Wife in Name Only
The news broke before Lily had time to breathe.
She found out when her phone started vibrating nonstop in her bag.
At first, she ignored it. She was too busy staring at the massive walk-in closet Adrian's housekeeper had just shown her—a room larger than her entire apartment, filled with designer dresses, heels, and jewelry arranged with clinical perfection.
"This is… too much," Lily muttered.
"They're your size," the housekeeper said politely. "Mr. Blackwood had everything prepared."
Of course he did.
Her phone buzzed again. Then again.
Finally, Lily pulled it out.
Her heart nearly stopped.
BREAKING NEWS: Billionaire CEO Adrian Blackwood Marries in Secret
Below the headline was a blurry photo—Adrian stepping out of a car earlier that morning.
And beside him—
Her.
Lily's blood ran cold.
"What?" she whispered.
The door behind her opened smoothly.
Adrian walked in, calm as ever, adjusting his cufflinks like the world hadn't just exploded.
"You announced it already?" Lily demanded, holding up her phone.
"Yes," he replied. "Timing matters."
"You didn't even warn me!"
"You knew it was coming," he said coolly. "Public reaction needs to be immediate. Doubt grows in silence."
She stared at him in disbelief. "You turned my life upside down in less than an hour!"
"That's efficiency," Adrian said. "You'll adjust."
She clenched her jaw. "People are already speculating. Who I am. Where I came from."
"That will stop," he replied. "Once they see you."
Her stomach dropped. "See me where?"
Adrian glanced at his watch. "In thirty minutes, we're attending a charity luncheon."
Lily's eyes widened. "What?"
"Our first public appearance as a married couple," he said. "Congratulations."
The car ride to the venue was worse than the first.
This time, Lily couldn't avoid looking at him.
"You expect me to smile and pretend everything's perfect?" she asked.
"Yes."
"And if I mess up?"
"You won't," Adrian replied. "I've reviewed your background. You're adaptable."
She scoffed. "You researched me?"
"I research everything I invest in."
She turned toward the window, jaw tight. "I'm not an investment."
"Today," he said calmly, "you're my wife."
The word sent an unwanted shiver through her.
The luncheon was held in a grand hotel ballroom, filled with crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, and people who looked like they'd never worried about money a day in their lives.
The moment Adrian stepped inside, all eyes turned.
And when Lily stepped in beside him—
The whispers exploded.
Adrian's hand settled lightly on her lower back.
Her muscles locked instantly.
"Relax," he murmured, barely moving his lips. "They're watching."
"I know," she hissed.
"Smile."
She did.
It felt like her face might crack.
Cameras flashed. Voices called Adrian's name.
"Mr. Blackwood! Is it true?"
"Who is the lucky woman?"
Adrian stopped walking.
Lily's pulse raced.
This wasn't in the plan.
Adrian turned toward the reporters, his expression softening just enough to look convincing.
"Yes," he said. "It's true."
His hand tightened slightly against Lily's back.
"This is my wife," Adrian continued smoothly. "Lily Blackwood."
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
Lily Blackwood.
The words didn't feel real.
A reporter leaned forward eagerly. "Why the secrecy?"
Adrian glanced down at Lily.
"Because some things," he said, "are too precious to share until you're ready."
His gaze lingered on her face—just long enough that something warm and unsettling flickered in her chest.
She hated it.
"Say something," he murmured under his breath.
Lily forced herself to speak. "We wanted to enjoy the beginning… privately."
Her voice barely shook.
Adrian smiled.
The cameras went wild.
"Perfect," he whispered.
They were seated at a table moments later, applause still ringing in Lily's ears.
She exhaled shakily. "I can't believe that worked."
"You did fine," Adrian said.
She shot him a look. "Don't sound surprised."
"I'm not," he replied. "You're exactly what I needed."
That sentence bothered her more than it should have.
A woman approached the table then—tall, elegant, dressed in red.
Her gaze fixed instantly on Lily.
"Adrian," the woman said, her smile sharp. "You didn't tell me you were married."
Adrian stiffened—just barely.
"This is Vanessa," he said after a moment. "A family friend."
Vanessa's eyes scanned Lily slowly. Critically.
"So," Vanessa said lightly, "you're the mystery bride."
"Yes," Lily replied, lifting her chin. "I am."
Vanessa smiled wider. "How… unexpected."
Adrian's fingers brushed Lily's hand under the table.
A warning.
Vanessa leaned closer. "I hope you understand what it means to marry into the Blackwood family."
Lily met her gaze. "I'm learning."
Vanessa laughed softly. "Good. Because Adrian doesn't make mistakes."
Lily glanced at her husband.
For the first time, she wondered—
Was she one?
As Vanessa walked away, Lily leaned toward Adrian. "Who was that?"
"Someone irrelevant," he said shortly.
She didn't believe him.
Later that night, back at the mansion, Lily stood awkwardly in the doorway of her assigned bedroom.
"Well," she said, breaking the silence, "this is it. Separate rooms. Rule followed."
"Yes," Adrian replied.
He turned to leave, then paused.
"One more thing," he said.
She looked up.
He stepped closer—too close.
"In public," Adrian said quietly, "you did well today."
Her breath caught.
"Thank you," she replied before she could stop herself.
His gaze lingered on her lips for half a second too long.
Then he straightened.
"Good night, Lily."
The door closed behind him.
Lily leaned against it, heart racing.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror.
A stranger stared back.
She was married to a billionaire.
And something told her this contract had already begun to blur.