Chained To The Ceo's Love

I wasn't invited here, and I don't care.

The room was filled with the sound of laughter and repetitive congratulations. Expensive gowns swished as guests moved, sipping champagne and basking in the luxury of a party that shouldn't have happened. I stood in the middle of the room, my heart pounding, my fingers clutching a cold glass of wine.

They hadn't noticed me-not yet.

My eyes were fixed on one figure. The groom.

Damien Vaughn.

Once, I thought that name would be a part of my life forever. Once, I believed he was my destiny. But now, he stood there, wearing a perfect black suit and a white tie, smiling at the woman who was now his wife. Celeste Moreau. A woman whose last name carried more weight in the business world than mine ever would.

I should have been the one standing beside him. I should have been the one wearing that wedding dress. But no-because to him, I wasn't good enough.

I lifted my glass of wine, took a small sip, and then without thinking, I tossed the entire contents in their direction.

The red liquid soaked Celeste's white dress, leaving a stain that couldn't be easily removed. The room, once filled with laughter, fell silent.

Celeste gasped, staring at the stain on her dress with horror. Damien stiffened, his eyes meeting mine in a shock that quickly turned into anger.

I smirked. "Oops."

Someone in the crowd gasped, whispers began to spread like wildfire. I could feel dozens of pairs of eyes watching me, waiting for what would happen next.

Damien stepped forward, his expression filled with rage. "Seraphina, what have you done?"

"I was just trying to offer my congratulations," I said casually, though my heart was pounding. "And I thought this wedding needed a little more color."

Celeste gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're insane!"

I chuckled. "Oh, you're just realizing that now?"

I didn't know what made me do it. Maybe it was the anger I'd been suppressing all this time, maybe it was the satisfaction of seeing Damien's face tighten. I wanted to see him crumble, just like he'd crumbled me.

Damien growled, then turned to one of the security guards in the corner of the room. "Get her out of here."

I felt the tension in the air before I even realized it. Several guards started moving towards me. Their steps were steady, clearly trying to prevent me from running.

Damn it.

I could have run. I could have tried to fight back. But I didn't stand a chance against them all. I lifted my chin, ready to face whatever was coming-

Then, suddenly, a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back swiftly.

I almost tripped over my own heels as I was dragged out of the ballroom at a speed that was difficult to keep up with. I turned, intending to protest, but the words were swallowed as I saw who had taken me away.

Lucian Devereaux.

My heart nearly stopped.

The CEO of Devereaux Corporation. The most powerful man in the room, perhaps even the city. Cold, untouchable, and known for never doing anything without a reason.

What was he doing?

I didn't have time to ask. He led me through the deserted hotel corridors, far from the prying eyes of the guests. My breath caught as he finally stopped in a more private room, releasing his grip, and then turning to face me.

I yanked my hand back, staring at him sharply. "What are you doing?"

Lucian stared at me impassively. "Saving you from your own idiocy."

I scoffed. "I don't need saving."

He raised an eyebrow, as if doubting my words. "Really? You want to be thrown in jail for disrupting a public event? Or worse, make an enemy out of Damien Vaughn?"

I clenched my fists. "He's been my enemy for a long time."

Lucian observed my face for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Then how about I give you a chance to get your revenge?"

I narrowed my eyes, suspicious. "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, his voice lower and sharper. "Marry me."

I held my breath.

Lucian continued in his characteristically flat tone. "You want to make Damien regret it, and I need a wife."

I stared at him, trying to find a hidden intention behind his sharp grey eyes.

This was insane. More insane than anything I had done tonight.

But maybe... this was an opportunity I couldn't ignore.

I looked at Lucian skeptically, trying to understand the meaning behind his words. Marriage? With a man I didn't even know personally? This had to be some kind of joke.

"Are you kidding me?" I asked, trying to find any sign that he was just playing around.

His face remained impassive. "Do I look like someone who jokes?"

No. Not at all.

I took a step back, trying to calm myself down. This was too fast. Just a few minutes ago, I had thrown wine on Celeste's wedding dress, and now I was standing in front of the most powerful man in the room, who somehow was offering something more insane than my own actions.

I chuckled cynically, crossing my arms in front of my chest. "So, you want to marry me just to make Damien regret it? That's a pretty childish plan for someone like you, Mr. Devereaux."

Lucian sighed, seemingly unimpressed by my reaction. "You've got the wrong idea. I don't care about Damien or anyone else. I need a wife to fulfill the requirements in my family's will. And you need a more effective way to destroy the man who betrayed you. This is purely a business arrangement."

I was silent.

Lucian continued, his voice steady. "By marrying me, you'll have more power than you've ever had before. Damien will see you beside me, and he'll know he made the biggest mistake of his life."

Those words echoed in my mind. Imagining Damien's expression when he saw me as Lucian Aldrich's wife... there was something so satisfying about that thought.

But... marriage?

I shook my head, trying to think clearly. "Why me? You could choose another woman, someone who fits your image better."

Lucian gave a thin smile, but his eyes remained cold. "Because you won't fall in love with me."

I froze.

Lucian continued as if he'd just said something trivial. "I'm not interested in marriage that ends up in emotional drama. I need someone who understands boundaries. And you, Seraphina, are clearly still caught up in your hatred for another man. That makes you the perfect candidate."

I clenched my fists. "So, what do you think I am? A tool to help you fulfill your inheritance requirements?"

Lucian shrugged. "And I'm just a tool to help you get revenge. We both benefit."

I bit my lip, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. Everything was happening so fast, but the deepest part of me knew this was an opportunity I couldn't ignore. I wanted Damien to regret it. I wanted him to see me standing higher than he ever imagined.

Lucian seemed to be able to read my mind, because he took a step closer. The air between us felt heavy, as if he was giving me a choice I couldn't refuse.

"Take my offer, Seraphina. This is the only way to win."

I stared at him. His grey eyes showed no lies, only firmness. Cold. Dangerous. But also offering something I had never possessed before-power.

I took a deep breath. Everything that had happened today felt crazy, but wasn't my life already a mess? If I could destroy Damien and rebuild myself from these ruins, wasn't it worth a shot?

So, I lifted my chin and replied, "Alright. I accept."

Lucian gave a thin smile, as if he'd expected my answer.

"Good," he said. "Then we'll start now."

I frowned. "Now?"

He didn't answer. He simply reached for his phone, called someone, then spoke in a flat tone, "Get everything ready. I want this marriage to happen as soon as possible."

My heart lurched. I knew I had just made a huge decision. But I wasn't ready for what was going to happen next.

And as Lucian looked at me again with an unreadable expression, I realized one thing-I may have just sold my soul to the devil.

I remained silent in the passenger seat as Lucian's car sped through the night. The streets were deserted, only the city lights glimmering in the distance. In this silent car, my mind was in an uproar. What had I just done? I'd accepted this man's offer-without truly understanding the consequences.

Lucian sat beside me with a cold expression, his hands steady on the wheel, as if he hadn't just dragged me out of chaos. I glanced at him, trying to find a clue in his expression, but all I found was an intimidating calmness.

"You've been quiet since we left," he said without turning.

I bit my lip, regulating my breath before replying. "I'm still trying to process... what actually happened."

He made a small sound, almost like a cynical chuckle. "Simple. I saved you from humiliation, and you accepted my deal. Now, you need to prepare."

I frowned. "Prepare for what?"

Lucian finally turned, and for the first time, I saw a faint flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Our wedding, of course."

His words still sounded strange to me. I swallowed, staring straight ahead, trying to calm my wildly beating heart. This was just a deal. I wasn't actually getting married for love.

"Is there no other way?" I asked softly.

Lucian took a breath, then slowed down the car, as if giving me time to absorb it all. "No, Seraphina. You need revenge, I need an inheritance. This is a mutually beneficial situation."

I clenched my hands in my lap. "Then... what do I need to do?"

He focused back on the road, his jaw tightening. "Tomorrow, we'll meet with a lawyer. I'll arrange everything so this marriage is legally binding, with a contract that benefits both of us."

I felt like he was hiding something. "And after that?"

Lucian gave a small smile, but this time there was something cold in his expression. "After that, you need to be prepared to be my wife in the eyes of the world."

***

The next day, I stood in front of a towering office building, my heart pounding. The name "Devereaux Corp." was etched majestically on the marble lobby wall. I still couldn't fully believe that I was going to marry the CEO of a company this big.

Lucian waited for me at the entrance, wearing his usual impeccably tailored black suit. His cold gaze swept over me, and then he gestured for me to follow him.

We took the elevator to the top floor. In a spacious room with stunning city views, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit was waiting.

"Seraphina, this is Philip, my lawyer," Lucian said without preamble.

Philip shook my hand briefly before sitting down and opening a folder in front of him. "I've prepared the necessary documents for this marriage. This is the prenuptial agreement outlining the rights and obligations of both of you."

I took the document and started reading it.

1. This marriage is contractual for one year.

2. No personal relationship is expected beyond the public image.

3. Seraphina will be given a reasonable financial compensation.

4. Neither party is allowed to disclose the nature of this marriage to outsiders.

I swallowed as I read the next part.

5. Divorce can only occur after Lucian's inheritance requirements are fulfilled.

I looked up. "So, I really can't leave before that?"

Lucian stared at me sharply. "This is a game we have to win, Seraphina. You can't quit halfway through."

I bit my lip, weighing everything in my mind. I needed this. I needed the power to get back at Atlas.

With slightly trembling hands, I picked up a pen and signed the contract.

Lucian gave a thin smirk. "Good. Now, let's make this marriage official."

***

Our wedding wasn't what I had imagined in my dreams. No luxurious white dress, no flowers, no guests smiling happily. Just me, Lucian, the lawyer, and a judge who officially made it all happen.

After it was all over, I stared at the ring circling my finger. Cold. No meaning behind it.

Lucian stood next to me, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Now, you are Mrs. Devereaux."

I looked at him. "What happens next?"

He leaned in, his voice low and threatening. "Now, we begin our game, my dear."

I didn't know if I had just made a mistake... or the best move of my life.

***

Hours later, I stood in front of Lucian's apartment door.

I had no idea where I'd be staying after this, and Lucian hadn't said anything. I had just followed him all day, from the lawyer's office to his business meetings, without much conversation.

He opened the door, then stepped inside without turning. I followed behind him, feeling like a stranger in this place. His apartment was spacious and elegant, but it felt cold-almost like its inhabitant.

I stared at his back. "Where am I going to stay?"

Lucian turned, meeting my gaze with no expression. "Here."

My heart pounded. "In this apartment?"

He nodded. "You're my wife now. And a Devereaux wife can't stay anywhere else."

I bit my lip. "But we're only in a contract marriage, right?"

Lucian walked closer, and I unconsciously took a step back. But he stopped a few steps away from me, his expression still cold.

"You'll stay here, in the room I've prepared for you."

I was slightly relieved to hear that. "Okay."

Lucian observed my face for a moment before speaking, his voice lower than before. "And one more thing, Seraphina..."

I swallowed. "What?"

He leaned in, his voice almost a whisper.

"From now on, you must learn to play your role well. Because if not... the consequences will be greater than you can imagine."

I stared at him, feeling a chill crawl down my neck.

And at that moment, I realized one thing.

I had just entered a game much more dangerous than I ever imagined.

***

I stood in the middle of Lucian's apartment living room, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. I should have been prepared for this-I should have been. But the reality was, I had just married a man I barely knew, and now I was going to live with him.

Lucian walked across the room, removing his jacket and hanging it neatly. I watched him silently, trying to figure out what was really behind his cold persona.

He noticed my gaze and turned. "Is there something you want to ask?"

I bit my lip, hesitating for a moment before finally speaking. "Why me?"

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

I took a deep breath. "Out of all the women out there, why did you choose me for this marriage? And in such a short amount of time?"

Lucian stared at me for a long time before finally walking closer, his steps calm but dangerous. When he stood just inches away from me, I could smell his distinctive scent-a blend of sandalwood and something sharper.

"You want revenge," he said, his voice low. "And I need someone bold enough to enter this world without asking too many questions."

I swallowed. "So just because of that?"

He gave a thin smile, but his eyes remained cold. "Don't expect any romantic reasons behind this, Seraphina. This is business."

I stared at him, searching for something-anything-that might show he still had a human side behind his mask. But I found nothing.

That's when I realized something.

Lucian Devereaux wasn't just a dangerous man.

He was someone who wouldn't hesitate to crush anyone who stood in his way.

And now, I had bound myself to him.

I sat on the corner of Lucian's sofa, clutching a warm cup of tea that Lucian's apartment maid had brought. My hands still trembled slightly, but it wasn't because of the temperature of the drink-it was because I still couldn't fully process what had just happened in my life.

My marriage to Damien had been destroyed before it even began, and now I was stuck in another marriage-with a man I barely knew. Lucian Devereaux. A cold CEO with a gaze that could make anyone submit in seconds.

Lucian sat across from me, reading something on his tablet with an emotionless expression. We hadn't spoken again since our brief conversation earlier. The atmosphere between us felt so awkward, as if there was an invisible chasm separating us.

I decided to break the silence first. "So... what happens now?"

Lucian didn't answer immediately. He set his tablet on the table and looked at me. "Now, we'll start adjusting to our respective roles."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He leaned back on the sofa, staring at me intently. "I need a wife who can convince the world that our marriage is real. That means you have to stay here, attend all social events with me, and play the role of the perfect wife."

I gripped my teacup tighter. "And what about me? Am I just a tool in this plan?"

Lucian looked at me for a moment before answering, "You want revenge, don't you?"

I fell silent. Of course, I did. I wanted Damien to see me happy without him. I wanted him to regret leaving me for another woman.

Lucian continued, "I can give you that opportunity. With your new status as Mrs. Devereaux, you'll get the attention you never had before. You'll be in the same social circles as Damien and Celeste, and you can show them how much they've made a mistake."

I pondered his words. It did sound like the perfect plan. But something bothered me. "And after all this is over? After you get your inheritance and I get my revenge?"

Lucian shrugged. "We'll separate. This marriage will end as quickly as we started it."

I didn't know why, but that answer made my chest feel a little tight.

I nodded slowly. "Alright. Then what should I do now?"

Lucian gave a thin smile, a smile that somehow made me feel like I was signing a deal with the devil. "Starting tomorrow, we'll announce our marriage to the public. Be prepared, Seraphina. Your life will never be the same again."

***

That morning, I woke up earlier than usual. My mind was still churning with thoughts about this marriage, but I knew there was no turning back. I had made my decision, and now I had to live with the consequences.

I stepped out of the bedroom, and my eyes immediately landed on Lucian's figure standing near the large apartment window. He was wearing a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, one hand bringing coffee to his mouth while the other held a phone.

I stared at him for a few seconds longer than I should have. Damn. It was undeniable that this man had an aura that could capture anyone's attention.

Lucian noticed my presence and turned. "You're awake. Good. We'll leave in an hour."

I frowned. "Leave for where?"

He calmly sipped his coffee before replying, "To the headquarters of Devereaux Group. Everyone needs to know that you're my wife now."

I swallowed hard. "What if they don't accept me?"

Lucian stared at me deeply, then walked closer. I held my breath as he stopped just inches away from me.

"Let me handle them," he said softly, but with determination. "Your job is to behave like a wife. I'll take care of the rest."

I wanted to retort, but something in his gaze stopped me from speaking.

I had just realized that from today on, I wouldn't just be dealing with Damien and Celeste.

But also with Lucian Devereaux's world full of secrets.

And maybe, I wasn't ready for that.

***

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The navy blue dress Lucian had chosen for me looked incredibly elegant, more expensive than anything I had ever worn before. My hair was pulled back in a neat bun, giving off an air of sophistication and class-as a billionaire's wife should.

But beneath it all, I felt like a polished doll, molded to fit the standards of a world that wasn't mine.

I took a deep breath before stepping out of the room. Lucian was already waiting for me in the living room, his perfect grey suit framing his tall, imposing figure. He looked me up and down, then nodded slightly.

"Good. You look like the wife I should have."

I didn't know if it was a compliment or just a statement, but I didn't reply.

In the car, the atmosphere felt a little tense. Lucian sat beside me, but he was more focused on his phone. I turned my gaze to the window, watching the city come alive with its morning activity.

"There's something you need to know before we arrive at the office."

I turned to him. "What?"

Lucian put away his phone and looked at me seriously. "I have a lot of enemies there-and not all of them will welcome you with open arms. Some will question this decision, some will try to bring you down. I want you to remain calm and not show any weakness."

I swallowed hard. "What if I make a mistake?"

"Don't."

I sighed. This man really didn't give room for error.

As the car pulled up to the skyscraper with the striking Devereaux Group logo, I felt my heart beat faster. The large glass building reflected our silhouettes as we got out of the car. Some employees passing by stopped and whispered to each other.

Lucian, as usual, remained unfazed. He held my hand firmly, as if to make sure everyone here knew who I was now.

We stepped into the grand, luxurious main lobby. The sound of our footsteps echoed on the marble floor. I could feel the sharp gazes of some employees trying to guess who I was.

A middle-aged woman in a neat outfit approached us. "Good morning, Mr. Devereaux." Her gaze shifted to me. "And... this is?"

Lucian didn't hesitate for a second as he answered, "My wife."

Silence. A few seconds that felt like forever.

The woman-who I assumed was Lucian's personal secretary-looked shocked, but her professionalism quickly took over her expression. "I understand, sir. The boardroom has been prepared for the meeting."

Lucian nodded. "Good. I'll bring my wife there."

I was taken aback. "I have to go?"

Lucian turned to me. "Of course. It's part of your role."

I had no time to protest. He held my hand tighter and led me to the elevator. As the doors closed and we started heading up, I realized one thing.

I might have thought I was ready for this contract marriage, but I was completely unprepared for Lucian Devereaux's world.

And I was sure, this was just the beginning.