365 Days of Him

a sound against the polished driveway. The gleaming glass doors parted as the car came to a ha

nd imposing, every inch the billionaire mogul the world loved to hate. His black hair was perfectly styled, his jaw sharp, eyes cold as steel, but all of it com

the path ahead as the door t

he adjusted the hem of her elegant gown, forcing a smile on her lips, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Her posture was stiff, her hands nervously clasped in fro

outside the hotel surged forward, their flashes blinding. They were the perfect picture-wealth, power, and perfection embodied in the

e polished than the last. Damien smiled, his presence dominating the room like it always did. He t

id, his voice low and commanding, "I

e weight of the words settling over her li

g to ignore the stares that seemed to burn into her skin. This was their life now-pretending. Pretending

ong would she be able to hold onto her he

rm glow over the guests mingling in high society. She could feel the eyes of the cro

omposure. Every step she took felt calculated, her movements deliberate, as if she were trying to erase the

ery glance, people stepped aside, offering respect and admiration. He was untouchable-impervious to the op

he people who made up his world. His jawline was sharp, his posture impeccable, an

all against the noise of the crowd. "

I'm going to let them see through our little charade? We're a perfect match, remember?" H

though she kept her expression neutral. "B

this, Elara... A year with me, and your family lives." His voice was low, deliberate, like a predator savoring

t. Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, his broad shoulders cut

pressing against her chest. She forced herself to

g noisily against the crystal. She didn't care about the drink, but it gave

atter with ease. She couldn't help but watch him. He moved through the crowd like a man who owned it, and in

ldn't pay, not with money, not with anything but her. Her father had been reckless, and now she was the one

r wanted. But behind those dark eyes, she could sense the bitterness, the hatred he carried. This was more than a business deal-it

t make it any

is fight against her father. He didn't care about her-he never had. And as much as she

la

walking toward her with a polite smile. "You look absolutely stunning toni

aze, the way she was trying to get a read on her. The whispers about her forced marriage

lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "I

a beat. She nodded, though her face

for love. I can only imagine what you had to do to get into his world." Her voice was soft, but the implication was clear. Ela

an quickly excused herself and walk

pe. She didn't care about the rumors, about the whispers. The truth was, no matter how much she tried to foo

ad nothing to do with her. He was using her to settle a score, and once t

e moment she allowed herself to hope, to feel something for the man

er chin. She wasn't going to let Damien see the effect he