THE CEO's RELUCTANT BRIDE

Chapter 2: The Reluctant Proposal Elena sat in the back of the car, her hands clenched in her lap as her father drove through the city streets. The weight of the situation pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She had barely slept after their conversation last night. Every time she closed her eyes, her mind replayed the same thoughts over and over again. Marry Damien Sterling? The idea sounded ridiculous. Impossible. And yet, here she was, on her way to meet him. Her father hadn't given her much of a choice. If she refused, their home would be gone, their company would collapse, and her mother’s medical bills would go unpaid. The thought of her mother suffering because of her decision made Elena feel sick. Her father cleared his throat as he pulled up in front of a towering glass building—Sterling Enterprises. The name alone sent a shiver down her spine. “This is it,” he said quietly. Elena stared at the massive skyscraper. It looked cold and unwelcoming,

Chapter 3: The Unwanted Engagement Elena never thought her life would turn into a spectacle for the entire world to see. But now, with just one announcement, she had become the center of gossip, headlines, and scrutiny. The engagement between her and Damien Sterling had spread like wildfire. Newspapers, magazines, and online articles painted different versions of their story. Some called it a fairy tale—an ordinary woman capturing the heart of a billionaire. Others saw it as a scandal, with Elena as a gold digger who had somehow tricked the ruthless CEO into marriage. None of them knew the truth. The truth was that she had no choice. And tonight, at a high-profile party filled with the wealthiest and most powerful people, she was going to be put on display like an object. Thrown into the Lion’s Den Elena sat stiffly in the back of the sleek black car as it made its way toward the grand hotel where the party was being held. She clenched her hands in her lap, her fingers t

Chapter 5: The First Clash Elena Carter had never been the type of woman to let someone dictate her life. Even now, as the wife of Damien Sterling—a man who treated marriage like a business deal—she refused to let him control her. If he thought she would be an obedient little wife, he was in for a rude awakening. The first few days after the wedding had been cold and silent. Damien barely acknowledged her presence unless necessary, and Elena had no desire to start conversations with a man who saw her as nothing more than an accessory. But today, everything changed. Defying Damien Elena had spent the morning walking through the mansion, trying to get used to her new home. The place was massive too big for just the two of them. Every room was decorated with expensive taste, from the polished marble floors to the towering chandeliers. But no matter how grand it was, it still felt empty. Just like her marriage. She found herself wandering into the kitchen, where the staff greeted

Chapter 7: First Night TogetherElena sat stiffly in the back of the luxurious black car as it sped through the quiet night. The wedding had been a blur a grand spectacle of wealth and power, but utterly lifeless. Now, as she was being taken to Damien Sterling’s house, or rather, her new home, a heavy weight settled in her chest.She turned her head slightly, stealing a glance at Damien. He sat beside her, his face blank, eyes fixed on his phone. Not a single word had passed between them since they left the wedding venue. It was as if she didn’t exist.Her hands curled into fists on her lap. Is this really my life now? she thought bitterly. Just hours ago, she had walked down the aisle, not out of love, but out of duty, and now she was trapped in a marriage that felt more like a business deal than anything else.The car slowed down, and Elena’s eyes widened as they approached a grand iron gate. Beyond it stood a massive mansion, its towering presence both impressive and intimidating.