Chapter 10 % I had never been this nervous .
It was ridiculous , really .
Johan and I started as a business arrangement , a contract to benefit both of us .
I shouldnt care what his family thought of me .
And yet , as we entered the grand estate of the Smith family , my hands felt clammy ! Johan noticed .
Without a word , he reached down and laced his fingers with mine , giving my hand a reassuring squeeze .
I exhaled , grounding myself in his warmth .
Relax , he murmured close to my ear , his breath tickling my skin .
Youre mine .
Thats all that matters .
They would love you , okay ? I nodded , forcing a small smile .
The dining hall was intimidating an extravagant table lined with silver cutlery and crystal glasses .
At the head sat Janno Smith , Johans grandfather , his piercing gaze assessing me .
Beside him , Johans father , James Smith , leaned back in his chair , his expression unreadable .
And then there was Jack Smith .
Johans older brother .
His competition .
The tension between them was so thick it could be cut with a knife .
He sat with his fiancée , Yanna , who was visibly pregnant .
She had a satisfied smirk on her lips , as if she already knew how this battle would end .
I straightened my back and lifted my chin , refusing to let them intimidate me .
Janno cleared his throat .
So this is the woman youve chosen , Johan ? Johan didnt hesitate .
Yes His grandfather hummed , observing me like a specimen under a microscope .
Interesting .
The dinner continued , filled with polite yet veiled comments .
Jack and Yanna were favored , of course .
With her pregnancy , they had the upper hand in securing the inheritance .
Johan remained unfazed .
He simply nodded when Jack smirked at him .
Looks like I win this time , little brother : Johan took a sip of his wine and smirked back .
Well see .
His confidence made my chest tighten .
It wasnt about the inheritance anymore .
I was starting to see how much I truly wanted this 3 That night , back in our hotel room , I turned to Johan ..
If the inheritance means so much , we could just get married right away .
I suggested .
Even have a baby , so you could also get the same .

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Johan arched a brow , amused .
Are you proposing to me ? I rolled my eyes .
Im just saying- He cut me off with a slow shake of his head .
I dont need the inheritance if it means rushing you into something youre not ready for I dont want this to be about winning .
Well , you should know since you already know my secret .
I was stunned by his sincerity .
I didnt expect this .
I mean , the fact that I was about to fall in love for the second time ? It felt so good yet I was also scared it might not turn well .
I hope that Johan would never betray my trust .
You really like me , huh ? I teased .
He grinned .
I do .
I laughed , shaking my head .
But when he leaned in , brushing his lips against mine , the laughter died in my throat , Johan kissed me like he meant it .
No hesitation , no games just raw , unspoken emotions .
I didnt know who moved first , but suddenly , I was in his arms , my back against the bed .
His hands roamed my skin .
Every touch sent shivers through me , lighting a fire deep in my core .
Are you sure ? he murmured against my lips.i Instead of answering .
I pulled him closer .
The night blurred into a fevered mix of tangled sheets , whispered names , and desperate touches .
For the first time , I felt wanted not as a possession , not as a pawn in someones game but as me .
And for the first time , I let myself believe that loving Johan wasnt a mistake ! The morning g sun filtered through the curtains .
I stirred awake , feeling the warmth of Johans body next to mine .
He was already awake , shirtless , sitting on the bed with a tray of breakfast ..
Moming , fiancée , he said smoothly I blinked , groggy Huh ? Johan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box .
He flipped it open , revealing a stunning diamond ring 1 dont want this to be about business anymore , he said softly .
I want you My heart pounded .
I had never expected this .
Never expected to find something real in the mess of our lives .
Tears pricked my eyes .
I took a shaky breath .
Yes .
! Johan smiled , slipping the ring onto my finger before pulling me into a kiss .
I was happy .
Truly happy When we returned to the city , the whirlwind of wedding preparations and work consumed us .
I buried myself in my research project .
determined to prove my worth beyond my engagement .
But peace never lasted long The moment we landed , my phone buzzed with notifications .
The first message made my blood run cold .
The moment we landed , my phone buzzed with notifications .
The first message made my blood nun cold Breaking News : Smith CEOs Fiancée Involved in Forbidden Romance Scandal ! I clicked the link , my breath catching !! Photos .
Articles .
Exposed secrets .
Me .
Jayson .
Our past plastered across every headline .
I felt the world spin .
People knew .
Everyone knew .
My vision blurred .
My hands trembled as I scrolled through the comments accusations , disgust , judgment A sharp pain shot through my head .
My breathing turned shallow The last thing I saw before everything went dark was Johans panicked expression as I collapsed }