His Public Wife

“Get ready.”

I looked up from where I sat, still trying to process what had happened in the last few hours.

Alexander stood by the door, already dressed in a black suit.

“Ready for what?” I asked.

“A dinner,” he replied. “You’ll be attending with me.”

My chest tightened slightly.

“So soon?”

His gaze flicked to me briefly. “You’re my wife now. People will expect to see you.”

Right.

Of course.

This wasn’t just a marriage.

It was a performance.

“Someone will help you prepare,” he added before turning to leave. “Don’t be late.”

The door closed behind him, leaving silence in its wake.

Minutes later, two maids entered, carrying dresses and accessories.

“Madam, please one of them,” she said gently.

I stood, letting them guide me.

If this was my new life-

Then I had to learn how to survive it.

An hour later, I barely recognized myself.

The woman in the mirror looked… different.

Elegant.

Confident.

Like she belonged in Alexander’s world.

But did I really?

“Sir is waiting,” the maid said softly.

I nodded and walked out.

When I stepped into the grand hall, Alexander was already there.

For a brief second-

His eyes paused on me.

Not long.

But enough for me to notice.

“You’re late,” he said.

“I’m right on time,” I replied calmly.

A faint pause.

Then-

“Let’s go.”

The car ride was silent.

Again.

But this time, it felt… heavier.

“Who will be there?” I finally asked.

“Important people,” he replied. “Business partners and associates.”

“And Vanessa?”

A slight pause.

“Yes.”

Of course.

I turned my gaze to the window, my reflection staring back at me.

This was going to be interesting.

The moment we arrived, the light flashed around us.

Cameras.

Reporters.

Voices calling out.

“Mr. King! Over here!”

“Is it true you got married today?!”

“Who is she?!”

My heart jumped, but before I could react-

Alexander’s hand found mine.

Firm.

Steady.

“Stay close,” he said quietly.

And just like that

We stepped into the spotlight together.

Inside, the atmosphere was luxurious and intense.

Eyes turned the moment we entered.

Whispers followed instantly.

“That’s her…”

“The new wife…”

“She’s the one from the wedding scandal…”

I felt it.

Every stare.

Every judgement.

But this time-

I didn’t lower my head.

I walked beside him.

Confident.

Unshaken.

Because if I showed weakness now-

I would lose everything.

“Mr. King,” a man greeted, shaking his hand. “Congratulations.”

Alexander nodded. “Thank you.”

“And this must be your wife,” the man added, turning to me.

I have a polite smile. “Nice to meet you.”

The conversations continued.

People approached.

Some curious.

Some pretending not to care.

But then-

“Amara.”

My name.

Spoken in a voice I knew too well.

I froze.

Slowly, I turned.

And there he was.

Daniel.

Dressed just as sharply as ever.

As if nothing had happened.

As if he hadn’t destroyed me just hours ago.

“What are you doing here?” I asked quietly.

He smiled.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he said. “ I didn’t expect you to move on this fast.”

Before I could respond-

Alexander stepped closer.

Close enough that I could feel the shift in the air.

“She’s with me,” he said calmly.

Daniel’s eyes flickered between us.

“So it’s true,” he muttered. “You actually married her.“

“Yes.”

That single word was enough.

Daniel let out a short laugh. “You always did have strange tastes.”

Silence.

Dangerously silence.

I felt Alexander’s grip on my hand tighten slightly.

“Careful,” he said quietly.

Daniel smirked. “Or what?”

For a moment it felt like everything might explode.

Then-

A soft voice cut in.

“How dramatic.”

Vanessa.

Of course.

She stepped into view, her smile perfectly in place.

“But really,” she continued, her gaze moving to me, “isn’t this a bit too much? Showing up here like you belong?”

The insult was subtle.

But clear.

I held her gaze.

“I don’t need to pretend,” I replied calmly. “I’m exactly were I’m supposed to be.”

Her smile tightened.

Daniel scoffed. “You really think these will last?”

I turned to him fully this time.

“No,” I said quietly.

He blinked, surprised.

Then I added-

“But it will last longer than whatever we had.”

Silence.