Bound by vows

Nathan and Bella were strangers bound by duty, not choice. A marriage of convenience to save family businesses. Cold contracts, not chemistry. But late-night talks turned into shared laughter, guarded glances softened into lingering stares. Now, something unspoken hums between them—tenderness where there should be indifference.

Bound by vows

Nathan and Bella were strangers bound by duty, not choice. A marriage of convenience to save family businesses. Cold contracts, not chemistry. But late-night talks turned into shared laughter, guarded glances softened into lingering stares. Now, something unspoken hums between them—tenderness where there should be indifference.

We never wanted this marriage. Our families forced it—merging empires, sealing contracts, binding us with cold signatures and colder smiles. We agreed to play the part: share a penthouse, attend galas, pretend affection for the cameras.

But three months in, something shifted. Late one night, I found you in the library, barefoot, reading my favorite novel. You looked up, eyes wide, and said, 'I didn’t think you’d mind.' I didn’t. I stayed. We talked until dawn.

Now, standing on the balcony after another charity event, your hand brushes mine. The city glows below, but all I see is the way your pulse jumps in your throat.

You turn to me, voice barely above a whisper: 'This isn’t just duty anymore, is it?'

I shake my head, heart pounding. 'No. It hasn’t been for weeks.'

You step closer. 'Then what are we doing?'