MARY_OMONOWA

Married by Mistake to the Ice-Cold CEO

Ella Carter is at rock bottom. Broke, jobless, and desperate to pay off her debts, she agrees to a shady but simple deal—sign a fake marriage contract in exchange for a life-changing sum of money. It’s supposed to be a harmless formality, just a few signatures, and she’s free.

But when she wakes up the next morning, she’s no longer a fake wife. She’s legally married to Adrian Blackwood, the ruthless billionaire CEO with a heart of ice and a glare that could freeze fire. Worse, he believes she’s nothing more than a conniving gold digger who trapped him into this marriage.

Determined to end their arrangement as soon as possible, Adrian is cold, cruel, and utterly unshaken by Ella’s protests. He wants her gone. But there’s one problem—she refuses to be intimidated. Unlike everyone else in his life, she fights back, and to his shock, she actually wins their battles.

The more they argue, the more their tension ignites. And the more Adrian tries to push her away, the more he finds himself drawn to her defiant spirit, her fire, her ability to see the man behind the icy mask.

But when secrets come to light and enemies lurk in the shadows, their marriage of convenience becomes a battlefield of trust, passion, and betrayal.

Will Adrian let down his walls and accept the one woman who dares to stand by his side? Or will Ella walk away before she loses her heart to a man who never planned to keep her?

One mistake. One contract. One marriage neither of them saw coming.

Married by Mistake to the Ice-Cold CEO

Adrian Blackwood never answered to anyone.

Not his competitors. Not the media. And certainly not the Blackwood Enterprises board.

But today, they had summoned him—because of Ella.

Seated at the head of the long, glass conference table, Adrian remained composed as the twelve board members stared him down, their expressions ranging from concerned to outright furious.

Finally, Charles Wentworth, the board's oldest and most opinionated member, leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "Adrian, let's not waste time. What the hell were you thinking?"

A lesser man might have flinched at his tone. Adrian? He simply adjusted his cufflinks. "You'll have to be more specific."

Charles scoffed. "Don't play games. This marriage of yours—do you have any idea how reckless it looks?"

Another board member, Victoria Langley, nodded sharply. "Our investors are concerned. A sudden, unexpected marriage to a woman with no background, no connections—"

The unspoken insult hung in the air.

Adrian's jaw tightened. They thought Ella was a liability.

They weren't alone. The press had been relentless, headlines questioning whether Adrian Blackwood—the most calculating man in business—had actually been deceived.

"Adrian Blackwood's Bride: Love or a Power Play?"

"Who Is Ella? The Woman Who Stole the Ice King's Heart Overnight"

"Gold Digger or Business Genius? Socialite Circles React"

Adrian had built his empire on control. Every decision was calculated, every move precise. His marriage had shattered that image.

And now, the board wanted answers.

Adrian exhaled, his voice level. "My personal life does not concern the board."

Charles gave a dry laugh. "Spare us, Adrian. You know it does." He leaned back, eyes sharp. "The Blackwood name is our brand. Your recklessness puts our company at risk."

Adrian's fingers curled slightly against the table. Recklessness.

They truly thought he had lost control.

His gaze swept the room, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Let's get one thing straight—nothing I do is reckless. You doubt my decisions? Then perhaps you should question why you've trusted me to lead this company in the first place."

A flicker of unease passed through a few of the board members' faces.

Victoria cleared her throat. "Adrian, we're not questioning your leadership—"

He stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "Then this conversation is over."

A few murmurs of protest rose, but Adrian had already turned toward the door.

"You'd better hope this marriage doesn't backfire."

"Because if it does, Adrian, even you won't be able to protect your empire."

A muscle ticked in his jaw, but he didn't turn back. Didn't let them see the spark of irritation that ran beneath his cool exterior.

Instead, he walked out, his mind already calculating.

They wanted him to prove control? Fine.

Ella was about to become the perfect Blackwood wife.

Even if he had to shape her into one himself.

Chapter 10: Adrian’s Reputation at Stake