The CEO's Paper Bride: Too Late for Love

Madeline's POV

My heart thundered in my chest as I sprinted through the quiet streets toward my aunt's house, the sharp slap of my sneakers against the pavement barely louder than the storm brewing inside me. Gina had called me in a panic, her voice trembling as she told me she saw a line of sleek black cars parked outside our home. She thought something was terribly wrong.

I didn't even finish explaining to my boss. I just peeled off my apron and dashed out of the convenience store, the fluorescent lights behind me fading as fear gripped my spine like ice. I knew those cars weren't just a coincidence.

The moment I turned the corner and saw them for myself, my breath hitched, and I realized my best friend was right.

Men in tailored black suits stood like statues around our quaint little house, their expressions unreadable, their presence like an ominous shadow swallowing the familiar. It looked like a scene from a crime thriller-except this was real, and they were at my door.

I ducked behind a tree for a second, trying to gather my courage. My heart wouldn't stop pounding. I clutched my phone to my chest, willing myself to stay calm.

What kind of trouble had my aunt gotten into?

I knew we were drowning in debt ever since Mom got sick. The hospital bills alone had been a mountain we could never seem to climb. And Aunt Liza-she took us in without question. I still remember the night we knocked on her door, soaked from the rain, carrying everything we had left in two duffle bags. She welcomed us like we were her own.

She never complained. Not even once, and I owed her everything.

And I promised myself I'd help her. I worked part-time jobs just to keep up with our expenses. If there was one thing I could do to spare her from the weight of that crushing debt, I would do it-no questions asked. Even if it meant sacrificing my own dreams.

"Are you Madeline Brownwood?" a voice called out, breaking through my thoughts.

One of the suited men stepped forward. His voice was calm but firm, and I barely managed a nod. My throat felt tight like the words I wanted to speak had been stolen from me.

"We've been waiting for you," he said, his tone polite but unmistakably authoritative. "Please, allow us inside. There's something we need to discuss."

Every step I took behind him felt like I was walking into something far bigger than I could understand. The living room looked exactly the same-cozy and warm-but the atmosphere was suffocating. My eyes fell on the couch.

And that's when I saw my belongings lined up. Ready to go.

The floor tilted beneath me.

My aunt stood up, tears already falling from her eyes. She rushed toward me, her hands trembling as she cupped my face.

"I'm so sorry, Maddie," she said softly, her voice cracking. "Mr. Divenson has paid off everything. The house, the hospital bills... every debt. And I-I didn't know what else to do. I just want you to have a better life. This is your chance."

I staggered back a step, disbelief settling in my chest like concrete. "What... what are you talking about?"

The man from earlier-his voice broke through the air like a blade. "Ms. Brownwood, your presence is needed at the Divenson estate. You are to marry Mr. Hunter Divenson."

For a second, the room seemed to disappear. All I could hear was the rushing of blood in my ears.

"What?" I gasped. "I don't even have a boyfriend-how can I marry someone I don't even know?"

The name Divenson echoed through my mind like a siren.

Of course. Divenson. The name was everywhere, in business news, on magazine headlines. One of the most powerful families in the country.

"You may not know him personally," the man continued as if I hadn't just questioned the entire absurdity of this situation, "but I assure you, many women would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Mr. Divenson is a private man, yes, but highly respected. He's been linked to a few celebrities, though none of those rumors were ever true. His wealth and reputation attract attention, but he is not the playboy the media paints him to be. He values loyalty, discretion... and honor."

I stood there, numb, barely able to process his words.

A stranger. I was being handed over to a stranger.

And not just any stranger-a powerful one. The kind of man who didn't ask for things-he claimed them.

And somehow, my life... I... had become one of those things.

"And you are...?" I asked warily.

He smiled. "Ah. Forgive my manners. I'm Calixto Morgan-Hunter's right hand."

He extended his hand. I shook it, but my mind spun with disbelief.

"Can I say no to this?" I asked, barely breathing.

He shook his head gently. "I'm afraid not. Your father-Frank Brownwood-made a deal with Mr. Divenson."

My entire body went cold.

"I don't know my father," I said flatly.

"No, but he knew you. Ask your aunt. Frank helped your aunt with your mother's treatment. Your father may have walked away, but he never truly forgot you. He has another family, but that doesn't mean he did nothing for you."

It seemed he knew everything. Every piece of my private life.

"Shall we go?" Calixto asked. "Mr. Divenson expects you to arrive before dinner. His family would like to meet you before he returns for supper."

His men took my bags.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. But I didn't.

I looked at my aunt-my only family left. She opened her arms, and I hugged her. No tears came. Not this time. I'd cried enough when my mother died. That was the day I swore I'd never let myself be weak again.

Still, I felt betrayed. But how could I hate her when she had given me everything she could?

I slipped my aunt's phone from my pocket and messaged Gina a quick goodbye. I didn't mention what was happening-just that I'd see her soon.

Inside the black SUV, I sat in the back while Calixto rode in front.

I stared out the window, wondering how I could possibly escape this.

How could my father-who had never once tried to reach me-decide my future like this? An arranged marriage? To a stranger?

I wasn't even sure Calixto was telling the truth.

I'd never been in love. Gina said love was a feeling you couldn't explain-one that hit you the moment you met the right person. But I never had time for love. I was too busy trying to help my aunt pay the bills.

"Don't worry, Maddie," Calixto said suddenly. "Hunter wants you to continue your studies, even after marriage."

I blinked. At least that was... something.

Maybe I could use that. Maybe I could still find a way out.

When we reached the Divenson mansion, my jaw dropped. It wasn't just a house-it was a fortress. Towering columns, sprawling lawns, and a castle-like facade.

It looked like something out of a fairytale.

Inside, Calixto led me upstairs. "This will be your room until after the wedding. After that, you'll share the master bedroom with Mr. Divenson," he said gently.

"You don't need to worry about anything," Calixto said as he opened the door to the room prepared for me. "You'll find dresses for different occasions in your wardrobe. Starting today, Mr. Divenson has requested that you wear clothes appropriate to your new role-which means dresses, from now on."

I blinked, stunned. "You mean... I can't wear pants anymore?"

His tone remained polite, but firm. "It's part of the arrangement. I'm sure you'll look lovely."

My mouth fell open, but no words came out. I wanted to argue. I wanted to say that no man-no matter how rich or important-had the right to dictate what I wore.

But the words lodged in my throat.

I stepped inside the room, and the air seemed to shift. I felt like I had entered another world.

The room was massive, with high ceilings and ivory walls that gleamed under the chandelier's soft golden light. A majestic four-poster bed sat in the center, draped with soft lilac sheets and silk pillows. A vintage white vanity rested against the far wall beside floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a balcony overlooking perfectly manicured gardens. The scent of fresh roses drifted in with the breeze.

This wasn't a bedroom-it was a scene from a fairytale.

And yet, I felt like the princess who had wandered into a castle only to find herself imprisoned.

Calixto gently excused himself, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. I stood frozen for a moment, not knowing whether to admire the luxury or run from it.

My gaze drifted to the closet, a double-door armoire taller than me. When I pulled it open, I gasped.

It was full of designer dresses-lace, chiffon, satin. Every color, every cut. Shoes too, neatly lined along the bottom shelf. High heels, ballet flats, even embroidered slippers. Everything in my size.

I ran my hand over one of the gowns, the fabric so smooth it felt unreal.

Who ordered all of this? And when?

It felt like someone had studied me, measured me, and prepared all of this before I even knew I was coming.

I found the simplest dress-a pale pink one with a modest neckline and soft fabric that hugged my body perfectly-and stepped into the en-suite bathroom, where even the faucet handles were gold-plated. I took a quick shower, trying to calm my nerves under the warm water, but it didn't help.

After I changed, I stood in front of the vanity mirror.

And froze.

I barely recognized the girl staring back at me.

The girl in the mirror looked... refined. Like she belonged in this place. But I didn't. I wasn't her. That wasn't me.

That was someone else's life.

A knock broke the silence. "Maddie?" Calixto's voice called through the door. "Please meet me in the living room. It's time to introduce you to Mr. Divenson's family."

I hesitated. My hand hovered on the doorknob.

One question burned in my chest, and I needed to ask it before I faced anything else.

"Calixto?" I said softly through the door. "Do you know my father?"

There was a pause, and then his voice came quieter than before.

"Yes. He used to be Hunter's driver. That's how this agreement began."

His words echoed in my mind long after he walked away.

I turned back to the mirror, my reflection staring at me with wide, uncertain eyes.

I was standing in a mansion. Wearing a beautiful dress. Surrounded by wealth beyond anything I could imagine.

And yet, I had never felt so trapped. Maybe I looked like a girl living out a dream, but this wasn't my dream.

It was a beautiful, suffocating cage. And no matter how powerful Hunter Divenson was I wouldn't let him decide the rest of my life. Not without a fight

Madeline's POV

I descended the grand staircase slowly, my fingers brushing against the polished handrail as I tried to steady the nerves in my chest. At the bottom, Calixto stood waiting, his posture formal but warm. The moment he noticed me, his eyes lit up and a wide grin tugged at his lips.

"You look lovely, Ms. Brownwood," he said with genuine warmth. "I believe your future in-laws will be thrilled to have you here."

I gave him a small smile. It was easier to smile at him than to admit I felt like I was walking into a lion's den. My nerves simmered beneath the surface, but I buried the fear. It wasn't my choice to be here, and honestly, if they decided to send me away, I'd welcome it. The mansion was stunning, yes-but it wasn't home. And no amount of wealth could distract me from the fact that I was being traded like a pawn.

I followed Calixto outside, and my breath caught at the sight before me. The garden stretched endlessly across the back of the property-perfectly manicured hedges, vibrant flowers in bloom, and a grand fountain at the center that sparkled beneath the afternoon sun. I'd never seen anything so beautiful.

I was so mesmerized I didn't notice Calixto had stopped walking, and I bumped into him with a quiet yelp.

"Ah-sorry," I mumbled, rubbing my forehead.

"Always be aware of your surroundings, Ms. Brownwood," he said gently, though his tone carried a note of concern.

We stepped into the pavilion, and it felt like crossing into another world-one lined with marble columns, pristine white drapery, and a sweeping view of the gardens that looked like they belonged to a palace rather than a private estate.

Hunter's family sat in elegant patio chairs, lounging beneath a crystal chandelier suspended from the open-air ceiling. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves above, casting a soft golden glow over their impeccably dressed figures. They looked like something out of a magazine spread-flawless, composed, and utterly untouchable.

I'd seen their portraits in the grand foyer when I first arrived, but no oil painting could prepare me for the cold weight of their stares in person.

Hunter's mother, Leticia Divenson, sat with her legs crossed and her back painfully straight, her pearl necklace gleaming against her burgundy blouse. Her eyes raked over me from head to toe-judging, sizing, slicing. I could practically feel her disapproval pressing against my skin like a blade.

His father, Mr. Clark Divenson, didn't bother to lift his eyes from the newspaper he held. The paper rustled softly with each page turn as if the sound itself was more interesting than my presence.

Then there was Parker, Hunter's younger brother. His gaze latched onto me and didn't waver. His eyes were too intense, too slow in their inspection-as if he wasn't just curious, but entitled. My stomach turned, and I forced myself to look away, heat creeping up my neck.

Across from him, Charlotte, Hunter's sister, sat like royalty herself. Beautiful. Elegant. Poisonous. Her eyes narrowed with disdain, her lips curled ever so slightly in a smirk that said you'll never belong here. She didn't have to speak-I already felt her loathing in the air between us.

And then, there was Lily.

She was seated at the far end of the table, her feet barely touching the floor. A girl, no older than twelve, with curious eyes and the kind of smile that reminded me of warm summer mornings. When she saw me, she beamed-wide and pure, like I was someone worth looking at. Like I was welcome.

That one smile loosened the knot in my chest.

Calixto stepped forward, voice measured and professional. "Mr. Clark Divenson, Mrs. Leticia Divenson, Ms. Charlotte, Mr. Parker, and Ms. Lily-please allow me to introduce Ms. Madeline Brownwood, the fiancée of Mr. Hunter Divenson."

The silence was palpable. They looked at me as if I were a strange bird that had crash-landed on their manicured lawn.

Mrs. Divenson was the first to speak.

"This is utterly inappropriate," she snapped, her voice laced with venom. "I should reprimand my son for this immediately. Introducing his fiancée through his assistant? We are not his business associates, Calixto, and she is not a product to be delivered."

Her words hit like a slap. I felt the heat rise to my face, but I stood my ground, my hands clenched at my sides.

"Hi, Ms. Madeline!" Lily's cheerful voice rang through the tension like a melody. "Welcome to the Divenson Mansion. I'm so happy you're here-I can't wait to spend time with you!"

I looked at her, grateful. "Hi, Lily. I'm excited to spend time with you too," I replied, and her giggle was the only genuine sound I'd heard since arriving.

I took a deep breath, and despite the warning bells in my head, I spoke to the rest of them.

"Good afternoon. I know my presence here may come as a surprise... but I want you to know, it's just as shocking for me as it is for you."

Calixto stiffened beside me. I could almost hear his soul scream. His eyes widened, and without hesitation, he reached for my elbow.

"If you'll excuse us," he said quickly and ushered me away before anyone else could speak.

We moved through the hedged pathway behind the pavilion, the silence thick between us until we were out of sight.

"What are you doing?" he hissed, his voice low but sharp. "You can't say things like that in front of them! You're supposed to act like you're in love with Hunter-like this relationship is real."

I crossed my arms. "You never told me I had to pretend to be his girlfriend."

He ran a hand over his face, clearly exasperated. "I must've forgotten. But it's critical, Maddie. You're not just a stranger anymore-you're his fiancée. According to the story, you've been dating Hunter for nearly a year. You met at university, fell in love, and now he's bringing you home."

I blinked, stunned. "So I'm supposed to lie to their faces? About everything?"

"If you want to survive here-yes," he said grimly. "They're going to tear into your life like sharks. If you show any cracks, they'll pounce. Trust me, they'll investigate you before you even finish unpacking."

His voice softened. "I won't always be here to help. You'll be assigned an assistant-Cerila. She'll guide you through what's expected until the wedding. After that..." he hesitated. "We'll wait for Hunter's decision."

Decision? The word hung in the air like a sentence. I hated the implication-that even after all this, my future still hinged on a stranger's approval.

I swallowed. "Do I have to go back in there?"

"No. Let them finish their tea. And one more thing-don't mention Hunter's success in front of his father. Mr. Clark doesn't appreciate being reminded that his son took over the company... and made it better."

I nodded slowly, trying to process everything, my mind spinning like a carousel that wouldn't stop.

Calixto looked at me for a long moment. "You'll be okay, Maddie. Just... don't let your guard down."

But as I glanced back toward the pavilion, where icy stares and fake smiles waited for me, I wasn't sure how long I could keep it up.

"Here," he added, handing me a sleek new iPhone. "This will be your phone from now on. My number and Hunter's are already saved."

My mouth fell open slightly as I looked at the screen. "This is the latest model..."

He laughed. "I was shocked to find you didn't even own a phone. Who doesn't have a phone these days?"

"I never needed one," I said, my voice quieter now. "I don't really have friends. Just Gina, my best friend. I used my aunt's phone for work stuff."

I paused, emotions rising to the surface. "My life isn't like most girls my age, Calixto. I've been working part-time jobs for as long as I can remember. I don't buy clothes-I read books. Used ones. Mostly from thrift shops. My money always went to food, bills... survival."

I swallowed hard. "When my mom got sick, I wanted to drop out of school to take care of her. I begged her and told her I'd work full-time. But she wouldn't let me. She didn't want me to suffer. She died because we couldn't afford proper treatment... because in this world if you don't have money, you don't stand a chance."

Calixto's voice was gentle. "I know what you've been through, Maddie."

My eyes widened. "You... you know everything?"

He nodded. "I'm sorry for invading your privacy. But as my boss's right hand, it was my job to make sure you were... suitable. I spent time at your aunt's house and got to know her. I needed to know what kind of person you were."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"You were evaluating me? Like I was some contestant on a game show?"

"Not exactly. But Hunter is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. We had to make sure you didn't have a boyfriend, weren't involved in anything that could harm his reputation... and, well, you met all the criteria. Outstanding grades. No vices. And yes, a beautiful appearance."

I rolled my eyes. "Great. So I made it into the Miss Universe finals."

He chuckled. "That's not what I meant."

I crossed my arms. "So... is Hunter really that godlike in person?"

Calixto smirked. "You'll see soon enough."

"I don't want to fall in love with him," I muttered.

"Careful," he warned with a smile. "You might eat those words."

"Can I at least talk to him?" I asked, meeting his gaze seriously. "I need to know why my father did this-why I'm here."

"I'll try to arrange it," he said. "But he's got a packed schedule. It may take a few days."

I nodded. I could wait.

"Oh, and one more thing-Hunter has arranged for you to receive a monthly allowance. It will be credited to your bank account. And I signed you up for driving lessons, too."

I blinked. "You did all that already?"

He nodded. "You're not just a guest here anymore, Maddie. Whether you like it or not you are part of this world now."

As I stood there with a brand-new phone in one hand and a whirlwind of confusion in my heart, I knew one thing for sure:

I didn't belong here, but I am a fighter and I would survive.

Madeline's POV

Calixto introduced me to Cerila, the young woman assigned as my personal assistant, and I was quietly relieved to see she was about my age. She wore a neat uniform, her demeanor proper but distant, and though she greeted me politely, I could sense she was keeping a deliberate wall between us. After laying out a fresh dress across my bed and checking a few final details, she offered a slight nod and excused herself, leaving me alone in the room once more.

I frowned at the dress.

"Seriously? I just wore a dress earlier," I muttered, mostly to myself, but loud enough for Calixto-who was still lingering at my door-to hear.

He arched a brow. "Maddie, you're about to meet your future husband. You need to look stunning and presentable. First impressions matter."

He motioned toward the vanity. "Also, you might want to consider wearing one of the perfumes Hunter selected for you. They're high-end, curated specifically with your preferences in mind."

I blinked. Hunter picked these out? I had no idea what my preferences were, let alone how he did.

Still, I nodded, not wanting to argue. "Seven o'clock?" I asked, and Calixto nodded before he checked his watch. "Dinner will be served promptly. Hunter rarely comes home for supper, but tonight he made an exception. For you."

I tilted my head. "So... if you're his right hand, does that mean you're like his assistant?"

He chuckled. "In a way. But more than that, I'm a handler of his affairs-professional, legal, and sometimes personal. I also serve as his escort when needed. Don't let the gray hairs fool you-I can still take down a man twice my size if the situation calls for it."

I narrowed my eyes. "Is he... a troublemaker?"

Calixto laughed, genuinely amused. "No, Ms. Brownwood. But Hunter Divenson is a very powerful man. With power comes scrutiny. And sometimes... danger."

He stepped toward the door. "Be ready before seven. Cerila will escort you to the dining hall. Whatever you do-don't be late. Hunter hates tardiness."

As he opened the door, I quipped, "You don't happen to have a manual, do you?"

He paused. "A manual?"

"For being his fiancée. Or a resident in this oversized palace. There are so many rules-I don't want to break any and get thrown into the dungeon," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He chuckled. "No manuals, I'm afraid. Just instinct. And I believe yours are pretty sharp."

As he stepped out, he added over his shoulder, "I better head out now. If I'm late, my wife might lock me out of the house."

I smiled faintly and walked him to the door.

Before I could close it, Lily appeared in the hallway, her face lighting up the moment she saw me.

"Hello, Maddie! Can I come in?"

"Of course," I said, swinging the door open wide.

"Can I sit on your couch?" she asked sweetly.

"Please do," I said, watching as she made herself comfortable on the cream-colored sofa.

She looked at her hands, suddenly shy. "I'm a little hurt, you know."

My brows furrowed. "Why, Lily?"

She pouted. "Because Hunter didn't tell me he was getting married. And I didn't get to meet you before he proposed. I thought he loved me the most..."

My heart ached a little. She was too precious.

"I'm sure he does love you, Lily. But he's just so busy. He didn't mean to leave you out," I said gently, hoping my lie would comfort her.

"Really?" she asked, brightening just a bit.

"Really," I confirmed, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Then she leaned closer. "Do you love my brother, Maddie?"

I swallowed hard. How do you answer a question like that when you haven't even met the man yet?

"Yes," I said, nodding. Another lie.

"So much?"

I forced a smile. "Very much."

She smiled, satisfied, and hugged me tightly. "Please don't leave him, okay? He needs someone like you."

I hugged her back, feeling the sincerity of her small arms around me. "I'll do my best."

"I wish I could sleep here tonight," she sighed. "But Mom would never allow it."

She stood and brushed down her dress. "Don't mind them, Maddie. They might not act like it, but my brother does love you. And I like you. That's what matters."

I was too stunned by her honesty to respond.

"I'll see you at dinner," she said brightly, then turned and walked off, waving goodbye.

I closed the door behind her and leaned against it, heart racing. My mind was spinning-but not from the family. Not even from the lies. It was the strange, growing dread of meeting him.

By six-thirty, I was ready. I'd chosen a flowing cerulean gown that hugged my figure and shimmered beneath the soft light. I applied minimal makeup-just enough to highlight my features-and spritzed myself with a soft floral perfume. I didn't know who I was trying to impress, but something told me I had to look my best tonight.

The knock came on cue. Cerila stood at my door.

"You look stunning, Ms. Maddie. Please follow me to the feasting hall."

As I walked behind her through the long corridors, my heart began to thump faster with every step. And when I reached the grand dining room and saw the long table with silver place settings and flickering candles-I froze.

Because Hunter Divenson was already there.

And he was staring at me.

The world tilted slightly, as if everything around me had lost its balance. I had seen his portraits-framed in gold and displayed like masterpieces across the mansion-but nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for the real man.

He was devastatingly handsome.

Hunter Divenson rose from his seat with an effortless kind of grace, like a man accustomed to commanding attention the moment he entered a room. He was tall-easily over six feet-with broad shoulders that filled out his charcoal suit perfectly. The expensive fabric clung to his sculpted frame like it had been tailored by gods.

And then... his eyes found mine.

Hazel-green. Piercing. Focused.

There was something in them-sharp intelligence, veiled amusement, a cool detachment-but also an undercurrent of heat that unsettled me. That gaze didn't just look at me-it searched me. And I didn't know whether to run... or drown in it.

Then he smiled.

Just a subtle curve of his lips.

Controlled. Dangerous. Devastating.

My breath hitched.

He moved toward me slowly, every footstep echoing in my head like a drumbeat. I felt the air shift around him. It was as though gravity bent slightly in his direction.

When he stopped in front of me, I forgot how to breathe.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you arrived, Maddie," he said, his voice smooth as velvet. Deep. Confident. It wrapped around my name like a secret.

"I promise I'll make it up to you."

Before I could respond-before I could even blink-he leaned in and kissed me.

His lips met mine with a shocking gentleness, warm and assertive. My entire body froze-but only for a moment. Because then instinct took over. My lips moved against his, and my knees went weak. I forgot who I was, where I was, and why I was here. All I knew was the taste of him-clean, intoxicating, and maddeningly addictive.

The kiss deepened. It wasn't slow anymore. It was heat and hunger and something unspoken. He kissed me like he already owned me-and I let him.

By the time he pulled away, my lungs screamed for air, my heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts were tangled beyond repair.

He still held me-one strong hand resting possessively on my waist.

Then he leaned in close, his breath teasing my ear.

"So eager to kiss me back, Ms. Brownwood?" he murmured, his voice a low purr. I barely had time to react before he brushed his lips against my earlobe in a playful nip that sent a shock straight through my spine.

My skin flushed. Goosebumps danced across my arms.

He finally let go, and I stood there, breathless, stunned, completely and utterly unprepared for what he'd just done to me. Before I could recover, he reached behind me and pulled out a chair.

"Please," he said, gesturing.

I sat down on legs that barely remembered how to function. He took the seat beside me with an ease that contrasted my unraveling composure.

I glanced up to find his entire family watching us with smiles.

Mrs. Divenson, who had earlier looked like she wanted to rip me apart, now wore a pleasant-almost motherly-expression. Mr. Divenson folded his paper, appearing suddenly interested. Parker and Charlotte exchanged glances that were impossible to read. Even Lily, seated near the end, looked thrilled.

Were they pretending? Or had one kiss from Hunter Divenson really changed everything?

"Shall we begin dinner?" Hunter asked smoothly.

"Of course, dear," his mother said with unexpected sweetness.

I glanced down at my plate, but my appetite was gone. The kiss had left me shaken. I couldn't even remember what food was.

"You should eat, my love," Hunter said casually, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "I don't want you looking too thin on our wedding day. I admire your figure... and I expect you to keep it just the way it is."

I nodded mutely, unable to summon a single word. His words made my face burn, but I couldn't look away. He smiled at me again. And just like that, I realized something terrifying. This wasn't just a role I was forced to play.

This man, this stranger had already stolen my first kiss. He had made my heart skip and my thoughts scatter. And turned my world upside down in less than five minutes.

And as I sat beside him, still breathless from the kiss that started it all, I felt it deep in my bones-I was falling into something I didn't understand, and I realized my heart was already in trouble.