The ballroom sparkled like a sky full of stars.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Expensive perfumes filled the air. Powerful businessmen laughed loudly while cameras flashed everywhere.
Arisha felt out of place.
The black gown Adrian had chosen for her hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair fell softly over her shoulders. She looked beautiful… but her confidence was trembling.
"Stop looking nervous," Adrian whispered beside her. "People are watching."
She forced a small smile and held his arm.
The moment they entered together, whispers started.
"That's Adrian Knight's wife?"
"When did he get married?"
"She's not from a rich family…"
Each word stabbed her silently.
Adrian's grip on her waist tightened slightly — possessive, firm.
"Relax," he murmured. "You're doing fine."
It was the first time his voice didn't sound completely cold.
Before she could respond, a bold feminine voice interrupted.
"Adrian."
Arisha turned.
A tall, stunning woman in a tight red dress stood before them. Her lipstick matched her heels. Confidence radiated from her like fire.
"Long time no see," the woman smiled.
Adrian's jaw hardened. "Vanessa."
Vanessa.
The name felt dangerous.
Vanessa's eyes slowly scanned Arisha from head to toe. A small, mocking smile curved her lips.
"So this is the wife?" she said lightly. "I thought you didn't believe in marriage."
Arisha felt the insult clearly.
Adrian's expression didn't change. "People change."
Vanessa stepped closer — too close.
"Or maybe," she said softly, looking at Arisha, "this is just another business decision."
The words hurt.
Arisha's fingers tightened around Adrian's arm unconsciously.
And that's when it happened.
Adrian pulled Arisha closer — firmly — his hand resting on her waist.
"My wife," he said calmly, "is not up for discussion."
Silence.
Vanessa's smile faded slightly.
"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you become protective?"
Adrian's voice lowered.
"Since someone forgot her place."
The tension between them was suffocating.
Vanessa gave Arisha one last sharp look before walking away.
Arisha finally released the breath she had been holding.
"Was she—?" she hesitated.
"My past," Adrian finished shortly. "And it's over."
But the way Vanessa had looked at him…
It didn't feel over.
Later that night, on the balcony outside the ballroom—
Arisha stood alone, trying to calm her racing heart.
Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her.
"You handled yourself well," Adrian said.
She didn't turn. "I felt humiliated."
There was a small pause.
"She doesn't matter," he replied.
"Then why did she look at you like that?" Arisha whispered.
Silence.
When she finally turned, she found him staring at her — intensely.
"Jealous?" he asked softly.
Her heart skipped.
"No," she lied.
For the first time, something almost like amusement touched his lips.
"Good," he said. "Because jealousy leads to feelings."
He stepped closer.
"And feelings," he added quietly, "break rules."
Their eyes locked.
The world around them faded.
For a second — just a second — Arisha felt the distance between them disappear.
But Adrian stepped back.
"Car is waiting," he said coldly again.
Just like that.
Warmth gone. Walls back up.
And Arisha realized something terrifying—
She might already be breaking the first rule.