The Contract Bride's Dilemma

Chapter 10: The First Spark

Elena had attended events with Jason before, but this one was different. It wasn't another charity gala filled with high society elites sipping champagne and trading insincere pleasantries. This was a private business summit, a battleground where power was measured in influence and strategy, where alliances were formed and crushed within the same evening.

Jason had been invited to discuss a multi-million-dollar merger, and naturally, Elena's presence was required.

"Your presence is non-negotiable," Jason had told her earlier that day. "Tonight isn't about playing house for the media—it's about making people believe we are an unshakable force."

Elena had rolled her eyes but didn't argue. If Jason wanted her to play the role of the devoted wife, she'd do it—but on her terms.

The moment they stepped into the exclusive lounge of the summit, Elena felt the shift in energy. This wasn't a room for the faint-hearted. The men and women here weren't just wealthy—they were powerful. And in their eyes, she was the outsider, the weak link in Jason's empire.

Then came Daniel Kensington.

Jason's long-time business rival, a man whose smirk dripped with condescension. Elena had met him once before, back when her father's company was thriving. He had been charming then, all smooth words and politeness. Now, his expression as he regarded her was different—patronizing, dismissive.

"Mrs. Sinclair," Daniel drawled, swirling the golden liquid in his glass. "I must admit, I never expected Jason to settle down. And with a Vasquez, no less."

Elena bristled but kept her expression neutral. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Daniel smirked. "Oh, just that your family name isn't exactly known for its… longevity in business."

Elena clenched her jaw. The insult was subtle, but the intent was sharp. He wasn't just targeting her—he was tarnishing her father's legacy.

Jason, who had been casually sipping his whiskey, set his glass down with an audible clink. The air around them shifted, darkened. When he spoke, his voice was deceptively mild.

"Careful, Kensington," Jason said, his gaze sharp. "You wouldn't want to overstep."

Daniel chuckled. "Oh? I'm simply making an observation."

Jason stepped forward, his presence towering, commanding. "Then let me make one too," he said smoothly. "Elena Vasquez built her business from the ground up. While some of us"—he gave Daniel a pointed look—"prefer to buy out others' hard work, she actually puts in the effort."

Elena blinked, caught off guard. Defending her? Jason Sinclair never did anything without a reason.

Daniel's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure. "Ah, I see. Playing the devoted husband already? How charming."

Jason smiled, but it was the kind of smile that promised destruction. "Charming, yes. But make no mistake—crossing me is anything but."

A charged silence fell between them. Daniel, ever the strategist, chuckled lightly and raised his glass. "To you, then. And your ever-interesting marriage."

With that, he walked away, leaving Elena standing there, utterly bewildered.

A Shift in the Air

Elena turned to Jason, searching for some kind of explanation, some hidden agenda behind his words. But he simply picked up his whiskey again, as if nothing had happened.

"You didn't have to do that," she finally said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Jason took a sip, his eyes meeting hers over the rim of his glass. "Didn't I?"

She exhaled sharply. "I can handle people like Daniel Kensington on my own."

Jason tilted his head, studying her. "I have no doubt about that. But I don't let anyone insult what's mine."

Something in the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. What's mine. As if she belonged to him. As if this marriage was more than just a business transaction.

Elena shook off the thought. This was Jason Sinclair. Everything he did had a purpose. He wasn't defending her—he was protecting his own image.

Still, as the evening wore on, she couldn't shake the warmth that had settled in her chest.

The Lingering Touch

The night was nearly over when it happened.

Jason had been speaking with an investor when Elena felt a light touch on her back. His hand. Just resting there, barely noticeable, yet somehow the only thing she could focus on.

She stiffened, but he didn't move away. Instead, his fingers traced absentminded circles against the fabric of her dress, a gesture so natural it had to be intentional.

Elena's pulse quickened.

She should pull away. She should remind him that this marriage wasn't real, that she wasn't some possession he could casually claim.

But she didn't.

Instead, she let herself stand there, let the weight of his touch settle into her skin like an unspoken promise.

And that terrified her more than anything else.

An Unwanted Confession

The drive home was silent. Elena watched the city lights blur past the window, pretending not to notice the occasional glance Jason threw her way.

As they entered the penthouse, she turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.

"Elena."

She faced him, arms crossed. "What?"

Jason hesitated for a second, then exhaled. "Tonight… you held your own. Against Kensington."

Elena raised a brow. "I always do."

A smirk ghosted his lips, but something deeper flickered in his gaze. "I know."

A long pause settled between them. Jason wasn't the type to offer compliments freely. And yet, the way he was looking at her now—it wasn't condescending, or calculated.

It was something else entirely.

Elena's throat tightened. She turned away before she could analyze it further. "Good night, Jason."

She walked away, ignoring the way her heartbeat thrummed a little too fast in her chest.

And Jason let her go, watching her retreat with an expression that, for once, even he couldn't define.