The morning after the wedding, Nancy woke up to silence. No breakfast waiting, no "good morning," not even a message.
Not that she expected any of that.
She walked into the kitchen wearing a hoodie and leggings—defiantly normal in a penthouse that reeked of polished perfection.
Adrian sat at the marble island, dressed in a dark suit, reading stock reports like nothing in his life had changed.
He didn't look up. "You'll need to attend the gala tonight."
Nancy blinked. "Excuse me?"
He glanced at her, eyes cool. "It's for Blackwood Industries. Board members, media, sponsors. You're my wife now. Public appearances are part of the contract."
She crossed her arms. "And what exactly am I supposed to do there? Be silent and smile pretty?"
"If you can manage that," he said without emotion, "yes."
Nancy smiled sweetly. "Should I wear a collar too? Since I'm clearly the dog in this marriage."
Adrian's eyes narrowed, but before he could speak, she turned on her heel and walked out.
---
Later That Night – The Gala
Nancy wore a midnight blue gown chosen by Adrian's assistant. It hugged her curves but felt like armor. Her makeup was flawless, hair in soft waves—nothing like the girl she saw in the café mirror just days ago.
As she stepped out of the car, camera flashes exploded like fireworks. Adrian was already waiting, one hand in his pocket, the other extended like it was choreographed.
Nancy took it reluctantly. Their fingers locked, cold and unfeeling, as they posed for the perfect shot.
Inside, the ballroom glittered with chandeliers, champagne, and fake smiles. Whispers followed them.
"Is that her?"
"She's not even from money."
"Did you hear it's a contract marriage?"
Nancy kept her chin up.
"Smile," Adrian whispered at her ear, low and sharp.
"I am," she replied through gritted teeth. "But keep pushing me, and I might throw this champagne in your face."
He smirked. "At least that'd be entertaining."
---
An Hour Later – The Encounter
They were mid-conversation with an investor when Nancy froze.
Standing across the room was a woman with a familiar face, holding a champagne flute and dressed in a red gown that screamed power.
Lily.
Adrian saw her too. His entire body stiffened. Nancy could feel the shift in his energy like a wave.
Lily walked toward them slowly, her smile soft and disarming.
"Adrian," she purred. "It's been too long."
He didn't move. Didn't speak. Just stared.
Lily turned to Nancy. "You must be the new wife. I've seen your pictures. You're… brave."
Nancy smiled politely. "And you must be Lily. I've heard… nothing."
Adrian blinked. That one hit.
Lily's gaze flicked between them. "Well, I hope he treats you better than he did me."
Before Nancy could answer, Adrian spoke, voice like steel. "Stop it, Lily."
Nancy stepped in. "It's fine. I'm sure she's just surprised. I would be too if I ran from someone and came back to find him married."
Lily's mask cracked, just a flicker. But it was enough.
She walked away, but not before glancing at Adrian one last time. And he… looked after her.
Nancy felt it.
And it hurt.
---
Back at the Penthouse – Midnight
Nancy sat by the window, still in her gown, heels kicked off, staring at the city below.
Adrian walked in, loosened his tie, and poured himself a drink.
"You handled yourself well tonight," he said, almost like a compliment.
Nancy didn't respond.
"You're mad."
"I'm not," she said, still not looking at him. "I just realized something."
"What?"
She turned to him slowly. "I don't hate you because you're cold or arrogant or controlling. I hate you because you're still waiting for her. And I'm the one stuck in her shadow."
He didn't answer. Couldn't.
Nancy stood. "Good night, Mr. Blackwood."
And she walked away—back straight, head high—because even if she was part of a lie, she'd be damned if she let it break her.