The charity gala at the Grand Ballroom was a spectacle of wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers dripped light over hundreds of influential guests. Elara clung to Damien’s arm, her emerald gown shimmering under the lights, diamonds heavy at her throat. His hand rested possessively on her bare lower back, thumb stroking the sensitive skin there, sending shivers through her.
Whispers followed them. “Damien Blackwood married? In secret?” “Who is she?” Damien introduced her simply as “my wife,” his tone brooking no questions. During the seated dinner, Victoria Lang, a stunning raven-haired business rival, leaned far too close to Damien, laughing at his dry wit and brushing his arm repeatedly.
Jealousy burned in Elara’s chest, irrational yet fierce. This was a contract, but after the way he ha
