Chapter 5 - The Show Begins
The steps of City Hall were a warzone of flashing cameras, shouting reporters, and blinding lights. News of Julian Sterling’s sudden, shocking marriage—less than a week after his high-profile split from Victoria Kensington—had sent the financial and gossip columns into an absolute frenzy.
Julian didn't flinch. He wrapped a strong, protective arm around Harper’s waist, pulling her flush against his side. To the cameras, it looked like a fiercely protective embrace. To Harper, it felt like a steel vise.
"Julian! Julian! Who is she?" a reporter screamed, shoving a microphone toward them. "What happened to Victoria?"
Julian stopped on the top step. He looked down at the sea of reporters with a terrifyingly calm smile.
"Victoria and I realized we were moving in different directions," Julian announced, his voice projecting effortlessly. "As for my bride, her name is Harper. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight, which is one of the millions of things I adore about her."
He looked down at Harper, his expression softening so perfectly that Harper almost believed it herself. "When you know, you know. I wasn't going to waste another second of my life without her."
The press erupted.
"A kiss for the cameras, Mr. Sterling!" a photographer shouted.
Harper stiffened. They hadn't discussed this.
Before she could panic, Julian turned fully toward her. His hand came up to cup her jaw, his thumb gently tracing her cheekbone. "Don't freeze," he murmured so quietly only she could hear. "Trust me."
And then, he kissed her.
It was supposed to be for the cameras. It was supposed to be a polite, chaste press kiss. But the moment Julian’s lips brushed against hers, the script burned to ash.
Harper gasped against his mouth, and Julian took advantage, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. He tasted like expensive mint and dark coffee. His hand slid into her hair, holding her securely as a rush of dizzying heat swept through Harper’s entire body. She found her hands instinctively gripping the lapels of his tuxedo, clinging to him as the world around them exploded in camera flashes.
When Julian finally pulled away, his breathing was slightly uneven. His dark eyes were blown wide, staring down at her with a look of stunned revelation.
May you like
Harper was trembling. Her lips were flushed and swollen.
The fake marriage had just started, but the physical chemistry between them was dangerously, terrifyingly real.
