Under the Spotlight

“Be ready in thirty minutes.”

Emily looked up from her phone.

“For what?”

Adrian adjusted his cufflinks, his expression calm as ever.

“A business dinner.”

She frowned. “You didn’t mention anything about that.”

“I’m mentioning it now.”

Of course he was.

Emily crossed her arms. “And I’m expected to just… go along with it?”

Adrian finally looked at her.

“You’re my wife.”

The words still felt strange.

Heavy.

“Which means,” he continued, “people will be watching how you behave.”

Emily exhaled slowly.

Right.

This wasn’t just a contract.

It was a performance.

“Fine,” she said. “What do I need to know?”

Adrian stepped closer.

Too close.

“You stay by my side. You don’t contradict me in public. And you smile when necessary.”

Emily raised a brow.

“I’m not your puppet.”

A faint smirk appeared.

“I don’t need a puppet. I need someone convincing.”

Her heartbeat quickened slightly.

“I can handle myself,” she said.

“I hope so.”

The challenge in his voice didn’t go unnoticed.

“Car is waiting,” he added.

The venue was grand.

Bright lights. Expensive suits. Whispered conversations.

The moment Emily stepped inside—

She felt it.

Eyes on her.

Watching.

Judging.

“Relax,” Adrian murmured beside her.

She glanced at him.

“I am relaxed.”

“You’re clenching your jaw.”

She immediately forced herself to loosen it.

“Better,” he said.

Before she could respond—

A group of people approached.

“Mr. Kingsley.”

A middle-aged man extended his hand.

Adrian shook it effortlessly.

“And this must be your wife.”

All eyes turned to her.

This was it.

Emily straightened slightly.

Then smiled.

Calm. Confident.

“Yes,” she said smoothly.

“Emily Kingsley.”

The name felt more natural this time.

“Pleasure to meet you,” the man said politely.

Emily nodded.

“The pleasure is mine.”

Adrian glanced at her briefly.

And for a split second—

Approval flickered in his eyes.

Then—

Without warning—

He placed a hand on her waist.

Emily froze.

The contact was firm.

Natural.

Possessive.

Her heart skipped.

She looked at him.

He leaned slightly closer.

“Act natural,” he murmured.

Natural?

This didn’t feel natural at all.

But she didn’t pull away.

Instead—

She placed her hand lightly on his arm.

And just like that—

The illusion was complete.

“Seems like marriage suits you, Mr. Kingsley,” someone joked.

Adrian smirked slightly.

“It has its advantages.”

Emily felt the subtle shift in his grip.

Tighter.

Intentional.

As if he wanted everyone to see—

She was his.

And strangely—

She didn’t hate it.

“Emily.”

The voice cut through the moment.

Emily turned—

And her expression stiffened.

Lena.

Of course.

Dressed flawlessly.

Confident as ever.

But her eyes—

Sharp.

Focused.

“You clean up well,” Lena said, her tone light but edged.

Emily smiled politely.

“Thank you.”

Lena’s gaze shifted to Adrian’s hand on Emily’s waist.

Something dark flickered across her face.

“Adrian,” she said, stepping closer. “A word?”

Emily felt the tension instantly.

Adrian didn’t move.

“Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.”

Lena’s smile tightened.

“This is business.”

“So is she.”

The words were calm.

But final.

Emily’s heart skipped again.

Lena’s gaze snapped back to her.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Emily tilted her head slightly.

“Enjoying what?”

“Playing house.”

Emily didn’t flinch.

“I don’t play games I can’t win.”

Silence.

Then—

Adrian let out a low chuckle.

The sound surprised everyone.

Including Emily.

“Careful, Lena,” he said casually.

“You might lose.”

Lena’s expression darkened.

“This isn’t over.”

Then she walked away.

Emily exhaled slowly.

“She doesn’t like losing,” Adrian corrected.

Emily glanced at him.

“And you?”

He looked down at her.

Their eyes met.

And for a moment—

Everything else faded.

“What do you think?” he asked quietly.

Her breath caught.

“I think…” she said slowly,

“You’re enjoying this more than you admit.”

A pause.

Then—

A small, dangerous smile appeared on his lips.

“Maybe.”

His hand tightened slightly on her waist.

And this time—

Emily didn’t pull away.