"Cracks in the Facade"

Elena barely had time to process her new reality before the media storm hit.

By the time they returned to the penthouse, her phone was buzzing non-stop.

Headlines flooded the internet—

"Nicholas Blackwell's Secret Marriage—Who is Elena Carter?"

"From Struggling Writer to Billionaire's Wife—A Fairytale or a Business Deal?"

"The Woman Who Tamed Nicholas Blackwell—Or Did She?"

As she read article after article, her heart rate increased. At the brunch, some people praised her poised appearance, but others weren't as kind. "She doesn't fit his usual type."

"Is this a rushed marriage to cover up a scandal?"

"Sources claim that Nicholas Blackwell never intended to wed; what changed?" Elena sharply exhaled after dropping her phone on the coffee table. Nicholas, who had been silently watching her reaction, finally spoke.

"Those should not be read." With piercing eyes, she turned to face him. They are discussing me. Speculating about my life as if I'm some… accessory you picked up on a whim!"

Nicholas loosened his tie with a sigh. "That's what they do, Elena. They look for dirt. They fabricate it if they are unable to locate it. She crossed her arms. "And you're just fine with that?"

His jaw clenched. I'm accustomed to it. She replied, "Well, I'm not." The silence between them was thick with tension that went unspoken. Nicholas gave her some attention before speaking in a measured voice. "You wanted this deal. This is part of it."

With a bitter grin, Elena laughed. "Right. Isn't that just a business arrangement? Nicholas didn't say anything right away, but there was something in his eyes that was hard to read. His phone buzzed just as she was about to move further. He glanced at the screen and answered.

"What?" he snapped.

A pause Elena observed as his face became more serious. "We'll handle it."

He abruptly ended the call and ran his hand through his hair as he exhaled. "What next?" She asked hesitantly. Nicholas focused his attention on her. "You should get dressed." She smiled. "For what?"

"Our first exclusive interview."

---

tossed into the blaze Elena joined Nicholas in the private lounge of Elite Magazine, one of New York's most influential media outlets, thirty minutes later. As cameras were adjusted and lights were placed just right, the room buzzed with energy. She felt like a fraud.

Nicholas, on the other hand, looked totally at ease, his suit perfect, and his expression was hard to read. Valerie Dupont, the journalist assigned to the interview, smiled as she settled into her chair across from them.

Elena's stomach twisted.

That smile was recognized by her. It didn't like me. It was starving. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell," Valerie began smoothly. "Thank you for agreeing to this exclusive."

Nicholas nodded. "Let's keep it straightforward."

Valerie grinned. Yes, of course. Her sharp curiosity caused her to shift her focus to Elena. "How does it feel to go from an unknown writer to the wife of one of the most powerful men in the country?" "Elena, the world is dying to know." A small smile from Elena was forced. It's both exciting and overwhelming. Nicholas and I didn't plan for the media attention, but we're adjusting."

Valerie's lips slightly curled. "So, it was unexpected?"

Nicholas cut in smoothly. "Love typically is." Elena nearly choked. Love?

Between them, Valerie's gaze flickered. Yet, Nicholas, you have never been one to date. What has changed? Nicholas did not pause. "Elena had." The way he said it—so convincingly, so effortlessly—made her heart stumble.

He did this too well. Valerie's eyes slightly widened. There are rumors that this is more of a business deal than a romantic one. What do you say to that?"

Elena became stiff. Nicholas's firm yet warm touch as he placed his hand on hers. His voice was silky smooth. People enjoy conjuring up stories. In fact, Elena and I chose one another. All that matters is that." Elena gasped for air. For a second—for just a second—she almost believed him.

---

A Confessional Moment Nicholas took hold of Elena's hand and led her outside when the interview was over. As soon as they stepped into the waiting car, she pulled away.

She muttered, rubbing her temples, "That was insane." Nicholas glanced at her. "It went smoothly." She turned to him, eyes flashing. "Did it? because I believe I have just entered the fire. Nicholas took a deep breath as his patience wore thin. Elena, "This is to be expected." She gave a head shake. "You said this would be simple. A year of pretending. What, then? This is more than I signed up for."

He clenched his jaw. And exactly what did you anticipate? That the media simply ignored us while we sat in the penthouse, shutting out the outside world? She gave him a glare. "I anticipated honesty." His voice was rougher and lower as Nicholas leaned in slightly. "You were aware of this." Silence stretched between them, thick with tension.

Elena's heart raced. She resented how he affected her. How intertwined they were. how, despite everything, a part of her was drawn to him in unfathomable ways. His expression was hard to read as he surveyed her. Then, this time with less force, he added— "You handled yourself well today."

She blinked. "That almost sounded like a compliment."

Nicholas made a grin. "Don't become accustomed to it." Elena rolled her eyes and looked out the window.

But there was a thought that bothered her beneath her anger. Nicholas was playing his part perfectly.

And if she didn't take care... She might begin to believe it. ---