Chapter 5 A Deal With The Devil

The engagement party arrived too fast for Helena. Plans were set, despite her saying no. The guest list was done, and the media knew. She couldn't escape. Tonight, she would be shown as Damien Wolfe's future wife.

She had tried to delay it, but failed. Her dad wouldn't listen. Damien had ignored her since their last talk. It was like he knew she would do what he wanted. Maybe he was right.

Helena looked at herself in the mirror. A green dress fit her well. The cloth felt good. Her makeup was great. Her hair looked nice. She looked like a billionaire's fiancée.

She hated it.

Someone knocked. "Come in," she said.

Her friend Lillian came in, worried.

"Helena, are you sure you want this?"

Helena laughed sadly. "Do I have a choice?"

Lillian crossed her arms. "You always have a choice."

Helena sighed and looked away. "Not this time."

Lillian stepped closer, quietly. "You could run."

Helena stood up straight. "Where would I go? Damien has too much power. He would find me fast."

Lillian bit her lip. "I can help. We could-"

Helena put her hand on Lillian's arm. "I know, Lily. But this is too big."

Another knock came before Lillian could talk more. It was her dad's staff. "Miss Sinclair, the car is ready."

Helena stood tall. "Let's go."

The party was at a fancy hotel. The room looked perfect with lights, roses, and champagne. Important people were there to see the two families join.

Helena felt everyone watching her when she walked in. Rich people, reporters-all looking and waiting.

Her dad was near the door, talking to others. He saw her and nodded, then kept talking. He didn't say anything nice, just showed she was doing her job.

Then she felt Damien before seeing him.

He was next to her, in a black suit. He looked like the strong businessman he was.

"You're late," he said quietly.

"I thought about running," she replied.

Damien smiled. "I would have found you."

Before she could say more, someone spoke loudly. Everyone got quiet. A woman stood on stage, smiling.

"Welcome! I am happy to show you Damien Wolfe and Helena Sinclair, who will soon be married!"

People clapped. Helena faked a smile as Damien pulled her close. Reporters took pictures. They made it look like a perfect party.

"Smile," Damien said in her ear, sounding harsh.

Helena looked at him, still smiling. "I hate you."

He smiled more. "You'll find your rhythm soon enough."

The party started after the clapping stopped. People talked, drank, and told Helena congratulations. They didn't know the truth.

She finally got alone on the balcony about an hour later, away from the crowd.

The chill of the cold night was welcomed on her skin. She hugged the railing and breathed slowly.

"Gonna run?"

She flinched at the sound of Damien's voice talking to her. He was standing near, calm, but his eyes were watching her.

"That's what you're looking for," she said. "You want to catch me."

He smiled softly. "That's right."

Helena faced him. "Why me, Damien? Why make me go through all of this?"

He tilted his head, thinking. "Helena, you're the only one who counts."

She frowned, confused. "What is this even saying?"

His face was sulky. "This is bigger than business." "It's not a game, you know."

She searched his face for hints, but saw none. Damien Wolfe was a man who kept secrets.

He brushed against her, pushed a curl off her cheek. His caress was light, and she shivered.

"Go inside," he suggested, his tone low. "If you don't, people will talk."

Helena took a step back. "Let them talk.".

He smiled. "Careful, sweetheart. Defiance makes you better."

He turned and walked away, leaving her to herself. Questions were whirling through her mind.

They were the ideal couple in the eyes of the world.

But she was in on a secret. She was trapped and needed out. Damien Wolfe was nastier than she knew.