Chapter 41: A Dangerous Illusion

The night had been an illusion.

A beautiful, dangerous lie—one that neither of them had the strength to resist anymore.

Adrian had spent years perfecting the art of detachment. He never let himself get close to anyone, never let anyone become a weakness.

But as he stood in the dim glow of the city skyline, watching Ella's lips part slightly, her breath warm against his skin…

He knew he was losing control.

The Temptation of a Lie That Feels Real

Ella knew she should walk away.

She should laugh, roll her eyes, and remind Adrian that this was just a contract. That they were only pretending.

But she didn't.

Instead, she held her ground. Because for the first time, he wasn't the ice-cold CEO.

He wasn't the man who had forced her into a contract marriage.

He was just… Adrian.

And he looked utterly, completely lost.

The problem was—so was she.

"What are we doing?" she whispered.

Adrian's jaw tensed. His hands hovered near her waist but never touched. "Something very, very stupid."

Ella smirked, her heart racing. "Then we shouldn't do it."

Adrian exhaled, long and slow. "You're right."

Neither of them moved.

Then, suddenly—

Crash!

A waiter tripped inside the ballroom, sending a tray of champagne flutes tumbling to the floor. The sound snapped them both out of the moment, as if reality had shattered with the glass.

Adrian pulled back, clearing his throat. "We should go inside."

Ella arched a brow. "Right. Wouldn't want the lovesick CEO to get caught sneaking off with his wife."

Adrian shot her a dark glare, but the corner of his mouth twitched. "One more word, Ella, and I'll make sure the headlines tomorrow read, 'Adrian Blackwood Madly in Love With His Wife—Caught Kissing in the Moonlight.'"

Ella laughed, shaking her head as she turned toward the ballroom.

She didn't see the way Adrian watched her.

Didn't see the way his fingers curled into fists—as if physically restraining himself from dragging her back.

From finishing what they started.

The Shadow Watching

Unbeknownst to them, in the far corner of the ballroom, someone had been watching.

A man with a glass of whiskey in his hand and a smirk on his lips.

Damian Wolfe.

The rival CEO. The man who was never far away when Adrian was at his weakest.

And right now, Adrian Blackwood was dangerously weak.

"Interesting," Damian murmured, taking a sip of his drink.

Beside him, Nathaniel crossed his arms. "Don't."

Damian turned, raising a brow. "Don't what?"

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "Whatever you're thinking, stop. She's not part of this game."

Damian chuckled. "Oh, Nathaniel. Everything is a game."

His gaze flickered back to where Ella and Adrian had just re-entered the ballroom, looking like they hadn't just been seconds away from ruining everything.

And Damian Wolfe?

He had never been more entertained.

The Ride Home – A Silent War

The drive home was silent.

Adrian stared out the window, his fingers tapping against his knee.

Ella sat beside him, arms crossed, biting her lip to keep from saying anything she'd regret.

The tension was unbearable.

Finally, Adrian let out a sharp breath. "That was a disaster."

Ella blinked. "Excuse me?"

Adrian turned to her, his eyes burning with frustration. "The way you looked at me tonight."

Ella's mouth fell open. "The way I looked at you?!"

Adrian ignored her outburst. "People noticed, Ella. Damian noticed."

Ella threw her hands up. "Oh no! Not Damian! The world is ending!"

Adrian clenched his jaw. "This isn't a joke."

Ella leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with challenge. "Maybe it wouldn't be so obvious if you didn't look at me like you were either about to kiss me or throw me off a balcony."

Adrian scowled. "Trust me, the second option is looking more tempting."

Ella gasped dramatically. "So violent, Mr. Blackwood. You should be careful—your soft husband reputation might get ruined."

Adrian groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're insufferable."

Ella smirked. "And yet, you married me."

Adrian looked away, biting back the truth that nearly slipped out.

And yet, I'm falling for you.

Back at the Penthouse

The moment they stepped into the penthouse, Ella kicked off her heels with a sigh.

"Remind me never to wear these death traps again."

Adrian loosened his tie, watching her from across the room. "You'll be wearing worse next week."

Ella frowned. "Next week?"

Adrian smirked. "There's another gala."

Ella groaned, collapsing onto the couch. "I hate you."

Adrian walked over, leaning against the couch beside her. His voice was lower now, quieter. "No, you don't."

Ella turned her head, her pulse spiking.

There it was again.

That dangerous shift in the air. The one that made her feel like this wasn't a game anymore.

But before she could respond, Adrian pushed off the couch.

"Get some sleep," he murmured, already heading toward his bedroom.

Ella stared after him.

And for the first time since this whole ridiculous marriage began, she realized something terrifying.

She wasn't sure where the lies ended anymore.

And worse?

She wasn't sure if she wanted to find out.