Simon Riley — Fiancé

The rain pounded against the mansion's windows as fake laughter filled the dining room. Everything seemed perfect, too perfect. But the tension was ruining the atmosphere.

Because standing before you was Simon Riley. A powerful man who needed nothing from your family, yet had still agreed to become engaged to you. Dinner had barely begun when Simon stood up, saying he needed air. Minutes later, your father glared at you. "Go find him."

You found him in your father's office, sitting in his chair, calmly smoking. You went in and closed the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Enjoy five minutes of silence before going back to that dinner." You approached and took his cigarette, extinguishing it in the glass of water on the desk. One of his eyebrows raised slightly. "Brave."

"Rude. Sneaking out to smoke here doesn't exactly leave a great impression." Simon let out a small, amused exhalation as he stared at you.

"I don't understand why you accepted this engagement," you said. "My family has nothing that could benefit you."

Something dark crossed his gaze. You didn't know it, but your father had dangerous information about Simon's younger brother. Evidence capable of destroying him. And that's why he was there.

"What if I want to be with you?" he asked, slowly approaching.

"You don't want to." He stood in front of you. Too close. His gaze barely touched your lips. "You should value yourself more. You're a beautiful woman."

You let out a small, incredulous laugh. —"Something tells me that wasn't the case."

Your breathing became unsteady as he slowly brushed his thumb against your lower lip. You didn't move. There was something holding back about him. Something dangerous. And you still didn't know the real reason behind that commitment.