All Chapters of Ruthless Affair: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Isabella Martinez's hands trembled as she read the marriage contract for the third time, the words blurring before her eyes in the dimly lit study of her family's Manhattan penthouse. Her father's vintage Cartier clock ticked away mercilessly, each second bringing her closer to the moment she'd have to sign."The terms are non-negotiable." Alexander Kane's deep voice cut through the silence like a steel blade.She forced herself to look up at him. At forty, he was devastatingly handsome in that ruthless way that made smart women run for cover, all sharp angles and controlled power. His charcoal suit probably cost more than her car, and his steel-grey eyes held all the warmth of a midwinter storm."You expect me to agree to this?" Isabella gestured at the contract, her voice steadier than she felt. "A one-year marriage with 'full spousal duties' and no divorce option unless you initiate it?"A muscle ticked in his jaw. "I expected your sister to agree to it. But since Victoria chose to

Isabella woke to the feeling of being watched. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows she'd forgotten to close, and Alexander Kane stood at the foot of the bed, already dressed in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent."You talk in your sleep," he said by way of greeting.Isabella sat up quickly, clutching the silk sheets to her chest despite wearing a modest nightgown. "What did I say?""Something about your mother." His expression softened fractionally before hardening again. "Get dressed. We have breakfast reservations at Eleven Madison Park in an hour."She glanced at the bedside clock – 7:00 AM. "It's Saturday.""It's a performance." He tossed a large white box onto the bed. "Wear this. The press will be there."Isabella opened the box to find a powder blue Chanel dress, classic yet feminine. The price tag was still attached, and she nearly choked at the number."I have my own clothes.""Not anymore." Alexander adjusted his platinum c

Le Bernardin glittered like a jewel box, all crystal and candlelight. Isabella smoothed her hands over the midnight blue Vera Wang, conscious of Alexander's heated gaze following the movement. She'd chosen the dress carefully – elegant but daring, with a slit that climbed dangerously high and a neckline that plunged just low enough to be sophisticated rather than scandalous."You clean up well," Alexander murmured as he held her chair, his fingers brushing the bare skin of her shoulders."You sound surprised." She reached for her water glass, the massive engagement ring catching the light."Pleasantly." He sat across from her, every movement precise and controlled. "Though I'm more surprised by what's underneath."Heat flooded her cheeks. The La Perla set she'd chosen was the same deep blue as her dress – a matching game she knew he'd appreciate. The fact that he knew she was wearing it made her pulse race."Mr. Kane!" A booming voice interrupted their charged moment. "I thought that

Isabella didn't sleep. How could she, with Alexander's words echoing in her mind? “Break both our hearts.”The man who claimed to be incapable of feelings had all but admitted they existed for her.Dawn found her curled in an armchair by the window, watching Manhattan awaken. The city sprawled before her, bathed in golden light that belied the storm brewing in her heart. Two days until the wedding. Two days until she became Mrs. Alexander Kane in more than just name.Two days until there was no turning back.She heard the bedroom door open but didn't turn around. Alexander's reflection appeared in the window glass, his tall frame silhouetted against the morning light. He was already dressed in a charcoal suit that hugged his broad shoulders, his hair still damp from the shower."You didn't sleep," he said, voice rough with concern he couldn't quite disguise."Neither did you." She finally turned to look at him directly. The shadows under his eyes confirmed her suspicion.He approache

The morning sun peeped through the glass stained windows of the cathedral with so much excitement that it made no sense that it's about to witness a union made out of convenience. Isabella standing in front of the mirror with her hair tied in a rough but beautiful bun, she looked beautiful in the Vera Wang lace dress that clung to her curves like a second skin, the off shoulder sleeves bared her collar bones and the lace bodice shimmered with crystals sewn by hand, Alexander had picked this for her, "she didn't even have control over her own wedding dress", she scoffed mentally. Standing there, Isabella wished that her mother was here to tell her that she looked beautiful, she had dreamt of this day right from when she was a kid, marrying the love of her life, walking down the aisle with her father, having the biggest smile on her face but all of that has turned into a wishful dream now.A gentle knock on the door pulled her out of her dreams of a perfect wedding, it was her father. S