Bound by fortune.

ze lingered on Lila, as if he was silently assessing if she'd change her mind. But she di

ed. "This can't be just a paper marriage. For this to hold up in the

abit this role, become Ethan's wife in every way that mattered to the out

want you to be comfortable with this. We'll take it o

her chin. "This is what I want.

Your loyalty is... admirable. But remember, this isn't just for your fa

smile in return. "I'll let y

ed as Ethan's assistant, Cara, poked her head in. "Mr. Sterli

ted with swift precision. Lila's hands shook as she skimmed the first few lines. The words marriage

er focus back. "We don't have to sign

er the terms, finding most were reasonable, if not surprisingly considerate. Ethan had ensured her full

ough," she said,

to me." There was an intensity in his voice that mad

a little frightening, and yet somehow right. As the final page was signed, Etha

ic, then?" he asked, his

but she nodded, steeling herself f

rivate section near the back, his hand lingering at the small of her back as they walked, a subtle, possessive touch that only fueled the growing connectio

finest wine. As the waiter poured, Lila loo

asked, an amused smi

ing the stem of her wineglass. "It's str

gaze softening.

the waiter left, Lila caught sight of Julian entering the restaurant with his fiancée, Sophie. The sight of h

hand. Ethan didn't miss a beat; he took her hand in his, gently yet possessi

ied, her tone s

ly. "Then let's give him a reason to

that was both gentle and electrifying, igniting a warmth that settled deep in her

zed who Ethan was with. Sophie looked confused, her eyes darting between

Julian's as if in silent challenge. "To new beginnings," he

, meeting his gaze with a smi

om across the room. Ethan set his glass down, his fingers brushing over hers

his tone amused. "But don't thi

tting pulled into him, into the gravity of this new life they were creating, one that held both risks and promise. Ethan was right; s

intimacy. Ethan was a master of control, both poised and attentive, making her feel as though she was the only person in the roo

ey navigated through the crowd of onlookers. Outside, the night air was crisp, a refreshing contrast

nning," he said quietl

of confidence she hadn't felt in

down her spine. In that moment, she wasn't thinking about Julian, her father, or even the deal that had brought them together. All that matt