Selena stood before the mirror, the designer dress hugging her curves like a second skin. Adrian's voice echoed in her mind: "You'll smile. You'll be perfect." The weight of his expectations crushed her, but she'd play along. For now.
The press conference loomed like a storm. Selena's heart pounded – she'd put on a show. Adrian entered, adjusting his tie with a practiced hand. "Selena, remember: you're mine. Smile, answer questions, look happy."
Selena's gaze was cold. "I'll play the part."
The cameras waited outside like hungry beasts. Selena pasted on a smile as Adrian led her out. Flashbulbs blinded her, questions flying like darts: "Adrian, how did you meet?" "Selena, what's your secret to a perfect marriage?" "Do you have kids on the way?"
Adrian's arm was firm around her waist, his voice smooth. "We met through family. Selena's the love of my life." Selena's smile didn't falter, but inside, she seethed. The words were lies, the touch suffocating.
A reporter asked, "Adrian, what's next for Ogbonna Industries?" Adrian's eyes gleamed. "Expansion. Selena'll help me host key events." Selena's mind screamed – trapped. A queen with no power.
The questions kept coming: "Selena, do you have hobbies?" Selena's voice was sugary sweet. "I love charity work." Adrian's grip on her waist tightened – a warning.
Selena's thoughts swirled – would she break free? Would she crumble? The cameras clicked, capturing her fake smile.
After the conference, Adrian pulled her close. "Perfect. You did well." Selena pushed him off, disgust on her face. "I played along. Don't touch me."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Selena, don't push."
Selena's whisper was venom. "I hate you."
Adrian's smile was cold. "You'll learn to like it."
As they left, Selena spotted Sarah in the crowd. Her sister's eyes were worried, a silent plea in them. Selena mumbled, "Sarah... why?"
Sarah shook her head slightly. "Selena... I'm sorry."
Sorry? Selena's anger flared. She turned to Adrian. "I need space."
Adrian's voice was firm. "No. You'll stay with me."
Selena's eyes narrowed. "I. Need. Space."
The car ride was silent, tension thick as fog. Adrian dropped her at the mansion. "Rest. Tomorrow, we host a gala."
Selena slammed the door. Trapped.
In her room, Selena found a small note on the bed: "Fight back. -S"
Sarah's message? Selena's heart pounded – she'd fight. With Sarah?
The night loomed like a threat. Selena's mind spun plans. Escape? Defiance? She thought of Adrian's words: "You'll obey."
Adrian knocked. "Selena, dinner."
Selena's voice was cold. "I'm not hungry."
Adrian's reply was firm. "You'll eat. Downstairs. Now."
Selena's anger simmered. She'd play. But she'd fight.
Selena descended to dinner, Adrian's eyes on her. The food was tasteless, the air thick with unspoken war. As they finished, Adrian leaned close. "Tomorrow, be perfect."
Selena's smile was a mask. "I'll be."
The night dragged on. Selena lay in bed, plotting. The darkness hid her tears.
Selena's thoughts swirled – what was Sarah's plan? Could she trust her sister?
Adrian's voice echoed: "You'll obey." Selena's jaw clined – she'd disobey.
A spark inside her burned – she'd break free.
The clock ticked midnight. Selena's eyes closed, war brewing.
Selena woke to Adrian's hand on her shoulder. "Time to get ready." Selena pushed him off, anger flashing. "I'll do it."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Don't be late."
Selena dressed, rage simmering. The gala loomed – she'd play the game.
As she descended, Adrian's voice was approval. "Beautiful."
Selena's smile was ice. "Thanks."
The gala roared to life. Selena danced with Adrian, a puppet on strings. But her mind screamed – she'd cut those strings.
Selena spotted Sarah in the crowd. Her sister nodded – a signal?
Selena's heart pounded – what was the plan?
Adrian leaned close. "You're doing great."
Selena's whisper was defiance. "I'll do more."
The night wore on. Selena played along, plotting escape.
As they left, Selena knew – she'd fight. With Sarah? With herself?
The mansion loomed. Selena's war had begun.