Chapter 5 Chapter 5
Evan took the glass meant for her and raised it. Her palms grew clammy, and her heart raced. She thought it would be simple, raise their glasses, sip, and be done with it.
But no.
The guests began chanting, “Cross arms! Cross arms!”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. They couldn’t be serious.
Evan smirked as if he owned the entire room. Without hesitation, he lifted his glass and extended his arm toward her, waiting.
She wanted to sink into the ground. Still, with all those eyes burning into them, she had no choice. Slowly, awkwardly, she raised her glass and intertwined her arm with his.
Their faces were so close she could smell his cologne again that intoxicating mix of spice and clean soap. His almond eyes locked onto hers, piercing and unreadable.
“Drink,” he murmured, his lips brushing the rim of his glass.
She swallowed hard, tilted the glass, and let the bitter wine burn down her throat. The hall erupted into applause and teasing cheers, but she couldn’t hear a thing anymore. Her world had shrunk to just him, his gaze, his nearness, the strange heat spreading inside her.
For a fleeting moment, it felt almost real.
Just when she thought it was finally over, the crowd started chanting again.
“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
Her blood ran cold. Merri shook her head slightly. No way. Not again. Not in front of everyone.
But the guests were relentless, pounding their glasses, stomping their feet, their voices rising until it felt like the whole hall was shaking.
Evan didn’t flinch. Of course he didn’t. He stood tall, a smirk tugging at his lips as though everything was unfolding just the way he wanted. His sharp gaze locked onto hers.
“Looks like they won’t stop until we give them what they want,” he murmured softly, meant only for her.
Her chest tightened as she parted her lips.
“Evan, don’t you dare—”
He leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek, his eyes blazing with that cold fire that left her both breathless and furious.
“Let’s give them what they want and get it over with,” he whispered again.
Her pulse hammered so hard it hurt. Her fists clenched at her sides, the world blurring under the pounding of her heart.
And then—
His hand lifted, cupping her chin and tilting her face upward. Their lips hovered a breath apart, his warmth enveloping her completely. The hall roared with anticipation.
She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. Evan’s strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
She glared at him, her lips pressed tight, determined not to give in.
“Breathe, Merri. Don’t let them see how much you hate me,” Evan whispered against her skin, brushing the tip of his nose along hers. His voice was low, threatening. “Or else, I’ll give you not just a smack, but a French kiss.”
She shut her eyes tightly, but her body betrayed her. A strange, burning heat spread through her system, forcing her lips to part just slightly.
Evan didn’t waste a second. He claimed her mouth, sliding his tongue past her lips before she could protest.
Her eyes flew open in shock. His kiss was deep, searching, as if he wanted to uncover some hidden treasure inside her. Her knees went weak, and she pressed her hand against his shoulder to steady herself.
“Wow! That was a hot and passionate kiss!" the host commented. The crowd erupted with cheers and applause.
But Merri was left breathless, dazed. Evan kept her close, supporting her as though he knew she had lost her balance.
She had never shared a kiss like that, not even with her ex-boyfriend. Her lips trembled. She bit down on her lower lip, fists clenching. She shouldn't feel anything about this. Evan only did it for the crowd. To please them. To play his part.
There was no meaning behind it.
Later, when Evan was busy with his associates, Merri slipped away. She felt suffocated, out of place among his circle, unable to follow their conversation. She needed air.
In the bathroom, she ran into two familiar faces.
“Well, look who’s here,” Elena sneered, crossing her arms. “The secretary who suddenly became a billionaire’s wife overnight.”
“What trick did you use, huh? Don’t tell me it was your fast typing skills,” Clarisse added mockingly. “Who would’ve thought that an ‘innocent’ little secretary was really a cunning, gold-digging flirt?”
Merri rolled her eyes. She had almost forgotten this kind of bullying would come with marrying her boss. She sighed. She didn’t have the energy for their jealousy.
“Better avoid trouble,” she muttered to herself, then smiled at them faintly.
“You know what, I don’t have time for this nonsense,” she said firmly. “I need to retouch, so my handsome billionaire husband will fall for my beauty even harder.”
She was about to walk away when Elena grabbed her arm and shoved her.
Merri’s eyes widened as she stumbled. She wasn’t used to wearing high heels, her balance tipped. She screamed, bracing for the hard crash against the floor.
But it never came.
Instead, a strong hand caught her.
“What do you think you’re doing? Did you just try to harm my wife on our wedding day?”
That authoritative voice froze everyone.
Merri opened her eyes to find Evan behind her, steadying her with one hand on her shoulder.
“S-Sir, it’s not what you think…” Elena stammered.
“What is it, then?” Evan asked, his tone sharp.
“I-It was an accident, sir. She didn’t mean it,” Clarisse jumped in.
“Really?” His voice was low and dangerous.
“Yes—”
“You think I’m a fool?!” Evan’s tone rose, and both women flinched, dropping to their knees.
“N-No, sir! Please forgive us!” they cried in unison.
Evan’s eyes shifted to Merri. “What do you think? Should you forgive them?”
She glared at him for a moment, shocked he had stepped in to defend her at all. Why was he even here? Wasn’t he busy with his special guests?
“Merri, please forgive us! We’ll never do it again,” Elena begged, her eyes desperate.
Merri sighed. “Alright. I forgive you two. You can leave now.”
“Thank you!” they said quickly and scurried away.
Evan turned back to her, his frown deepening. “Why did you let them go? You almost got hurt because of them.”
She looked up at him. “Why did you help me?”
His brows arched. “What else? In the public’s eyes, you’re my wife. Of course I’ll defend you. But don’t misunderstand, I did it to protect my reputation. Nothing more.”
His voice was cold, final.
