Lina barely slept that night.
Her mind was full of questions.
How was she supposed to stand in front of cameras and pretend everything was normal?
Pretend that marrying Adrian Black was her choice?
Early the next morning, a soft knock sounded on her bedroom door.
"Come in," Lina said.
A maid entered carrying several elegant dresses.
"Mr. Black asked us to prepare you for the press conference."
Lina looked at the dresses.
They were beautiful.
Designer gowns she could never afford before.
"So he even controls what I wear now?" she muttered.
The maid smiled politely but said nothing.
After a moment, Lina chose a dark red dress.
It was simple but elegant.
The moment she finished getting ready, another knock came.
This time it was Adrian's assistant.
"Mr. Black is waiting downstairs."
Lina took a deep breath.
It was time.
When she reached the living room, Adrian was already there.
He wore a black suit that fit him perfectly.
As always, he looked calm.
Confident.
Untouchable.
But when his eyes landed on Lina, he paused for a moment.
Just a second.
Then he walked closer.
"You look… appropriate," he said.
Lina raised an eyebrow.
"That's your way of giving compliments?"
"I don't give compliments."
"Clearly."
The tension between them felt sharp.
Adrian offered his arm.
"For the cameras."
Lina stared at it.
"You expect me to hold your arm like a loving wife?"
"Yes."
She hesitated… then slowly placed her hand on his arm.
His body felt warm and solid beneath her fingers.
For a strange moment, Lina became very aware of how close they were.
Adrian seemed completely unaffected.
"Let's go," he said.
The moment they arrived at the company building, Lina understood how serious this was.
Dozens of reporters waited outside.
Cameras flashed everywhere.
The crowd became louder the moment Adrian stepped out of the car.
"Mr. Black!"
"Is it true you're getting married?"
"Who is the woman with you?"
Adrian remained calm.
But Lina's heart was racing.
He gently pulled her closer to him.
From the outside, it looked natural.
Like a protective gesture.
But Lina knew it was only for the show.
They walked toward the stage prepared for the announcement.
Cameras flashed non-stop.
Adrian finally stepped in front of the microphones.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began.
His voice was calm and powerful.
"Thank you for coming."
The reporters immediately became silent.
Adrian placed a hand lightly on Lina's back.
"We have an announcement."
Lina felt every camera turn toward her.
Adrian looked at her for a brief moment.
Then he spoke.
"This is Lina Carter."
"My fiancée."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Lina forced a small smile.
Her heart pounded loudly.
One reporter raised his hand.
"Mr. Black, when did this relationship start?"
Adrian answered without hesitation.
"We have known each other for years."
Lina almost choked internally.
That was technically true.
But not the way people imagined.
Another reporter spoke.
"Miss Carter, how does it feel to marry the most powerful businessman in the city?"
All eyes turned to her.
Lina froze for a second.
But then she remembered something important.
If she wanted to survive this marriage…
She had to play the game too.
She smiled calmly.
"I feel lucky."
Adrian glanced at her briefly.
Maybe even surprised by her answer.
Another question came quickly.
"When is the wedding?"
Adrian answered.
"Very soon."
The reporters became even more excited.
Then one journalist asked something unexpected.
"Mr. Black, rumors say your companies had conflicts in the past. Does that affect your relationship?"
The atmosphere suddenly changed.
Lina felt the tension immediately.
Everyone was waiting for Adrian's answer.
His expression didn't change.
But Lina felt his hand tighten slightly on her waist.
"Business is business," he said calmly.
"This marriage is personal."
The reporters seemed satisfied.
But Lina wasn't.
Because his grip on her waist was still firm.
Stronger than necessary.
Finally the press conference ended.
Adrian guided Lina back toward the car.
The moment they were inside, the doors closed and the noise disappeared.
Lina immediately turned to him.
"You lied."
Adrian looked out the window calmly.
"I handled the situation."
"You said we've been in a relationship."
"It was the easiest explanation."
Lina crossed her arms.
"You enjoy controlling every story, don't you?"
Adrian looked at her.
And for the first time, something different appeared in his eyes.
Not anger.
Not coldness.
Something else.
Something darker.
"In my world," he said quietly,
"control is the only thing that keeps people alive."
Lina didn't answer.
Because suddenly…
She realized something important.
Adrian Black wasn't just cold.
He was hiding something.
Something dangerous.
And somehow…
She was now part of it.