THE CEO'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE (SHORT STORY)

r of uncertainty-a quiet tension hanging over everything. The media had been carefully kept at bay, with only a handful of trusted individuals and a co

for a quick, fake ceremony-but the weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders. She could feel the eyes of the small crowd on her

there was something else in his eyes that made her

marry her for convenience. Was this his way of admitting how much he needed her? Or was it jus

thoughts, Alexander's voic

ady?" he as

s ready as I'll ever be," she said with a forced smi

she thought she saw something flicker in his eyes-a flash of something deep, someth

am who had been hastily brought in for the o

eady and calm, though Emma could sense the tension in his posture. I

room. The guests were hushed, watching with rapt attention, but Emma couldn't shak

feel a little thrill. This was her life, now. A life

over Emma like a distant memory. She felt numb to the

moment when the officiant turned to her and ask

hitched in

s gaze on her, intense, unblinking. For a moment, everything felt suspended-like the world had narro

turned to Alexander. "And you, Mr. Grant?

t, Emma thought she saw a flicker of doubt in his eyes. But

them that made her stomach twist. She wasn't sure if it was relief, excitement, o

onounced them husband and wife, and just like that, they were marri

ng herself to join in. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

aid quietly, his voice

e of the situation. "Is it congratulations, t

ed to their hands, still clasped together. Then,

ervous, hollow sound. "It's not

rst real one she'd seen from him a

as if they were still strangers, playing out a role neither of them wanted. But t

lexander turned to face the guests, hi

iate your understanding during this... unorthodox event. I expect everything to proceed

e wedding, the ceremony, everything

about business anymore. Something had shifted, and she wasn't sure if

face. But as the minutes ticked by, she couldn't shake the