Chapter 2

The Sterling Industries boardroom was intimidating in its sleek, cold perfection. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Manhattan, the city sprawled beneath us like a kingdom Alexander owned. Which, in many ways, he did.

I sat across from him at the massive glass table, a thick prenuptial agreement between us. My hands were steady as I flipped through the pages, though inside I was a storm of emotions. Just three days had passed since I'd found Ryan with Isabella. Three days since I'd made my impulsive proposal to Alexander in his car.

Three days since I'd decided to transform my humiliation into power.

"Section four details our living arrangements," Alexander said, his voice carrying that insufferable note of authority that had always grated on my nerves. "Separate bedrooms, as discussed."

I glanced up, meeting his intense gaze. In the harsh fluorescent lighting, his features seemed carved from stone—all sharp angles and cold perfection. The notorious playboy of Manhattan's elite circle, now about to become my husband of convenience.

"And section six?" I asked, my voice cool and professional.

"Public appearances." He leaned back in his chair, loosening his tie with that sharp tug I'd already noticed was his habit when deep in thought. "We maintain the appearance of a happily married couple at all social functions. Family dinners. Charity events. Business gatherings."

"Perfect for when Ryan sees us together," I murmured, more to myself than to him.

Something flickered in Alexander's eyes—a hardness I couldn't quite interpret. "Is that all this is to you? A show for your ex?"

"Isn't that what we agreed on?" I countered, arching an eyebrow. "A business arrangement. You satisfy your family's expectations for you to finally settle down. I get social standing and...other benefits."

He studied me for a long moment before his lips curved into that dangerous half-smile that had graced countless society pages. "And section nine guarantees my continued communication with certain... personal contacts."

My pen paused over the signature line. "Your girlfriends, you mean."

"My private life remains private," he said simply. "As we agreed."

I signed with a flourish, ignoring the strange twist in my stomach. What did I care who Alexander Sterling texted or called? This wasn't a real marriage. It was revenge wrapped in Valentino and Cartier.

"There." I slid the contract back to him. "Now we're business partners."

He signed his name with elegant precision, then looked up at me with those penetrating eyes. "Partners," he echoed, the word somehow sounding like both a promise and a challenge.

I stood, gathering my designer bag, feeling a spark of triumph. Phase one of my plan was complete. "I'll see you at the gala tonight."

* * *

The Sterling annual charity gala was exactly the debut I needed as Alexander's new wife. I'd chosen an emerald silk gown that clung to every curve, my hair swept up to showcase the diamond earrings that had been my grandmother's—the remaining one, at least. A small reminder of what I'd lost, and why I was doing this.

When I descended the grand staircase, Alexander was waiting at the bottom, devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo. For a brief, disorienting moment, I forgot this was all pretend.

"You look..." His eyes traveled slowly from my face down to my silver heels and back up again. "...adequate."

I rolled my eyes, the spell broken. "Such charm. It's a wonder you're still single."

His laugh was low and genuine, surprising me. "Not anymore, wife."

The ballroom was a glittering sea of Manhattan's elite. I felt the weight of curious stares, heard the hushed whispers following us as Alexander guided me through the crowd, his hand a warm pressure against the small of my back.

"Everyone's talking," I murmured.

"Let them," he replied, his breath warm against my ear. "That's the point, isn't it?"

I was about to respond when I saw him—Ryan, standing near the champagne fountain, his eyes wide with shock as they locked on me. On us.

My heart hammered against my ribs. This was the moment I'd been waiting for, yet I felt suddenly frozen.

Ryan started toward us, his expression a mixture of confusion and anger. Before I could prepare myself, Alexander's arm slid possessively around my waist, pulling me against his side. The heat of his body seeped through the thin silk of my gown.

"Smile," he whispered, his lips barely moving. "You're madly in love with me, remember?"

I turned to him, forcing my lips into a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "How could I forget?"

But as Ryan approached and Alexander's grip tightened, his eyes flashing with something that looked remarkably like genuine possessiveness, I felt an unexpected thrill race through me. This wasn't just about revenge anymore. It was about power. Control.

And for the first time in days, I felt like I had both.

* * *

Back at Alexander's—our—penthouse, I kicked off my heels with a sigh of relief. The night had been a success. Ryan had looked devastated, especially when Alexander had kissed my bare shoulder in full view of everyone, including Isabella, who'd arrived late and spent the evening glaring daggers at me.

"I need to call for a car to pick up my things tomorrow," I said, reaching for my clutch only to remember I'd left my phone charging in the bedroom. "Can I borrow your phone?"

Alexander tossed it to me without looking up from the business papers he was already reviewing, despite the late hour.

As I dialed my driver's number, a text notification slid across the top of the screen.

*Princess: Miss you already. When can I see you again?*

I froze, my finger hovering over the message. The text was followed by a heart emoji and what appeared to be an inside joke about tonight's event.

So the notorious Alexander Sterling already had someone on the side. Someone he called "Princess."

I finished my call and handed the phone back, careful to keep my expression neutral. It shouldn't matter. Our arrangement was clear. This was business, not love.

Yet as I walked to my separate bedroom, I couldn't ignore the sharp, unexpected pang of something that felt disturbingly like jealousy.

Who was this "Princess"? And why did I suddenly care so much?