Authoress_Dovey

✨ Synopsis/ Blurb ✨

She was the forgotten daughter. He was the Ice Prince.
A contract bound them — love was forbidden. But hearts don’t follow rules.

When the Smith family fails to repay a decades-old debt, Florida — the illegitimate, unwanted daughter — is forced into a contract marriage with Bryant Kings, heir to the most powerful fashion empire in the state.

He hates her on sight.
She’s invisible in his world — uninvited, unloved, and bound to his name.
But behind closed doors, she sketches quietly, dreaming of a future where her designs speak louder than her silence.

Their marriage has rules:
No love. No scandal. No public affection — unless the family’s watching.

Then a single photo changes everything.

As secrets build and feelings grow, Florida must choose:
Disappear forever… or finally become someone the world can’t ignore.

And Bryant?
He’ll learn the hard way — even ice melts when touched by the right fire.

MARRIED TO MY ENEMY'S SON

Setting: Afternoon – Bryant's Study

The knock was frantic. Bryant barely looked up before Liza barged in, tears streaking through carefully placed foundation.

Behind her, a maid held up a glittering necklace — gold, emerald, and outrageously expensive.

> "It was in my drawer this morning," Liza sobbed, "but then I checked again, and it was gone. We searched everywhere. And look where we found it—"

The maid held up a second item — a velvet pouch pulled from beneath Florida's nightstand.

Florida stood by the bookshelf, saying nothing. Her hands folded, her face unreadable.

Bryant rose slowly. "Is that true?" he asked, his tone low but sharp.

> "You were always good at rehearsals, Liza," she said, voice cool. "But maybe this time the audience will change."

Bryant blinked — just once — something in her tone rattled him.

Liza lunged forward. "You're calling me a liar? Do you know what this necklace costs?!"

Florida didn't move. She didn't flinch.

Liza stepped back, sobbing harder.

> "Take the necklace and leave," he said to the maid.

Once they were gone, he turned to Florida again.

She looked at him now — really looked.

> "You already judged me. What's the point?"

> "Do you hate me so much that truth no longer matters?"

There was no venom in her voice — just exhaustion.

> "I don't hate you," he muttered after a pause. "I just… don't know who you are anymore."

Florida walked past him, brushing his shoulder ever so lightly with her own.

> "Good," she said. "Let's keep it that way."

That Night – Garden, Late Evening

Mina met her by the garden bench, holding a warm compress and a small smile.

> "You look like you didn't punch her. I'm impressed."

Florida chuckled bitterly. "That would've given her exactly what she wanted."

Mina hesitated. "I saw her last night. Switching rooms. She planted the necklace."

Florida didn't react. Just stared at the moon.

> "Let her feel safe," she whispered. "I'm not done yet."

In her room, Liza scrolled through her phone and smirked.

> She's crumbling. Just a few more days.

> We'll send her away before fashion week begins. She'll be gone.

She put her phone down and turned toward the mirror, whispering to her reflection:

> "Let's see how long you last, darling wife."

Chapter 32