Chapter 4 The Announcement

By morning, the news was everywhere.

"Lucien Blackwood Engaged to Former Assistant."

"Blackwood's Bride: A Cinderella or a Corporate Move?"

"CEO's Surprise Fiancée Sparks Media Frenzy."

Elena's phone buzzed nonstop. She hadn't even told her mother yet.

She stood by the window of Lucien's penthouse, watching the media vultures gather outside. Cameras flashed.

Reporters shouted questions. Her hands trembled around a porcelain teacup she wasn't sure how to hold.

"You could've warned me," she muttered as Lucien entered the room, fully dressed in his usual crisp black suit.

"I told you," he said coolly, "this would be public. And fast."

He placed a sleek, red velvet box on the coffee table between them.

"Your engagement ring," he said.

Elena opened it slowly.

A single, massive diamond sparkled coldly back at her.is this... necessary?

Lucien arched a brow. "Everything about this arrangement is necessary."

She stared at the ring, then at him. "And yet, I still don't know who I'm marrying."

"You're marrying my name. Not my heart."

Those words stung more than she expected. But she slipped the ring on anyway.

Later That Day: Blackwood Enterprises Press Conference

The boardroom was packed.

Reporters. Photographers. Curious staff.

Lucien stood tall at the podium, his arm resting lightly on Elena's waist. She was in a champagne-colored dress one of his assistants had chosen for her. Elegant, soft... not her.

She smiled anyway. Contract clause #3: Appear happy.

Lucien faced the cameras."Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "Thank you for joining us. Today, I am proud to announce my engagement to Elena Cruz."

The room exploded in questions.

"Is this real?"

"When's the wedding?"

"Why her?"

Lucien raised a hand.

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-"Our wedding is private. Please respect that."

But Elena saw it-the disapproval in the board's eyes. The disbelief in the room. The way Lucien's ex, Harper Vane, stormed out of the back row with a look that could kill.

This wasn't just a fake marriage anymore.

This was war.

TO BE CONTINUED