Contract marriage: broken vow

ai. She stood there, hands resting lightly on the cool glass, staring out at the blurred neon lights of the city below. But her mind wasn't o

year

married Da

ers, hear the soft murmur of guests congratulating her, and feel the weight of Daniel's indifferent gaze as they exchanged vows. He had worn a mask of polite cha

could withstand anything-even his indifference. She had walked down that aisle with hope in her heart, a hope th

turned, smoothing the crease of her blouse, regaining h

," she c

e room, her steps quick and precise

behind the life she had fought so hard to hold onto. Yet, here he was, back in her world, summoned by the unbreakable ties of

id, keeping her voice ste

"Are you all ri

a small smile

e private dining room, she knew that

amily's executives were seated on one side, while Daniel's entourage took the other. At the head of the table, Daniel sat, looking as

he felt a flicker of something in his gaze, something that might have

ning his head slightly

ded, matching his

illing herself to stay calm. She was here for business, nothing mo

l confidence, his voice smooth and unyielding as he outlined his plans for the merger. She watched him, noting the way he commanded the room, th

d never w

hat do y

ughts. She blinked, realizing that everyon

a solid plan," she said smoothly. "However, I'd recommend a

teresting perspective," he said, his tone coo

neath her calm exterior. "Because merging two giants isn't just a

f his mouth, one that didn't quite re

awareness of their shared past that seemed to hang in the air. Lily felt the weight o

, leaving her and Daniel alone. She stood, gathering her

was f

ice low and unexpectedl

ng a little faster. "There's n

hint of vulnerability seeping

o leave him standing there with the words unsaid. But another part, the part t

," she sai

cool and tinged with the scent of rain. He sto

" he murmured, a

t him, surpri

u're... differ

ons she didn't want to feel. "I had to be,"

ed between them,

hough he were struggling to find th

eyes stinging. "That'

ng before placing a hand

ound. "Sorry? After everything

remained steady. "I made

ging another woman into our home was a mistake? You think handing

ce paling. "You.

air, a truth she had

And I lost him because of the stress, becaus

regret etched across his fac

arp and fresh. "You were too busy with Vivian, too busy wi

t she stepped back, sh

k with regret. "I was blind. I thought I was

, Daniel? That your wife might actually ha

his gaze droppin

oice steady. "You were.

eave, but his v

a chance to m

o believe him, wanted to think that maybe, just maybe,

en, with a final glance at the man she had once loved, she walked aw