The CEO's Accidental Bride

nder'

th a stiff, determined grace, her charcoal suit, though simple, conveying a quiet professionalism. Her eyes, those striking green eyes, met mine across the e

and even. "Thank you for being punctual. Pl

orkspace; it was a statement. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, a tangible representation of the empire I commanded. The minimalist d

ugh them. I allowed a moment of silence to hang in the air, letting the weight of the situation settle between us. It

der across the polished surface of the desk. "Everything we discussed last night is outline

k to my face, a flicker of suspicion in

ill be finalized once our... arrangement is legally established. It's standard procedure. However, this preliminary agreement guarantee

She understood the leverage. I appreciated

ing to the folder. "David Chen, my Chief Legal Counsel, is availabl

trong, an architect's hands. She opened it, and her eyes immediately scanned the first page. I wa

duties – attending events, maintaining appearances, acting as my supportive spouse. It also contained a robust non-disclosure agreement, protecting Thorne Industries' privacy and my o

ing personal space and autonomy. The contract explicitly stated that our marriage would be one of convenience, with no expectation of cohabitation beyond public appearances or shared residences for the purpose of maintaining the

trying to understand every clause. I found myself grudgingly impressed. Most people, faced with such an overwhe

e non-disclosure agreement is extensive," she observed, her voice steady. "

"Confidentiality is paramount. And my personal life, as you may have gathered, is not for publ

opping back to the document. "It specifies 'a significant portion of th

onsible for the core construction, the foundation, the steel skeleton. It's a massive undertaking, far larger than anything Reed & Sons has

he was processing the scale of it, the sheer magnitude

softer now, almost a whisper. "Is there any

ch of contract by either party. But the intent is for the full twelve months. It provides the

f it. Her gaze was direct, unwavering. "So, this

is a fair exchange, Miss Reed. You gain financial security and a guaranteed future for your business. I g

visibly. I could see the internal struggle, the wei

aid, her voice low bu

pen across the desk towards her. It was a solid silver Montblanc,

aused, her eyes fixed on the signature line. I watched her, curious.

"Evelyn Reed," was clear and strong, a testament to her resolve. She signed bot

in place. "David will be in touch with your legal representative to finalize the details for the Reed &

eyes wide with surprise.

iminary statement. Now, we make it official." I stood, signaling the end of our meeting. "My assistant will provide you with a s

slightly. "Mov

dence for public appearances. As per the contract, our private spaces will be separate. My assistan

g to her eyes. But she didn't argue. She simply nod

arely audible. She rose from the c

s the door. "I'll see you this afternoon, Miss Reed. Prepare

nt of something subtle and floral that was quickly absorbed by the sterile, expensive air

erything was proceeding according to plan. Yet, as I looked out at the sprawling city beneath me, a faint, unfamiliar ripple disturbed the calm surface of my calculated sat