BOUND BY THE BILLIONAIRE'S CONTRACT

n her surroundings until the luxury of the penthouse reminded her where she was and why. Memories

on her face. "Good morning, Mrs. Cole," she greeted, her tone polite but clipped. "Mr. Cole has re

lied, trying to keep her voice calm desp

understated enough to avoid Damian's inevitable scrutiny. As she headed down to the library, she couldn't help

h with books that had likely never been touched. Damian sat near the window, his

ole," she said, keep

s from him. "Good morning, Zara," he replied, his voice as formal as if she were

replied, her hands fol

his gaze on her. "Now, let's discuss

ion but forced herself to remain

omorrow evening," he began. "It's a significant event, and my famil

ccordingly?" she

m. "It's vital that we appear as a couple in love. Hand-holding, affectio

hought, but she nodded. "Un

be the first of many such events, so I suggest you get comfortable

than for him. "And...your family? Is

ll accept what they see on the surface, as long as we maintain the illusion. Focu

She felt like she was walking a tightrope, every word a risk, every step a potentia

plied, determined to

e to be drawn between your role as my wife and their duties. If there's anything you need, you go thro

f mingling with her unease. "I unders

hen we won't have a problem." He stood, signaling that the conversation was over.

knew Damian was used to control, accustomed to order, but the detachment in his words-the way he seeme

o her suite. The fabric was soft against her skin, luxurious in a way she'd never experienced before. A delicate diamond

cry from the Zara she'd known before. But wasn't that the point? This was her role, her mask.

ting, a vision of elegance and power in his tailored black tuxedo. His gaze swe

, and she could have sworn his eye

, feeling oddly self-con

his arm against hers reminded her of the physical proximity they'd have to maintain throughout the night. She

serious. "Remember what I said, Zara. We need to make this convincing. If I put my arm around you o

murmured, though h

y arrived, Zara's breath caught at the sight of the grand venue. Crystal chandeliers, velvet carpets, and an end

tled her, but she managed to smile up at him, playing her part. His expression was carefu

macy she didn't feel. Zara followed Damian's lead, mirroring his gestures and leaning into his touch when necessary

beautiful, elegant, and there was something cold and calculating in her gaze. The way sh

mured under his breath, follo

ra, but she kept her expression compo

his hand tightening on hers for

had played in Damian's life and whether she still held sway over him. But she pushed the thought aside,

iles, her nerves frayed from the constant act. As they settled into the car, she glanced

t," he said, his ton

strange warmth spreading t

e beginning, a single night in what promised to be six months of charades, of secrets and silence. And as much as she wa