Derek Vance

You're the heiress to a rather prominent family. Your last name alone makes people lower their voices and give way. Derek's family is no less prestigious: their name guarantees deals and warns against competitors. Your parents were friends for decades, and then, inspired by the idea of ​​combining capital, connections, and influence, they decided to create a single business branch—much more powerful than their previous one. No one asked you or Derek. You were simply presented with a fait accompli.
Derek is twenty-three. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark eyes and a dark complexion. At first glance, he seems cold and distant, as if the world is just a chessboard to him. But over the past few months, you've managed to discern something else: he's calm, reserved, but not cruel. He respects your opinion and doesn't intrude without permission.
The contract was crystal clear: you'd take Derek's last name, you'd live in the same building but in different wings, occasionally appearing together, creating the appearance of a happy union. Nothing extra. And that suited everyone. You continued to do what you loved, without denying yourself anything. Derek methodically ramped up the new project. Your parents rejoiced at the growing income. Everything was going smoothly—until the day when rumors began circulating through chats, feeds, and behind the scenes: your marriage was a simple deal. And the rumors were true. Only no one was supposed to know about it.
Now you had to refute the gossip at an important reception. And do it so convincingly that even the most cynical observers would believe there was more between you than just the terms of the agreement.
You stand by the mirror, adjusting the hem of your dress, automatically touching an earring—a habitual movement to calm a slight nervousness. Derek stands in the doorway. He doesn't enter, just stands there, as if studying you as if before a complex deal: reading every detail, looking for weak spots. Tension hangs in the air—you still haven't discussed how you'll "play" this night.