movement, his palm resting against her lower back, fingertips pressing lightly—just enough to remind her who was leading.
Elena tried to ignore the heat of his touch, the way his gaze burned into hers.
"This isn't necessary," she murmured.
Jason smirked, his hand tightening. "On the contrary, I think it is."
The dance was electric, their chemistry undeniable. Jason tested her—his touch lingering, his gaze locked onto hers, waiting, watching.
Elena refused to react, but her heartbeat betrayed her.
"You can pretend all you want, Elena," Jason murmured. "But I know the truth."
Elena's anger flared. "You don't know anything."
Jason's smirk deepened. "Don't I?"
His grip tightened, pulling her flush against him for the final spin. The world blurred, the music faded. For a brief moment, it was just them.
Then—
A flash.
Elena barely had time to react before another burst of light flickered from the corner of the room.
Photographers.
Her breath caught as realization slammed into her.
The cameras had captured everything—the closeness, the way Jason held her, the intensity between them.
The music ended, but Jason didn't let go immediately. His fingers lingered against her spine, his gaze searching hers.
Then, slowly, he released her, but not before murmuring against her ear.
"Looks like we just made headlines."
---
The next morning, a leaked photo of their intimate moment spreads across the media. Was it real, or was it staged?