Chapter 2Faking Blindness

That night, I was tossed onto the wedding bed, still trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey. I'd cursed my father until my throat was raw, and I was just starting to drift off when the door creaked open.

The sound of expensive leather shoes on the hardwood floor echoed in the silent room, each step a sharp tap against my eardrums. I was instantly awake. "Help! I've been sold against my will! Somebody help me!"

"Gigi."

The man calmly adjusted his cuffs. His voice was like a cold winter rain, sending a shiver down my spine.

"What do you want?" I watched, wide-eyed, as he moved closer. Help! Isn't he supposed to be blind? Why is he walking so steadily? Where's his cane?

"Adrian! Please, let me go! You don't like me, I don't like you! It's perfect! I can set you up with my best friend! She's gorgeous and sweet, seriously!" I was practically begging.

His face was now only inches from mine, his features radiating a cool indifference. His dark eyes, though supposedly unseeing, felt intensely focused, filled with a dangerous pressure.

"But we're already married," he stated simply. He straightened up, reaching out as if to pat my head.

I flinched away. "So what? We can get a divorce!"

"But your father's company needs the capital."

I froze. Right. If I went back now, the house, the cars—everything would be gone. I'd be in debt for the rest of my life.

A shudder ran through me. My expression changed in an instant. "Oh! I was just kidding! Of course I'm happy to marry you! I mean… you're so—"

Rich. The word echoed silently in my head.

Fine. Whatever. It was just a marriage. A husband I didn't have to do anything for. Once my dad's company was back on its feet, I could just leave. It was a perfect plan.

I stopped struggling and flashed Adrian a brilliant smile. "Well then… hubby."

His entire body went rigid. "Don't… call me that."

"Oh?" I leaned into it. "Hubby, hubby, hubby!" Then an idea struck me. "Since this is just a business arrangement, we need some ground rules. Rule number one: you can't touch me. I get the bed, you get the couch!"

"We have guest rooms," Adrian said, rubbing his temples with a hint of weariness.

"Then you sleep in a guest room!"