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Chapter twenty nine : the counterstrike
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2026-01-09 16:00:00The morning sun had barely begun to pierce the city skyline when Vanessa stirred in the penthouse. The events of last night publicly standing by Alexander, defying Helena, declaring their marriage as real, their love undeniable still reverberated through her chest. The adrenaline had faded, but the warmth of Alexander’s hands, his protective embrace, and the fire of their kisses lingered like embers she could feel through her veins.
Alexander wasn’t in bed. She expected him to be reviewing the aftermath of the media coverage, and sure enough, when she slipped into the living room, he was there, pacing in his tailored charcoal suit, phone in hand, speaking in clipped, commanding tones with Collins.“Reports?” she asked softly, walking over, hand brushing the edge of the marble table.Alexander glanced at her, eyes softening for just a second before returning to the task at hand. “The press got the statement. No misinterpretations yet. But
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The contracted heart Chapter thirty : the game of shadows
The night had settled over the city like a dark velvet curtain, the skyline punctuated with glowing lights that reflected off the river in a slow, shimmering dance. Vanessa leaned against the balcony railing of Alexander’s penthouse, the cool air brushing against her skin, contrasting sharply with the lingering warmth of his embrace from moments ago. She still felt the electricity of their kiss, the intimate promise carried in each lingering touch.Alexander joined her silently, hands sliding over hers, the tension of the day draining into quiet intimacy. “You’re restless,” he observed, voice low, almost a growl.“I can’t stop thinking about Helena,” Vanessa admitted, eyes scanning the distant city, as if her gaze could pierce the night and spot the threat lurking somewhere below. “She’s not done yet. She never is.”Alexander’s jaw tightened. He pulled her close, letting his warmth anchor her, but
The contracted heart Chapter twenty nine : the counterstrike
The morning sun had barely begun to pierce the city skyline when Vanessa stirred in the penthouse. The events of last night publicly standing by Alexander, defying Helena, declaring their marriage as real, their love undeniable still reverberated through her chest. The adrenaline had faded, but the warmth of Alexander’s hands, his protective embrace, and the fire of their kisses lingered like embers she could feel through her veins.Alexander wasn’t in bed. She expected him to be reviewing the aftermath of the media coverage, and sure enough, when she slipped into the living room, he was there, pacing in his tailored charcoal suit, phone in hand, speaking in clipped, commanding tones with Collins.“Reports?” she asked softly, walking over, hand brushing the edge of the marble table.Alexander glanced at her, eyes softening for just a second before returning to the task at hand. “The press got the statement. No misinterpretations yet. But
The contracted heart Chapter twenty eight : the declaration
The next morning, sunlight cut through the penthouse windows in long, golden slashes, painting the polished floors with streaks of warmth. But Vanessa barely noticed. Her mind was already racing, rehearsing every step they would take today. Every word, every gesture, every signal that would finally make Helena Royce and the world understand that she and Alexander were not a convenient arrangement. They were real.Alexander didn’t sleep much either. By the time Vanessa emerged from the shower, he was already in the study, reviewing documents with Gray and Collins. He looked up when she entered, his gaze softening as it always did when he saw her. But there was a tension coiled in him, like a spring ready to snap.“You ready for today?” he asked, voice low and steady. But his eyes betrayed the storm beneath.Vanessa nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”He took her hand, thumb brushin
The contracted heart Chapter twenty seven : Helen's gambit
The first blow didn’t come with sirens or threats. It came with a notification. Vanessa was halfway through her morning coffee when her phone vibrated once, twice, then relentlessly. Messages stacked on top of each other like falling dominos. Unknown numbers. Friends she barely spoke to anymore. Even her mother’s caregiver. Her stomach tightened before she even opened the first one. Have you seen this? A link followed. Vanessa’s fingers hovered for half a second too long long enough for dread to bloom before she tapped. The screen filled with a paused video frame. Her and Alexander. Leaving a hotel side entrance. Late night lighting. His jacket draped over her shoulders. His hand at her lower back. Her head tipped toward his chest, smiling. The caption beneath it was already spreading like wildfire: “Billionaire CEO’s ‘Contract Wife’ Seen Sneaking Out After Midnight is the Marriage Real or a Convenient Lie?” Vanessa’s chest hollowed out. “Oh God,” she whispered. Behind
The contracted heart Chapter twenty six : the interview that changes everything
The studio lights were brutal.Not bright exposing.They cut through makeup, through composure, through every carefully practiced expression Vanessa wore like armor. The air smelled faintly of heated cables and expensive perfume, the kind meant to intimidate rather than soothe.Vanessa sat with her legs crossed, hands folded neatly in her lap.Still.Poised.Mrs. Alexander Cole.Across from her, Helena Royce smiled for the cameras.It was a flawless smile polished, predatory, the kind that had dismantled politicians and ruined reputations without ever raising its voice. Helena’s dark hair was sleek, her crimson dress tailored to perfection, her presence filling the studio with effortless dominance.The host finished her introduction, voice smooth and excited.“Tonight, we’re honored to welcome philanthropist, business mogul, and longtime family friend of the Cole dynasty Ms. Helena Royce.”Applause.Vanessa felt it then the shift.Helena turned her gaze, slow and deliberate, until it
The contracted heart Chapter twenty five : the woman they can't control
By morning, Vanessa’s name was trending.Not Mrs. Alexander Cole.Not The Contract Wife.Just Vanessa.Stripped of protection. Stripped of context. Fed to the public like a story they could dissect, distort, and destroy.She stared at the screen in silence as headline after headline refreshed itself into existence.WHO IS VANESSA COLE AND WHAT IS SHE HIDING?FROM NURSING STUDENT TO BILLIONAIRE’S WIFE: A PERFECT ASCENT?EXCLUSIVE: SOURCES CLAIM COLE MARRIAGE WAS ‘ALWAYS STRATEGIC’Her stomach twisted.“They’re digging into my mother,” she said quietly.Alexander stopped pacing.“What?”Vanessa turned the tablet toward him. A photo, old, grainy of her mother outside the hospital. A speculation laced paragraph about medical debts, charity assistance, “possible incentives.”Alexander’s face went cold in a way she’d never seen before.
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