The Broken CEO's Healing Bride

Lucy clenched her fists at her sides, trying to maintain her composure as Isabel's words replayed in her mind. She knew Isabel was here to stir trouble, but she wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of seeing her upset. William stood beside her, still and silent, like a shield made of ice.

"I belong exactly where I am," Lucy said, her voice steady. "I don't need your approval, Isabel."

Isabel's smile tightened, her grey eyes glinting with malice. "We'll see about that."

Before Lucy could respond, William's firm grip on her lower back nudged her forward. "Come, Lucy," he said, his tone sharp and dismissive. "We've had enough of this conversation."

William's calm demeanor never wavered as they moved away from Isabel, his hand still resting on her as they maneuvered through the crowd. Lucy struggled to keep her expression neutral, aware of the dozens of eyes on them.

They reached a quieter corner of the room, away from prying eyes, when William finally spoke. "You handled yourself well," he said, his eyes fixed ahead, never meeting hers.

"Thank you," Lucy replied, unsure whether it was meant as a compliment or simply an observation. "Isabel knows how to push buttons."

"She's irrelevant," William said flatly. "Don't give her more attention than she deserves."

Lucy frowned, wanting to ask more, but decided against it. The last thing she wanted was to provoke another cold response from William. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "You've known her for a long time?"

William's jaw tightened slightly. "Long enough to know her motives."

Lucy was about to ask what those motives were, but William's expression made it clear he wouldn't elaborate further. It was as if any conversation beyond the bare minimum was off-limits. It stung that he still kept her at arm's length, even as they presented themselves as a united front in public.

Before she could say anything else, Brad appeared, smoothly slipping into the conversation. "William, there's someone here you should speak with about the fundraising deal. Should I make introductions?"

William nodded curtly, his expression returning to its usual unreadable mask. "Lucy, I'll return shortly. Stay here."

Without waiting for a response, William wheeled himself toward Brad, disappearing into the throng of guests.

Alone again, Lucy scanned the room, feeling even more out of place now that William had left her side. She wasn't sure if she felt relieved or abandoned. Being William's wife was proving to be far more complicated than she had ever anticipated.

Before long, she noticed her stepmother, Mirabel Carson, standing across the room, her green eyes gleaming with interest as they locked onto Lucy. Lucy's stomach churned at the sight of her stepmother, the woman who had never once treated her as part of the family. Mirabel's gaze was piercing, and as she glided toward Lucy, Lucy braced herself.

"Well, Lucy," Mirabel said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "you're certainly making a spectacle of yourself tonight."

"I'm just trying to scale through this evening," Lucy replied, keeping her tone even.

Mirabel tilted her head, her eyes scanning Lucy's dress and posture with barely hidden disdain. "I see William still hasn't given you any real status. You're here, but you're not truly one of them."

Lucy met Mirabel's gaze, refusing to let her words cut deeper than they already had. "I'm not trying to prove anything, Mirabel. I'm here because this is my life now."

Mirabel smirked, taking a sip from her champagne glass. "Oh, my dear, don't be naïve. William only sees you as a pawn, just like your father did when he married me." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're replaceable."

Lucy clenched her teeth but remained silent. She wasn't going to rise to the bait. Mirabel had always known how to dig into her insecurities, but this was different. Lucy wasn't the timid young girl she used to be. She was stronger now, even if no one else saw it.

"Enjoy the rest of the party," Lucy said coolly, stepping away from her stepmother.

Mirabel's laugh followed her, but Lucy kept walking, her resolve hardening with each step. She wasn't going to let these people-Isabel, Mirabel, or anyone else-dictate her worth.

*****

As the dinner party dragged on, Lucy retreated to the balcony for some fresh air. The night was cool, and the distant hum of the city provided a comforting background noise to her swirling thoughts. She leaned on the railing, letting her gaze drift over the glittering lights of New York City.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to dream of a life where her marriage wasn't just a transaction, where she and William could have a normal relationship. But the reality of their arrangement always snapped her back to the present.

"You looked like you could use some company," Brad's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lucy turned to find him standing beside her, his expression warm but curious. "You have a talent for showing up at just the right time," she said, trying to sound light-hearted.

Brad chuckled softly. "It's part of the job."

Lucy smiled faintly but didn't respond. She wasn't sure how much she could trust Brad. He seemed to always be around, and while his presence wasn't entirely unwelcome, she couldn't shake the feeling that he knew more than he let on.

"I'm sorry if tonight has been overwhelming," Brad said after a moment. "These kinds of events can be... intense, especially with the family dynamics at play."

Lucy gave a small nod. "I've learned that quickly."

Brad leaned on the railing beside her, his tone casual. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. I've known William for a long time. He can be... difficult."

"I've noticed," Lucy said quietly. "He keeps everything locked up inside."

"That's how he's always been," Brad replied. "Even before the accident."

Lucy's ears perked up at that. "The accident..."

Brad nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "It changed a lot for him. Physically, of course, but also mentally. He used to be... different."

Lucy hesitated, unsure if she should pry. "Do you think he'll ever be the way he used to?"

Brad's eyes flicked to hers, and for a brief moment, there was something unreadable in his gaze. "I don't know. That's for him to decide."

The weight of his words were too huge between them, leaving Lucy with more questions than answers.

****

William eventually returned to her side, his face showing no signs of the conversations he had engaged in. Lucy had expected him to be worn out, but he remained as composed as ever.

"It's time to leave," William said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Lucy nodded, and they made their way out of the party together. The drive back to the mansion was silent, with only the low hum of the car's engine filling the space between them. William stared out of the window, deep in thought, while Lucy's mind reminiscing with everything that had happened that night.

Once they arrived at the mansion, William didn't say a word as he wheeled himself toward his study, leaving Lucy alone in the massive, empty house. She stood in the grand foyer for a moment, the weight of the evening settling heavily on her shoulders.

With a sigh, Lucy headed upstairs to her room. She needed to rest, but her mind was filled with too many thoughts to relax. As she lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. There was more to William than he was letting on, and there was definitely more to this marriage than just a business arrangement.

And then there was Isabel and her constant presence. What was her endgame? Lucy knew her stepsister well enough to know that Isabel wouldn't give up on whatever twisted plan she had in mind. The dinner party had only been the beginning.