Hate Me Till You Love Me

The diamond on Evelyn Carter’s finger sparkled like a cruel joke as the priest’s voice boomed in the grand cathedral.

“Do you, Evelyn Carter, take Alexander Kane to be your lawfully wedded husband…”

She smiled. A practiced, flawless smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

I do.

Her voice was steady and elegant. The perfect performance for the hundreds of high-society eyes watching them. Every camera flash seared the moment into eternity. Evelyn in her couture white gown, Alexander in a sleek black tuxedo, and together, the picture formed a perfect billionaire couple.

But it was all a lie.

This marriage wasn’t about love.

It wasn’t about happily ever after.

It was about revenge.

Evelyn’s fingers tightened slightly on Alexander’s hand as he slipped the wedding band onto her finger. A silent promise burned in her heart.

You destroyed my family. Now I’ll destroy you, Kane.

If Alexander noticed the tension in her grip, he didn’t show it. His face was a mask of calm arrogance, those dark eyes fixed on her with a look that felt like a predator sizing up his prey.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The crowd erupted in applause.

Alexander stepped closer. Evelyn’s stomach knotted. She wanted to flinch, to step back, but she held her ground.

“Smile wider, Mrs. Kane,” he murmured low enough for only her to hear. His lips brushed her ear as he added, “Unless you want them to see how much you already regret marrying me.”

She tilted her chin defiantly, lips curling into the brightest smile she could muster. “Don’t flatter yourself. Regret isn’t in my vocabulary.”

“Good,” he said, eyes glittering dangerously. “You’re going to need every ounce of that stubbornness to survive me.” And then he kissed her.

It wasn’t tender. It wasn’t sweet. His lips were firm and commanding, pressing against hers like he owned her. Evelyn’s fingers twitched at her side, itching to shove him away.

But she didn’t. She kissed him back, just enough to make it convincing for the crowd. She could feel the eyes of their guests burning into her like lasers. Their applause swelled as Alexander lingered, the perfect doting husband in front of them all.

You bastard. She said inwardly. When he finally pulled back, he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip, smearing her lipstick. He smirked as if he’d marked his territory.

“To have and to hold, darling,” he murmured, his voice low and dark. “Don’t forget.”

Her nails dug into his palm as the priest declared them husband and wife.

The Reception started. The ballroom glittered with gold and crystal as the reception began. Waiters in black and white carried trays of champagne, and a string quartet played softly in the background. Guests mingled, toasting the newlyweds with practiced smiles and insincere congratulations.

Evelyn floated from one group to another, smiling until her cheeks hurt, laughing at jokes that weren’t funny. Alexander never strayed far from her side, his hand resting possessively on her lower back.

“Such a beautiful couple,” gushed Mrs. D’Arcy, a society matron dripping in jewels.

“Thank you,” Evelyn said sweetly, though her stomach churned.

“Oh, Alex has always been such a charmer,” Mrs. D’Arcy continued. “But you, Evelyn… you’ll tame him, won’t you?” Evelyn’s smile didn’t falter. “Of course.”

Tame him? She wanted to laugh. She wasn’t here to tame Alexander Kane. She was here to bring him to his knees.

Across the room, Sierra Blackwood watched her with thinly veiled contempt. Alexander’s ex. Of course she’d be here.

“I see your little act is working,” Sierra sneered later when she cornered Evelyn near the powder room. “Enjoy it while it lasts, sweetheart. Alex doesn’t do wives. He does toys. And he breaks them when he’s bored.”

Evelyn raised a brow, her voice icy. “Thanks for the warning. Now run along before you embarrass yourself further.”

Sierra’s lips curled in a hateful smile. “We’ll see how long you last.”

Evelyn didn’t let her mask slip until Sierra stalked off.

Don’t let her get to you, she told herself. You’re not here to compete with his ex-lovers. You’re here to destroy him.

By midnight, Evelyn slipped out onto the balcony, needing air. The city lights stretched endlessly below, glittering like fallen stars. She pressed her palms to the cool marble railing, trying to steady her thoughts.

“Promise me you’ll make him pay for what he did to us, Eve. Don’t let him get away with it.”

Her father’s voice echoed in her mind.

Alexander Kane hadn’t just destroyed Carter Enterprises. He’d destroyed her father. The man who raised her had died in disgrace because of him. And now, here she is, as his wife.

The door behind her creaked open. “Planning my murder already?” He asked with his head halfway in the room.

Evelyn spun around. Alexander stood there in the doorway, jacket discarded, tie loose. Even now, he looked devastatingly good, tall, broad-shouldered, with those dark eyes that seemed to see straight through her.

“Just enjoying the quietness” she said coolly.

“There’s no quiet in my world,” he said, stepping closer. “You’re my wife now. And I take that seriously.”

She forced herself to meet his gaze. “Good for you.”

“You’re not afraid of me.” It wasn’t a question.

“No.” She replied nevertheless.

“Maybe you should be.” He retorted.

He stopped mere inches away, his cologne enveloping her senses. He reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips in a mockery of tenderness.

“Let’s go inside, Mrs. Kane. Our guests are waiting. And tonight…” His thumb brushed her knuckles. “…so am I.”

Evelyn’s heart thudded painfully in her chest.

She wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t ready for him. But she didn’t have a choice.