Chapter 2 Warning Labels and Boardroom Smiles

The morning sun is way too cheerful for someone who just signed away her freedom over a plate of truffle eggs.

Tessa James sits in the back seat of Xavier King's sleek black Maybach, trying to adjust to the idea that she is now a married woman - legally, on paper, and according to the smirking chauffeur who just called her "Mrs. King."

She should correct him. But the words stick in her throat.

"You're awfully quiet," Xavier says, not looking up from his phone. His tone is smooth, unreadable - like silk hiding a blade.

Tessa folds her arms. "Just processing the fact that I went from single and thriving to Mrs. Arrogant CEO in under twenty-four hours."

He finally looks up, amused. "Regretting it already?"

"Only the part where I forgot to read the fine print. Does it mention whether I get hazard pay for emotional trauma?"

He chuckles softly - and annoyingly, it's the kind of sound that makes her stomach flutter. She hates it.

At the glass tower that is KingCorp HQ, photographers wait outside like wolves. One catches sight of them, and a flurry of flashes follows.

Tessa stiffens. "Shouldn't we wait until the ink on the license dries before announcing it to the entire population of Earth?"

Xavier adjusts his cufflinks. "The board thinks I've finally settled down. It boosts confidence. And our stock."

He gets out of the car, then extends a hand to her like a proper gentleman... if you ignored the cold calculation behind his smile.

Tessa takes his hand.

Smile, wave, don't scream.

Inside the building, the elevator doors close, trapping them in awkward silence and mirrored reflections. Tessa studies his face, unreadable and irritatingly perfect.

"Just out of curiosity," she says, leaning on the railing, "how many exes do I have to pretend not to be jealous of?"

His eyes flick to hers. "None. They don't matter."

But something flickers in his gaze - something unresolved.

Tessa narrows her eyes. "That was a little too specific."

He smirks, but says nothing.

When the elevator dings, the moment snaps. The facade is back. Xavier is the CEO again, all crisp commands and cold efficiency.

As they walk toward the boardroom, he leans in and says quietly, "Tessa, just a reminder... there's a clause in the contract. No falling in love."

She stops mid-step.

He turns back. "You look surprised."

"I'm not. I just thought you'd be the one I'd have to worry about."

His expression doesn't change. But his silence does.

And in that pause - sharp and telling - she sees something.

Not vulnerability. Not interest.

Fear.

She files it away.

Because now she knows something else: He's not untouchable. And that contract?

It's just paper.