Not so perfect fiancee

The day had finally arrived.

From the moment the sun rose, Clara could feel that something was different. It was the day of the grand gathering at the Nelson mansion, the day she would be introduced to the world as Mr. Nelson's fiancée. A title she had never dreamed of possessing, and one she had accepted only because the life of her beloved father depended on it.

Early that morning, she was summoned to a beautiful farmhouse on the outskirts of the city for her final lesson and preparation. The farmhouse was already buzzing with activity. Several people were moving around, arranging clothes, accessories, and other essentials.

As soon as Clara arrived, two secretaries greeted her and escorted her to an elegantly decorated bedroom.

"Good morning, Miss Clara. We have quite a busy day ahead of us," one of them said with a polite smile.

Clara returned a nervous smile. "Good morning. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

"Oh, not at all, Miss. Everything is ready for you."

A beautiful dress was laid out on the bed. It was an exquisite designer gown, perfectly tailored to her figure, with delicate embroidery and subtle embellishments that reflected the light. Beside it lay a collection of expensive jewellery.

Clara stared at the arrangement in disbelief.

"Is all this really for me?"

"Of course, Miss. Mr. Nelson has personally selected everything."

She swallowed nervously. The thought of wearing something chosen by that arrogant man made her uncomfortable, but she reminded herself why she was there.

Her father.

That was all that mattered.

The secretaries helped her get ready. They carefully styled her hair, leaving a few soft curls framing her face, and adorned it with delicate accessories. When it came to makeup, they barely needed anything. Clara's natural beauty was striking enough without layers of cosmetics. A little foundation, a soft blush, a touch of mascara, and a natural shade of lipstick were all that was needed.

When she finally stood before the mirror, even she struggled to recognise herself.

The girl staring back at her looked like someone who belonged to a completely different world.

"Miss Clara, you look absolutely breathtaking!" one secretary exclaimed.

"Honestly, you don't even need all this makeup. You are naturally beautiful."

The other secretary nodded in agreement.

For a moment, they simply admired her.

But beneath their admiration was something else. They had witnessed enough of Mr. Nelson's arrangements to understand that Clara's presence in this gathering was not entirely voluntary. They felt sorry for the young woman who was being dressed like a princess while carrying a burden no one else could see.

"Miss Clara," one of them finally said gently, "please don't be nervous. Everything will be fine."

Clara looked at her reflection and gave a faint smile.

"I hope so."

But deep inside, she knew that nothing about this day was going to be easy.

 

A little later, a luxurious black car pulled up outside the farmhouse.

A chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door.

"Miss Clara, the car is ready."

She looked around instinctively.

"Is Mr. Nelson coming along?"

The chauffeur politely shook his head.

"Mr. Nelson will meet you at the venue, Miss."

Clara frowned slightly.

Of course. Why would he bother accompanying me?

She gathered her dress, took a deep breath, and stepped into the car.

As the vehicle moved through the city, she watched the familiar streets gradually give way to grand buildings, landscaped gardens, and luxurious properties. Her fingers nervously played with the edge of her dress.

She had practised the lessons Mr. Nelson had given her. She knew how to greet people, how to address the members of his family, how to behave at the gathering, and even how to answer questions about their supposed relationship.

Yet, the more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.

What if someone asked something she didn't know?

What if she accidentally contradicted Mr. Nelson?

What if his family discovered the truth?

Most importantly, what if he decided she was no longer useful?

Her father's life was hanging by a thread, and she could not afford to make a single mistake.

 

The car finally came to a stop.

Clara slowly lifted her eyes.

The Nelson mansion stood before her like a palace. Its magnificent architecture, towering pillars, perfectly manicured gardens, and grand entrance made her feel as though she had stepped into another world.

Several luxury cars were parked along the driveway. Guests dressed in expensive suits and designer gowns were arriving, laughing and greeting one another.

Clara took a deep breath.

You can do this, Clara. Just remember why you are here.

The chauffeur opened the door.

"Miss, we have arrived."

She stepped out carefully, adjusted her dress, and looked towards the enormous entrance.

For a moment, her feet refused to move.

The guests were all wealthy, influential, and prestigious people. Their confidence, their expensive clothes, and the effortless way they carried themselves made Clara feel painfully out of place.

She had never attended an event like this.

She had never been surrounded by people who could probably buy everything she had ever dreamed of owning.

And now, she was expected to pretend that she belonged among them.

With a hesitant step, she entered the mansion.

The main hall was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Beautiful floral arrangements decorated the corners, while waiters moved around with trays of refreshments.

Soft music played in the background, blending with the cheerful conversations of the guests.

But the moment Clara entered, something changed.

A few conversations came to an abrupt halt.

People turned their heads.

Some openly stared, while others whispered behind their hands.

"Who is she?"

"Have you seen her? She's gorgeous!"

"Which family does she belong to?"

"I don't think I've seen her at any of the previous gatherings."

Clara heard fragments of their conversations, and her cheeks grew warm.

She stood near the entrance, unsure whether she should move further inside or wait where she was.

She searched the crowd for a familiar face.

There was none.

Where is that man? she wondered irritably.

He could at least have the courtesy to arrive before me!

She checked her surroundings again, trying desperately to appear composed.

But every passing minute made her more uncomfortable.

 

"Excuse me, young lady. Are you waiting for someone?"

Clara turned towards an elderly gentleman who had approached her.

"Yes, sir. I am waiting for..."

Before she could complete her sentence, another voice interrupted.

"She's waiting for me."

Clara froze.

She recognised that voice immediately.

Mr. Nelson.

She turned around.

He was descending the grand staircase, looking effortlessly handsome in a perfectly tailored black suit. His hair was neatly styled, and his expression carried the usual confidence that seemed to accompany him everywhere.

His eyes briefly settled on Clara.

For a fraction of a second, he stopped.

He had seen her dressed beautifully before, but something about her appearance today was different. The simplicity of her makeup, her graceful posture, and the elegance with which she carried herself made her stand out from everyone else.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

He continued down the stairs and walked straight towards her.

Clara's heart began to race.

Finally! Where have you been all this time?

But before she could express her frustration, he extended his hand towards her.

"Shall we, darling?"

Clara stared at his outstretched hand.

Darling? Seriously?

She looked at his face, silently questioning his sudden affection.

He leaned slightly closer and whispered through his smile.

"Don't just stand there. Everyone is watching."

His words immediately brought her back to reality.

She had almost forgotten her role.

With a reluctant smile, she placed her hand in his.

"Of course," she replied softly.

Mr. Nelson gently tightened his hold and began walking towards the centre of the hall.

To anyone watching, they looked like a perfectly matched couple, accustomed to each other's company.

But Clara knew better.

His hand was warm, yet she felt as though she were holding on to a stranger.

As they walked, the whispers grew louder.

"That's Nelson!"

"Is that his fiancée?"

"Who on earth is she?"

"She's certainly beautiful. But which family is she from?"

Mr. Nelson seemed completely unaffected by the attention. In fact, he appeared to enjoy it.

Clara, on the other hand, wished the marble floor would open up and swallow her.

She leaned slightly towards him and whispered, "Do you always enjoy making an entrance?"

He glanced at her with an amused expression.

"Only when the company is worth looking at."

Clara looked away, irritated.

What an arrogant man!

At the centre of the hall stood the Nelson family.

Mrs. Rusee, an elegant woman dressed in an expensive silk saree and adorned with diamonds, was speaking to a group of guests. Beside her stood Nora, Nelson's sister, looking as sophisticated as her mother.

Dimitri, Nelson's younger brother, stood a little behind them, casually observing the gathering.

Mrs. Rusee noticed her son approaching.

But what caught her attention was the beautiful young woman holding his hand.

Her expression immediately brightened.

Finally!

For months, she had been trying to convince her eldest son to settle down. He had dismissed every suggestion, rejected every prospective bride, and avoided every conversation about marriage.

Yet here he was, walking towards her with a beautiful woman by his side.

Mrs. Rusee could hardly contain her excitement.

"Nelson!"

She stepped forward, her eyes moving between her son and Clara.

"And who is this beautiful young lady?"

Nelson smiled faintly.

"Mother, meet Clara. My fiancée."

Before Clara could even properly introduce herself, Mrs. Rusee stepped forward and embraced her.

"Oh, my dear! Welcome to the family!"

Clara was taken aback by the sudden warmth.

"Thank you, Mrs. Rusee. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Please, call me Aunt Rusee, darling. We are family now!"

Clara forced a polite smile.

Mrs. Rusee held her hands and looked at her admiringly.

"You're absolutely lovely! Nelson, you certainly know how to surprise your mother."

Nelson merely smirked.

"I thought you'd be pleased."

"Of course I am! But tell me, dear, which family do you belong to? I don't believe I've met your parents before."

Clara hesitated.

She had been warned that questions about her background might arise, but she still wasn't prepared for the scrutiny in Mrs. Rusee's eyes.

"Actually, ma'am, my family is quite ordinary. My father..."

"Oh? What does your father do?"

Clara lowered her gaze momentarily.

"He has worked hard all his life. We don't belong to any influential or wealthy family."

Mrs. Rusee's smile slowly faded.

"Sorry? What did you say?"

Clara looked up.

"My family isn't wealthy, ma'am. We lead a simple life."

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Mrs. Rusee released Clara's hands.

Her eyes travelled over Clara's dress and jewellery before returning to her face.

The warmth that had filled her expression only moments ago disappeared completely.

"Nelson," she said slowly, turning towards her son. "Would you care to explain?"

Nelson raised an eyebrow.

"Explain what, Mother?"

"Don't play games with me. What is this?"

He looked at Clara, then back at his mother, and gave an amused smirk.

"You wanted me to get married, didn't you? You kept reminding me that I was getting older and that it was time I settled down."

Mrs. Rusee frowned.

"And?"

"And here I am, standing before you with my fiancée. Aren't you happy, Mother?"

His tone was unmistakably mocking.

Mrs. Rusee stared at him in disbelief.

"Nelson! This is not what I meant!"

He shrugged casually.

"Then perhaps you should have been more specific."

Clara stood silently beside him, wishing she could disappear.

She could feel the change in everyone's attitude. The same people who had admired her beauty moments ago were now looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and judgment.

She lowered her eyes, trying to hold back the humiliation.

"Mother, are you seriously considering this girl as your daughter-in-law?"

The sharp voice came from Nora.

She had been standing beside Mrs. Rusee, observing the entire exchange with barely concealed disgust.

Nelson turned towards his sister.

"Nora, is there something you'd like to say?"

Nora folded her arms.

"I simply find this amusing. You reject every girl Mother introduces, and suddenly you arrive with someone nobody has ever heard of."

She gave Clara a dismissive look.

"No offence, but do you even understand the kind of family you are marrying into?"

Clara's fingers tightened around her purse.

She wanted to answer.

She wanted to tell Nora that she had no desire to be part of their wealthy family, that she had never asked for any of this, and that the last thing she wanted was to stand in front of strangers and pretend to be someone she wasn't.

But she remained silent.

She could not risk making matters worse.

Nelson, however, appeared thoroughly entertained.

"Nora, I didn't realise you had suddenly become so concerned about my personal life."

"Someone has to be concerned when you make ridiculous decisions!"

"How thoughtful of you."

"Nelson!"

Before Nora could continue, another voice interrupted.

"Well, I think she's lovely."

Everyone turned.

Dimitri stepped forward with a warm smile.

Unlike the others, he looked genuinely pleased to meet Clara.

"Hello, Clara. I'm Dimitri, Nelson's younger brother. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Clara looked at him with visible surprise.

For the first time since entering the mansion, someone had spoken to her without making her feel inferior.

"Hello, Mr. Dimitri. It's nice to meet you too."

He smiled.

"Please, just Dimitri. There's no need for formalities. And don't mind these people. They have a habit of turning every family gathering into a royal examination."

Clara couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

Nelson glanced at his brother.

"Having fun, Dimitri?"

"Immensely," Dimitri replied, grinning.

Even Clara's lips curved into a genuine smile.

For a brief moment, the tension around her seemed to ease.

But Mrs. Rusee was far from amused.

"Dimitri, this is a family matter. Don't interfere."

Dimitri raised both hands playfully.

"Of course, Mother. I was only welcoming my future sister-in-law."

He turned back towards Clara.

"By the way, would you like something to drink? You must be tired after the journey."

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

"I'll get it for you."

As Dimitri walked away, Clara watched him with gratitude.

At least one person in this enormous mansion seemed capable of treating her like a human being.

 

The gathering continued, but Clara's discomfort only grew.

Mrs. Rusee had moved away to speak with a few guests, though she occasionally glanced in Clara's direction with unmistakable displeasure.

Nora had made no effort to hide her dislike. She was now speaking to her friends, occasionally looking towards Clara and whispering something that made them giggle.

Clara stood beside Nelson, who seemed perfectly comfortable with the situation.

He was greeting influential businessmen, exchanging pleasantries with politicians, and accepting compliments from acquaintances.

And every time someone approached, he introduced Clara with the same confident words.

"My fiancée, Clara."

No explanation. No hesitation. No concern about whether she was comfortable.

She was simply part of his performance.

A few minutes later, Clara leaned towards him.

"Mr. Nelson..."

He continued looking ahead.

"What?"

"Could I please speak to you for a moment?"

He turned slightly.

"Is something wrong?"

She hesitated, then whispered, "I don't think your family likes me."

He gave a short laugh.

"That was quick. You've known them for barely half an hour."

"Your mother was welcoming at first. But the moment she learned about my family, everything changed. And your sister..."

"Don't worry about them."

"How can I not? They're looking at me as though I've committed some terrible crime."

He finally turned towards her.

"Clara, remember why you're here."

His words were quiet, but firm.

Her smile disappeared.

"I haven't forgotten."

"Good. Then keep smiling. The evening isn't over yet."

She looked at him for a long moment.

There was no kindness in his expression. No reassurance. Not even a hint of sympathy.

Only a reminder of the arrangement between them.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

"Of course, Mr. Nelson."

He frowned slightly.

"Not Mr. Nelson. Nelson. At least when we're around people."

Clara forced a smile.

"Right. Nelson."

He nodded approvingly and turned back to the guests.

Clara looked down at her hands.

How much longer do I have to endure this?

She had entered the mansion hoping to protect her father. But as the evening unfolded, she began to realise that she might have stepped into something far more complicated than she had imagined.

 

From across the hall, Dimitri noticed Clara standing quietly beside his brother.

Her smile was still there, but her eyes told a different story.

He approached them with two glasses of juice.

"Here you go, Clara."

"Thank you, Dimitri."

"You're welcome. And I hope Nelson hasn't bored you to death already."

Clara almost laughed.

"Not yet."

Dimitri chuckled.

"Good. There's still hope."

Nelson gave him an irritated look.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?"

"Not particularly. I'm enjoying my time here."

"Then enjoy it somewhere else."

Dimitri ignored him and turned towards Clara.

"There's a beautiful garden outside. If you need some fresh air, feel free to go there. The evening can get a little overwhelming."

Clara looked at him gratefully.

"That's very kind of you."

"Anytime, Clara."

As he walked away, Clara took a small sip of her drink.

For the first time that evening, she felt a little less alone.

But her brief comfort was interrupted when Nelson leaned closer.

"Don't get too comfortable."

She turned towards him.

"What do you mean?"

He looked at her with a faint, unreadable smile.

"You're my fiancée tonight, Clara. Remember that. Whatever happens, don't forget to play your part."

Her heart sank.

She looked around the magnificent hall, at the wealthy guests, the glittering chandeliers, and the people who seemed to judge her simply for the family she came from.

Then she looked at Nelson.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "I won't forget."