You were lounging under a tree near city hall, flipping through a book and waiting for one of your friends to wrap up a meeting when Lena Luthor appeared out of nowhere. She knelt down in front of you, her expression all business. “Marry me.”
You blinked, then raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Marry me,” she repeated, not a hint of hesitation in her voice.
You shut your book with a snap, sitting up just slightly, taking in her ridiculously stunning face. But she had an intense look in her eye, and you weren’t sure if she was being serious or had finally lost it. “Uh-huh. And why, exactly, would I do that? I don’t know you. I’m not in the habit of marrying strangers.”
“I’m Lena Luthor,” she said, as if that explained anything. “And I need you to marry me so I won’t be forced to marry some filthy old man.”
You studied her for a few beats, trying to figure out if this was an elaborate joke. She was clearly desperate. “You want me to marry you to avoid becoming a trophy wife to some sleazebag? You know, you could just… I don’t know, say no?”
“It’s not that simple,” she sighed, visibly irritated. “But I’ll make it worth your while.”
You leaned back against the tree, amused. “Money’s not the issue, darling. I’m more concerned about what kind of mess I’m signing up for.”
“It’s just a year. We’ll divorce after that. You can go back to your life, and I’ll avoid a nightmare. Easy.”
You smirked, eyeing her curiously. “And what makes you think I’m any better than the old man? For all you know, I could be worse.”
Her lips twitched in the faintest smile as she was getting irritated. She was in a time crunch, and needed to get it sorted out as soon as possible…and you seemed to keep pushing back on it. Taking a breath she looks back at you her green eyes holding your gaze as a playful smile takes her lips as she was trying to not come off too intense. “Well, for starters, you’re not an old and you’re not a man.”
“Touché.” You chuckled, tilting your head as you weighed your options. “Alright, why not? I’ve been lacking entertainment.”
Lena exhaled in relief, standing up quickly. “Good. Let’s go get married.”
You stood up slowly, dusting off your pants, still smirking. “Well, this is going to be fun.”
Later that evening, you found yourself walking into an absurdly luxurious penthouse, arm linked with Lena’s as if you two hadn’t just met an hour ago. The Luthor family—always elegant, always intimidating—was scattered across the room, each one looking at you like you were a bomb about to go off.
The man Lena was supposed to marry—Richard something, a greying relic in a tailored suit—stood near the fireplace, looking particularly furious.
You leaned in to whisper to Lena, your tone laced with playful sarcasm. “Well, he looks thrilled.”
Lena smirked, keeping her composure like the Luthor queen she was. “Why wouldn’t he look thrilled about losing his fiancé to another woman?”
Richard, clearly not in on the joke, scowled when he saw the two of you approaching. “Lena, what is this? Who is this... woman?” He sneered, as if you were dirtying the room with your mere presence.
You smiled sweetly at him. “Oh, buddy, don’t be rude. I’m your replacement.”
He blinked, face flushing with anger. “Replacement? I don’t know what you think you’re playing at, but—”
“She’s my wife,” Lena interrupted smoothly, the word “wife” rolling off her tongue like she’d been rehearsing it. “So whatever ‘arrangement’ you thought was happening between us, Richard, is no longer on the table.”
You couldn’t help but laugh at how easy Lena made it sound. “Yeah, sorry about that. You can call off the wedding band now. Maybe take a trip to the retirement home to meet some ladies closer to your age”
His face went from red to almost purple, the embarrassment and fury colliding. “You—”
Before he could finish, Lex—because of course Lex Luthor would be here—chuckled darkly from across the room. “Well, this is unexpected. I must admit, Lena, you’ve outdone yourself.”
“I always do”
Meanwhile, you stood by, playing your part as the street rat wife. “What’s the problem, Richard? Can’t keep up with the younger crowd? Maybe you should go play with people your age…oh wait…they’re all dead aren’t they?”
Richard clenched his jaw, clearly trying to reign in his anger. “This isn’t over. You think you’ve won, but-“
“But what Richard? I’m married.” Lena pointed out in a calm icy voice.
Richard sneered at you. “You certainly did…and you choose cheap and brutish”
Lena smiled sweetly at him. “you think so? Well I think that’s better than gaudy and repulsive” She started to lead you away but you stopped near Richard.
You grinned, leaning forward slightly. “Isn’t it humiliating? You have all that money …and even then…you couldn’t even beat a ‘cheap brute’” you sneer at him with a mocking voice before walking away with Lena.
Lena gave your arm a gentle squeeze, her icy demeanor never faltering as she turned back to the room. “Now that you’re all done wasting my time, I’d like to celebrate my marriage in peace, with my wife. Everyone, you may all see yourselves out”
There were a few grumbles in the room but they did as requested.
You raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh? What kind of celebration are we talking about?”
She smirked, lowering her voice so only you could hear. “One that involves no more of this,” she said, motioning to the room and the drama while the guests were heading out.
“I’ll drink to that,” you said, giving a casual wink toward Richard and your new in laws as they headed toward the exit. When the last person was out, you closed the door and look over to Lena. “Well, that was fun. Let’s do that again tomorrow.”
The next morning, you found yourself sitting at a long, polished dining table that screamed Luthor money. The air was thick with tension, and the sound of cutlery clinking against plates was the only thing filling the silence. You glanced over at Lena, who sat across from Lex and Lillian, her face a mask of calm indifference. She looked completely unbothered, as if the oppressive mood around the breakfast table was just background noise.
Lillian, of course, couldn’t resist. She set her fork down with a soft clink and leveled a gaze at Lena. “So, this is how far we’ve fallen. A rushed marriage, and to someone who has no—”
“Oh, don’t stop on my account, Lillian,” you interrupted, your voice dripping with sarcasm. “It’s entertaining hearing your disappointment so early in the morning.”
Lex, seated to Lillian’s right, chuckled darkly, though it was clear he wasn’t amused. “I have to say, Lena, your choice in partners is…surprising, to say the least. Didn’t think you'd go for someone so—what’s the word? Unrefined?”
You leaned back in your chair, completely unfazed, and grinned. “Unrefined? That’s rich, coming from a man who’s spent most of his life behind bars. Tell me, Lex, how often did you drop the soap in prison?”
Lena couldn’t suppress the small smirk tugging at her lips, but she remained silent, sipping her coffee.
Lex’s expression darkened. “Careful. You might be married to my sister now, but don’t think that makes you immune to the consequences of—”
You cut him off with a casual wave of your hand. “Yeah, yeah, threats, consequences, whatever. I’ve heard it all before. I didn’t marry Lena because I’m scared of you or your mommy dearest.”
Lillian’s eyes narrowed, but she spoke to Lena, not you. “This… farce won’t last, Lena. You’re embarrassing yourself and this family. You’ve allowed yourself to be manipulated by—”
“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Mother,” Lena said, her voice cool and controlled. “I made my decision. If you don’t like it, well… that sounds like your problem.”
You stifled a laugh, your admiration for Lena growing by the second.
Lillian’s lips thinned into a displeased line. “It’s not too late to fix this mistake. Annul the marriage. Move on from this childish rebellion.”
“Childish rebellion?” You leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. “Look, I know Lena marrying me ruined your little rich old man marries young Luthor heir fantasy, but trust me when I say, Lena’s not the one being manipulated here.”
Lillian’s gaze turned ice cold, but you continued, unfazed. “If anything, I think she’s enjoying this. What do you say, Lena? How’s life with your ‘cheap and brutish’ wife?”
Lena put down her cup, locking eyes with you. “I think it’s perfect”
Lex’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, glaring at both of you as if plotting his next move. Lillian, ever the schemer, seemed to be calculating something, but you could tell it wasn’t going the way she hoped.
“Now,” Lena continued, her tone almost casual but cutting, “if you’re both finished with your passive-aggressive commentary, I’d like to enjoy my breakfast in peace. Or should we talk more about Lex’s obsession with trying to kill Superman? I’m sure that would make for great morning conversation.”
Lex scowled. “We’re just trying to protect you, Lena. You’ve always had a habit of—”
“Making my own choices? Yes, Lex, I have. And this is one of them.”
You smirked, enjoying the way Lena’s words seemed to twist the knife into her family. “Well, this has been delightful, but I think it’s about time we head out.”
Lillian stood, her gaze sharp. “Mark my words, Lena. You’ll regret this.”
You pushed your chair back with an exaggerated screech. “That’s funny. I’m already looking forward to our next family breakfast. Maybe next time, Richard can join. You know, for closure.”
Lena rose as well, her expression unmoved. “Have a lovely day, Mother, Lex.” She placed her hand on your arm, and together you both walked out of the tense room, leaving Lillian and Lex simmering in their discontent.
As the doors closed behind you, you exhaled and glanced at Lena. “Well, that went better than expected.”
Lena smirked. “You think so?”
You grinned. “They didn’t throw anything, so I’ll take it as a win.”
Lena chuckled softly as you both stepped into the elevator. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”
“Oh, don’t worry, love. I’m sure they’ll hate me even more by next week.”
Lena turned to you, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Can’t wait.”
As the elevator doors slid shut, you couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. Sure, it was a mess, but it was your mess, and right now, you and Lena were winning.
A few weeks passed as you and Lena continued to be married. Usually you two only saw each other at the penthouse after Lena’s work and during the mornings before she left for work. She had never really seen you out of the house so she figured you mostly enjoyed staying at home.
One morning the two of you were enjoying a breakfast you had made…okay, maybe not made…maybe you had one of your ‘assistants’ bring over food for the two of you. You look over when Lena’s phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down, her brows furrowing slightly.
“Something wrong?” you asked, noticing her mood shift.
Lena sighed, rubbing her temples. “It’s just some issues at L-Corp. One of our suppliers decided to back out of a deal last minute, probably because they were offered more money elsewhere. It’s going to throw our production schedule completely off.”
You cocked an eyebrow. “So they’re screwing you over?”
Lena nodded, her jaw tight. “They’re trying to force me into a corner. I could renegotiate, but it’s a power play…if I accept this, they’ll do it again. They’re trying to play a very dangerous gave knowing that we need this material right away.”
You chuckled as you take a sip of your coffee “Lucky for you, I love playing games.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let me take care of it,” you said nonchalantly, your tone casual, Lena had yet to know anything about you other than rather superficial things and you figured it was best that way. “They won’t be a problem anymore.”
Lena frowned, but curiosity flickered in her eyes. “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing you need to worry about,” you replied, a devilish smile playing on your lips as it had been a while you would get your hands dirtied yourself. This was pretty much a gift for your wife “Consider it handled.”
Lena opened her mouth as if to protest, but then stopped. She knew better than to ask questions when it came to your methods. After all, she'd married you to get out of a mess, and this was just another.
“Just… don’t make it worse,” she said finally, her tone uncertain but resigned.
You gave her a wink. “Worse? Come on, when have I ever made things worse?”
Lena sighed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Remember when you tried to fix the shower head? We had to replace …pretty much everything”
“Lucky for you, he’s not a shower head” ‘though..he might end up like one’
Later that day, you found yourself standing in the dimly lit backroom of a high-end restaurant, where L-Corp’s now-unreliable supplier had decided to meet for a “casual” business dinner. You’d done your research—this guy, Dennis Calder, was slimy, greedy, and, more importantly, not as untouchable as he liked to believe.
You strolled in, hands in your pockets, your demeanor calm. Calder looked up from his seat, surprised to see a stranger walk in without warning.
“Who the hell are you?” he spat, glancing at his bodyguards. They immediately tensed, but you didn’t seem the least bit concerned.
You gave him a charming smile. “Oh, you don’t know me, Dennis. But I know you.”
He blinked, confused. “What do you want?”
You pulled up a chair, turning it around and sitting on it backward, facing him with casual ease. “It’s simple. You’re screwing over L-Corp, and that’s a problem for me.”
Calder scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t know what business you think you have here, but this is just a negotiation. I’m not screwing anyone over. If Luthor can’t handle a little heat, then she shouldn’t play with the big boys.”
You chuckled, shaking your head. “Considering you’re the one hiding between two meat tanks” you gave a small now toward the bodyguards. “I think the one that can’t play with the ‘big boys’ is someone else”
He narrowed his eyes. “What, are you her hired muscle now?”
“Something like that.” You stood up slowly, towering over him, the playful glint in your eyes darkening. “Now, here’s how this is going to go. You’re going to honor the deal you made with L-Corp, no more games, no more price hikes, and definitely no more backstabbing. If you don’t…”
One of his bodyguards stepped forward, but you barely glanced at him before pulling out a sleek knife, twirling it lazily between your fingers before stabbing the desk with it, the blade gliding right between his fingers as he had been about to reach for a gun “Tell me have you ever been waterboarded with acid? Well…it wouldn’t really be waterboarding if there’s no water involved….but acidboard doesn’t quite roll of the tongue”
Calder’s eyes flickered to the knife, and then to the expression on your face. He wasn’t sure it was an empty threat; you were too calm for his liking…you weren’t even bothering to keep an eye on the men. But the moment one of them tried to grab, you had the knife pointed to the man’s neck drawing a single drop of blood. He froze in place having nearly walked right into it. Calder swallowed hard as the other man just took a hesitant step back.
“I-I don’t take kindly to threats,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Good. I don’t like making them. I prefer to think of them as warnings,” you said with a very pleasant smile. “They’re more…friendly, don’t you think?”
Calder’s bravado started to crumble, something about you creeped him out…maybe it was the smile on your face…the tone…or something else. He shifted nervously, glancing at his guards, one of them holding his neck while the other had just walked out.
“Look… we can… renegotiate,” he stammered.
You grinned, sheathing the knife with a flourish. “Good. That’s what I like to hear.”
By the time you returned to Lena’s office that evening, the problem had been solved, and Calder had not only agreed to honor the original contract but also offered a discount for the trouble.
You walked in back to your and Lena’s place, finding Lena buried in paperwork.
She looked up as you entered, her expression a mixture of curiosity and caution. “What did you do?”
“Fixed your little supplier problem,” you said, going over to her.
Lena raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “And how exactly did you manage that?”
You flashed her a grin. “I said a few sweet words to him, you know me, no one can resist my charms.”
Lena shook her head, a playful roll of her eyes but a small smile tugged at her lips. “I don’t want to know, do I?”
“Probably not,” you admitted with a laugh. “But the important thing is, it’s done. You’re welcome.”
She studied you for a moment, her eyes softening. “Thank you. I know you didn’t have to—”
“you don’t need to thank me, taking out the trash was on my to do list anyways ”
“Well, I suppose I should be grateful to have such a diligent wife,” she said, her voice light but teasing.
You smirked, leaning against her desk. “Someone does need to keep the house clean after all.”
A few weeks passed smoothly since your little "meeting" with Calder, and life with Lena had settled into a comfortable routine. You both spent mornings together, sharing breakfasts before she left for work, and evenings catching up after her long days at L-Corp. Lena had been swamped lately, frequently traveling for business, which left the penthouse feeling rather quiet in her absence.
One evening, after returning from a particularly exhausting trip, Lena walked into the penthouse, her heels clicking softly on the marble floors. As she stepped inside, something felt... off. The usual sarcastic comment or teasing smile from you was nowhere to be found. Instead, the air felt strangely still.
She wandered into the bedroom and found you there, curled up in bed with the covers pulled tightly around you, your usually sharp and confident demeanor nowhere in sight. Your skin was pale, a faint sheen of sweat covering your forehead, and you looked like you’d been hit by a freight train.
Lena’s heart clenched at the sight of you looking so helpless. She dropped her bags at the door and rushed over to your side, immediately placing a hand on your forehead. “You’re burning up,” she muttered, concern lacing her voice.
You blinked up at her, your voice weak but with a small dash of your usual sarcasm. “Welcome home, darling.”
Lena frowned as she pulled back the covers, quickly assessing your condition. “How long have you been like this?”
You shrugged, clearly trying to play it off. “A day... maybe two?”
“Two days?” Lena's eyes widened. “Why didn’t you call me?”
You gave a small, half-hearted chuckle. “Didn’t want to bother you with... this,” you gestured vaguely to yourself, as if trying to make light of the situation. “Besides…it’s just a fever. I’ll be fine”
Lena rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the concern in her expression. “You’re an idiot,” she muttered affectionately, standing up. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
She returned with a cold compress, pressing it gently to your forehead. You shifted uncomfortably but didn’t protest.
Lena settled onto the bed beside you, her fingers brushing a few strands of hair away from your face. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve come home sooner.”
You staid quite for a few moments but after a bit you decided it couldn’t hurt to let her see a bit of your vulnerable side, “I have never needed anyone to take care of me even when I’m sick…things don’t have to change just because I’m married” your voice quieter now.
Lena blinked, surprised by your confession. “Never?”
You shook your head slightly. “No…I don’t need anyone….”you relax a bit when you feel her touch your cheek gently. “if I didn’t need it as a child…why would I need it now?”
She sighed, her thumb gently brushing over your cheek. “Well, you’re not alone now..and it’s not about needing it…it’s about having there to help you. It’s never going to be a bother. I’m staying here until you’re better.”
“No, you have work….you have to run your company Lena. This is just a little fever. It’s no-“ You tried to protest; however, Lena shot you a look that silenced you on the spot. “No work, no meetings, nothing else matters right now except you getting better. Got it?”
You smirked weakly, letting out a soft, raspy laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”
Lena smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead before settling in next to you, determined to nurse you back to health—even if you weren’t used to it.
As the hours passed, Lena remained at your side, keeping a close eye on your fever, making sure you stayed hydrated, and checking on you every few minutes. Despite your usual stubbornness, you found yourself too weak to argue. Lena’s presence, though unexpected, was… comforting in a way you weren’t quite used to.
Lena quietly moved about the room, fluffing your pillows, adjusting the blankets, and making sure you were as comfortable as possible. She returned with a tray of soup, setting it on the bedside table. “You need to eat something.”
You groaned softly, turning your head away. “Not hungry…”
Lena smirked. “I don’t care. You need to eat if you want to get better.” She picked up the spoon and brought it to your lips, her voice soft but firm. “Just a little, okay?”
Reluctantly, you allowed her to feed you a few spoonful, not really tasting the food but too tired to protest. As the minutes ticked by, you drifted in and out of a light sleep, lulled by the gentle care Lena was giving you.
“You’re really doing all this for me?” you mumbled in between small sips of water.
Lena chuckled softly, brushing her fingers through your hair. “Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I?”
You swallowed hard, trying to keep your voice steady. “No one’s ever… done this for me. When I’m sick, I just… deal with it.”
Lena’s expression softened, and she leaned in a little closer, her voice gentle. “Well, you’re married to me now. You don’t have to deal with it alone anymore.
“It’s just….feels strange….”
Lena’s thumb grazed your cheek again, and she gave you a soft smile. “Get used to it. I’m not going anywhere.”
You closed your eyes, a faint smile on your lips despite your weakened state. For the first time in a long while, the idea of letting someone take care of you didn’t seem so foreign… or unwanted.
You whispered softly, your voice barely audible. “Thank you, Lena.”
Lena leaned down, pressing another gentle kiss to your forehead. “You’re welcome. Now rest. I’ll be right here.”
A few days had passed since Lena nursed you back to health, and you couldn’t shake the gratitude that filled you for her care. For someone who had always been self-reliant, allowing Lena to take care of you had been a strange, but not entirely unwelcome, experience. Now, it was your turn to thank her, and you had planned the perfect date night in her honor.
The evening began with a soft sunset painting the sky as you and Lena walked into the museum. The exhibits ranged from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, and you could see the way Lena's eyes lit up as she moved through each room, absorbing the history and creativity. It had been a while since the two of you had gone out, especially somewhere so calming. The atmosphere was serene, the lighting dim, casting warm shadows as the two of you exchanged quiet conversation about the exhibits.
After the museum, you both strolled to a nearby bookstore, one of Lena's favorite spots in the city. She lingered among the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of various novels, philosophy texts, and scientific journals. You couldn't help but smile at how engrossed she became in her search for new material. As she browsed, you casually picked up a few books she had mentioned she might like, surprising her by buying them at the counter while she was still lost in the stacks.
The final stop was back at home, where you had prepared dinner. You weren’t much of a cook, but you’d had everything set up, with candles and a table laid out to perfection. The scent of a hearty meal filled the penthouse as you pulled out the chairs for her, making sure the evening was as relaxing as possible.
Dinner passed with ease as the two of you chatted and shared a few laughs, but the best part of the evening came after: the chess board. With glasses of scotch in hand, you set up the game, a familiar yet competitive tradition between you two.
“You know,” Lena began with a playful smirk, swirling her glass, “you’ve never actually beaten me at chess.”
“Tonight might be the night,” you replied with equal amusement, leaning forward to make the first move. “And don’t forget, I’ve been saving my best strategies for moments like this.”
“Oh, I’m terrified,” she teased, taking a sip of her drink before making her counter-move.
As the game unfolded, you and Lena fell into an easy rhythm, both competitive and relaxed. The evening was simple but thoughtful, designed entirely around things you had noticed that she loved.
“So,” Lena said after a few more moves, “this whole night… I have to admit, it’s incredible.”
You raised an eyebrow, moving one of your pieces. “Well, I wanted to thank you. For taking care of me.”
Lena’s gaze softened as she looked at you, the chess game momentarily forgotten. “You didn’t need to do anything. I just did what anyone would do.”
“Maybe,” you said, shifting in your seat, “but you didn’t have to stay home with me. It meant more than you know.”
A warm silence settled between you two as Lena reached across the table, resting her hand over yours. “You’re welcome. Try to put up a bit of a fight tonight, alright?”
You chuckled, shaking your head. “You’re on. But I’m still winning tonight.”
Several months had passed since that perfect date night, and things between you and Lena had shifted in ways that just felt…natural. The once slightly guarded nature of your relationship had begun to give way to something more real, more intimate. You had settled into the rhythm of a true partnership, where the shared moments weren’t just about routine anymore—they were about understanding and supporting each other in ways neither of you had anticipated.
Lena had grown busier with her responsibilities at L-Corp, often facing stress and external pressure that came with her position. But now, you made sure she never had to face it alone. Unbeknownst to her, you had taken it upon yourself to handle certain problems before they ever reached her. It started small—dealing with investors who tried to undercut her or eliminating corporate rivals who attempted to sabotage her projects. You did it discreetly, without ever needing her approval, making sure that the path ahead of her was clear and smooth.
The life you led before marrying Lena—the one where your influence stretched far beyond the walls of your penthouse—remained shrouded in mystery. Very few knew the full extent of your power and reach, and Lena never asked. She had her suspicions, of course, but you made sure to keep that world separate from the one you shared with her. To Lena, you were her supportive fake spouse, always there with a witty comment or a reassuring smile after a long day. She never needed to know about the lengths you went to protect her.
One evening, after a particularly tough day at L-Corp, Lena came home exhausted. You were already there, as usual, waiting for her. She walked through the door, her shoulders sagging with the weight of the day, and you could tell from her expression that something had been bothering her.
“Long day?” you asked, rising from your seat to meet her at the door.
Lena sighed and leaned into you, resting her head on your shoulder. “The board was pushing back on the new project, and I thought they would make me scrap it.” She wrapped her arms around you. “But somehow, everything just… worked out. The investors that were causing trouble backed down at the last minute.”
You smiled softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Sounds like good luck.”
She narrowed her eyes playfully, pulling back just enough to meet your gaze. “More like a miracle.” There was a glint in her eye, the kind that suggested she might be putting the pieces together, but she never voiced her suspicion. Maybe she didn’t want to know.
“Miracles happen,” you said lightly, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I’m just glad things worked out.”
The truth was, you had already dealt with those investors days before, making sure they couldn’t cause any more problems for Lena. It was a delicate dance—eliminating threats without drawing attention—but it was a role you had perfected over the years. Lena didn’t need to get her hands dirty, not when you could make sure everything stayed pristine for her.
As the months continued to roll on, these small interventions became more frequent. Sometimes, it was corporate sharks trying to swallow her projects whole, other times, it was more personal matters—people from her past, or those trying to use her Luthor name against her. No matter what the issue, you were always two steps ahead, ensuring that Lena never had to bear the brunt of those burdens.
Despite your hidden actions, the relationship between you two deepened. Lena grew more relaxed around you, trusting you in ways that went beyond the surface. She leaned on you more often, sought your counsel, and shared parts of herself that she rarely showed the world.
And yet, even as you made sure the problems in Lena’s life disappeared before she could notice, there was a quiet understanding between you two. Lena knew you were more than just the supportive spouse, even if she didn’t know the full extent of what that meant. You’d catch her watching you sometimes, her expression unreadable, as if she was trying to decipher you.
One evening, after another business dinner where you’d subtly handled a troublesome associate, Lena looked at you across the dinner table, her expression soft but curious.
“You’re always there,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “Whenever something goes wrong, it’s like you already know how to fix it.”
You shrugged, playing it off with your usual sarcasm. “What can I say? I’ve got a sixth sense for these things.”
Lena smiled, but there was something deeper behind her eyes. “You always have my back,” she said quietly, reaching out to take your hand. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
As the months rolled on, the line between convenience and genuine affection blurred between you and Lena. What had begun as a calculated marriage—a strategic move to save Lena from a forced union with Richard—was now something else entirely. Lena had always been busy, but now she made time, even amid her grueling schedule, to spoil you in small and big ways alike. She showered you with gifts—luxurious things she assumed would appeal to someone she thought might come from a rougher background. Designer clothes, extravagant jewelry, rare wines—anything she could think of to pamper you.
Lena, despite her sharp mind, didn’t fully comprehend the extent of your influence. In her eyes, you were protective and tough—perhaps a little street-smart, maybe even dangerous—but not the most dangerous. She didn’t yet realize that the power you wielded wasn’t just a convenient way to handle her troubles. It was real, vast, and untouchable.
One evening, Lena arrived home with a shopping bag from one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city, the kind of place that didn’t bother advertising because its clientele knew exactly where to go. You were sitting on the couch with a book, raising an eyebrow as she walked in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“I got you something,” she announced, setting the bag down on the coffee table in front of you with a satisfied smile.
You glanced at the bag, then back at her, amusement dancing in your eyes. “You’ve been spoiling me a lot lately, Lena. Should I be worried you’re trying to bribe me?”
Lena rolled her eyes but smirked, leaning over to kiss your cheek. “I just want to make sure you’re happy.”
“I am happy,” you replied, setting the book aside to give her your full attention. “But you don’t need to keep buying me things to prove it.”
“I know,” she said softly, sitting beside you, her hand brushing against your thigh as she reached for the bag. “But I like doing it. I like... spoiling you.”
You chuckled, leaning back against the cushions, watching as she pulled out an elegant, custom-tailored suit—a sleek design you would no doubt look amazing in. It was thoughtful, luxurious, and completely unnecessary.
“You really think I need this?” you teased, running your fingers over the fine fabric.
“Need? No,” Lena admitted, her lips curving into a smile. “But you deserve it. Besides, I’ve never seen you in a suit like this, and I thought it would look incredible on you.”
You gave her a playful look, shaking your head. “You know I could buy a hundred of these myself, right?”
She sighed, her eyes softening. “I know. But... I want to take care of you, too. You’re always taking care of me, handling things I don’t even know about.” Her tone shifted, more serious now. “I know there’s more going on than you let on.”
For a moment, your gaze met hers, a silent understanding passing between you. Lena wasn’t blind. She might not know the full extent of what you did behind the scenes, but she had started piecing things together. She could see how problems disappeared before they reached her desk, how enemies who once posed a threat to L-Corp suddenly became nothing more than whispers on the wind.
You didn’t confirm or deny it, instead brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and changing the subject with a lightness that made her smile. “Alright, I’ll wear the suit. But only because I know how much it’ll make you happy.”
The months of hidden gestures, problem-solving, and protection on your part, combined with Lena’s constant attempts to spoil and care for you, had shifted your dynamic entirely. You both had started to forget that this marriage had been nothing more than a strategic move to block Richard from taking control of her future.
That night, after a quiet dinner and a few glasses of wine, Lena curled up next to you on the couch, resting her head on your shoulder. Her voice was soft, thoughtful. “Do you ever think about why we got married?”
You glanced down at her, surprised by the question. “Sometimes. Why?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted, tracing patterns on your leg absentmindedly. “I guess... I never expected it to turn out like this.”
“Like what?”
“Like this,” she repeated, gesturing vaguely around. “It’s comfortable. It’s real. I don’t feel like we’re just playing parts anymore.”
You considered her words carefully, your arm slipping around her waist to pull her closer. “Neither do I.”
Lena looked up at you, her eyes searching yours for a moment before she spoke again. “Do you think... we’re starting to forget why we did this in the first place?”
You smirked slightly, brushing your thumb over her cheek. “Maybe. But is that such a bad thing?”
She hesitated, then shook her head, a small, content smile playing on her lips. “No. I guess it’s not.”
The two of you sat in comfortable silence for a while after that, Lena’s head resting against your chest, her fingers tracing lazy circles on your skin. In that moment, it didn’t matter why you had gotten married in the first place, or what deals you had made to protect her. What mattered was the life you had built together—one where you both found something you hadn’t been expecting.
Eventually, Lena sighed softly, her voice barely a whisper. “I think... I’m falling for you.”
You froze for a split second, the weight of her words sinking in. You knew things had changed between you, but hearing her say it—hearing her admit it aloud—was something else entirely. Slowly, you leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
“I think I’m falling for you, too,” you whispered back as you smile a bit against her neck. “does this mean we don’t have to get a divorce?”
Lena chuckles a bit. “that’s exactly what it means…unless you want a new wedding?”
“I think the beginning of our relationship is much to unique to go for an usual and boring one”
She laughs at that and nods. “and we wouldn’t want that would we?”
“Of course not, we’re anything but boring and usual”