The CEO's Accidental Bride

yn's

mpty, like the space where my future used to be. My legs, which had felt stiff moments ago, now felt strangely light, disconnected from my body. I had do

eside me. "Miss Reed, if you'll follow me. Mr. Thorne has arranged for a team to prepare you for this afternoon's press conference.

, my voice sounding dis

ost imperceptible smile touching her lips. "Mr. Thorne believes in

eft nothing to chance. I was no longer Evelyn Reed, architect. I was a proj

entered another elevator, this one even more luxurious, whisking us down to a floor I hadn't expected. Th

n her eyes, holding a palette of makeup, approached me. "Miss Reed! So thrilled to meet you! I'm

gner dresses, chimed in, "And I'm Isabella, your wardrobe consultant. Mr. Thorne

hands immediately went to work on my hair, my face, my nails. It felt surreal, like watching a movie of someone else's life

ng powder across my cheekbones. "Everyone wants to know about the mysterious woman

ve, so expertly crafted, that even these professionals, who were literally part of t

performance. I had to remember why I was doing this. My father's tired eyes, the weight of his unspoken

ually pulled back in a practical ponytail, now cascaded in soft waves around my shoulders. My eyes, enhanced with subtle makeup, seemed larger, more luminous. The sapphire blue dress, the very one I'd worn last night, had b

stepping back to admire her

sion as unruffled as ever. "Miss Ree

veiling. I took a deep breath, trying to steady

, and a sea of eager faces, reporters, photographers, and curious onlookers, stretched out before me. Alexander Thorne stood at a p

s no warmth, no recognition of the terrified woman he had just transformed.

, and a jolt, surprisingly electric, shot through me. His skin was warm, firm. He pulled me gently to his side, his

was calm, authoritative, instantly silencing the room. "Thank you for joining us on such sh

ousand eyes on me, dissecting every detail. I forced a small, soft smile, the o

a subtle cue. "Evelyn and I met under rather unique circumstances at last night's charity auction, and what began as an unexpe

upted, questions shout

long have you k

t attracted you

bid everyone for an

d romance, or somet

f incredible intelligence, grace, and integrity, and I am fortunate to have found her. We ask for your respect and privacy as we begin this new chapter." He turned to me,

throng of reporters. I kept my head high, maintaining the practiced smile, my mind a w

but relieved when I told him about the Thorne Industries contract. I couldn't bring myself to tell him the full truth about the marriage, not yet. He just hugged me tightly,

d more a palace in the sky. Sprawling, minimalist, with breathtaking views from every window.

larger than my entire house, with its own living area, bedroom, and an en-suite bathroom that looked li

tchen and formal dining area, but otherwise, your spaces are entirely separate, as per the contract. A full staff is

nce. I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the glittering tapestry o

out me? What would this year truly bring? I touched the cool glass, feeling the immense weight