Preparing for the perfect fiancee

The day after signing the contract, Clara received a phone call from one of Mr. Nelson's secretaries.

She was instructed to report to the same office the following afternoon, one day before the family gathering. No explanation was given. The secretary simply informed her of the time and ended the call.

Clara spent the evening wondering what else they expected from her. She had already agreed to marry a man she barely knew, accepted the conditions written in the contract, and surrendered her freedom in exchange for her father's medical treatment.

She glanced at the contract lying on the small table beside her bed. Her signature appeared at the bottom of every required page. A few strokes of a pen had changed the direction of her life.

She had once imagined finishing her studies, finding a decent job, and giving her father a comfortable life. She had never imagined becoming the fiancée of a powerful businessman through a contract.

But dreams did not pay hospital bills.

The following afternoon, Clara arrived at Nelson's office a few minutes before the appointed time. She wore a simple, neatly pressed dress and carried a small handbag. After checking in with the receptionist, she was directed towards the conference room.

She stood outside the door for a moment before knocking gently.

"Come in," a woman's voice answered.

Clara opened the door.

The two secretaries were already seated at the long conference table. Mr. Nelson sat at the head of it, reviewing documents on his laptop. His expression was as unreadable as it had been during their previous meeting.

"Good afternoon," Clara greeted politely.

Nelson glanced up briefly.

"Sit down, Ms. Clara," one of the secretaries instructed.

Clara walked towards the chair opposite him and sat down, placing her handbag on her lap.

The secretary opened a folder.

"Tomorrow is Mr. Nelson's family gathering. It is an important event attended by members of his family, close associates, business partners, and several influential people. Mr. Nelson will be introducing you as his fiancée during the gathering."

Clara nodded.

"You understand what that means, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Good. Your appearance and behaviour will be noticed. You must dress appropriately for the occasion. Your outfit should reflect Mr. Nelson's status and the image expected of his future wife."

Clara looked at the secretary.

"Will I be choosing the dress myself?" she asked cautiously.

The secretary exchanged a quick glance with her colleague.

"No. We have already shortlisted several options. You will try them on, and Mr. Nelson will approve the final one."

Clara's fingers tightened around her handbag.

"All right."

"We will also take your measurements. The dress will be adjusted according to your fitting. After that, you will attend an etiquette session. You need to learn how to walk, speak, greet people, and behave appropriately in front of the guests."

Clara listened without interrupting.

"Any doubts, Ms. Clara?" the secretary asked.

She hesitated before asking the question that had been troubling her since the previous meeting.

"When will the payment for my father's treatment be made?"

The room fell quiet.

The secretary closed the folder halfway.

"As explained earlier, the payment will be arranged after the marriage. The hospital expenses will be taken care of according to the agreement."

"But my father's treatment—"

"Ms. Clara," the secretary interrupted, "the terms were clearly explained to you before you signed the contract."

Clara glanced towards Nelson, hoping he might intervene. He had been listening to the conversation, but he showed no interest in joining it.

"Mr. Nelson," she said hesitantly.

He lifted his eyes.

"What?"

"Could the payment be arranged a little earlier? My father's condition—"

"Did you not read the contract before signing it?" he asked coldly.

"I did, but I thought perhaps—"

"Then you should have considered that before putting your signature on it."

Clara lowered her eyes.

"Everything will happen according to the agreement," Nelson continued. "I don't intend to discuss the same matter repeatedly."

"Yes, sir."

He returned to his laptop, making it clear that the discussion was over.

The secretary stood up.

"Come with us, Ms. Clara. We have a lot to finish before tomorrow."

Clara picked up her handbag and followed them out.

---

A private dressing suite had been arranged on another floor of the building. Several garment bags hung neatly along one side of the room, while shoes, jewellery, and accessories were displayed on a long table.

Clara stopped at the entrance. She had never seen so many expensive clothes gathered in one place. The dresses looked as though they belonged in the wardrobes of film stars or wealthy socialites.

"Please come in," the secretary said.

A woman from the styling team approached with a measuring tape and a clipboard.

"Good afternoon. I'm responsible for your fitting today. Please stand here."

Clara placed her handbag on a nearby chair and stood in front of the full-length mirror.

The woman began taking her measurements, calling out numbers while another assistant recorded them.

"Shoulders?"

"Waist?"

"Hips?"

Clara followed each instruction, feeling uncomfortable as the stylist adjusted the measuring tape around her.

Once the measurements were complete, the stylist picked up the first dress.

"This is our first option."

It was a long, elegant gown in a pale champagne shade, with delicate embroidery around the neckline and waist. The fabric shimmered under the lights.

"Please try this one."

Clara took the dress and entered the changing room.

A few minutes later, she stepped out. The stylist adjusted the fabric around her shoulders and smoothed the material near the waist.

"Turn slightly to your left."

Clara did as she was told.

"Now face the mirror."

She looked at her reflection. The gown was beautiful, but the woman staring back at her seemed unfamiliar.

"How does it feel?" the stylist asked.

"Fine."

"Can you move comfortably?"

Clara took a small step.

"Yes."

The secretary examined her from head to toe.

"Mr. Nelson, what do you think?"

Nelson had entered the room a few minutes earlier. He stood near the doorway, examining the dress with the same detached expression he used when reviewing a business proposal.

"Too ordinary," he said.

The stylist immediately nodded.

"We can try another option."

Clara glanced at the gown. She had thought it was beautiful, but her opinion was clearly irrelevant.

"Please change," the secretary instructed.

The second dress was a deep navy-blue gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. It had a formal appearance, with subtle detailing along the sleeves.

Once Clara stepped out, the stylist adjusted the neckline.

"Stand straight, please."

Clara straightened her back.

"Shoulders relaxed."

She followed the instruction.

"Walk towards the mirror."

Clara took a few steps.

The secretary watched her carefully.

"This one is better," she said, turning towards Nelson.

He examined the dress.

"The sleeves are unsuitable."

The stylist looked at them.

"Would you prefer something sleeveless, sir?"

"Something more refined. Not too decorative."

"Of course."

Clara stood quietly while they discussed her dress as though she were not in the room. She wanted to ask whether she could have something simple and comfortable, but she remembered the contract and remained silent.

The third dress was a soft ivory gown with a delicate waistline and fine embellishments around the bodice. It was elegant without being overly elaborate.

When Clara stepped out wearing it, the stylist adjusted the fabric and stepped back.

"Please turn around."

Clara slowly turned.

The secretary studied the gown.

"This is much more suitable."

Nelson walked closer. He examined the dress and then looked at Clara's reflection.

"Walk."

Clara blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"Walk towards the other end of the room."

She nodded and began walking.

"Slowly," he instructed. "Keep your shoulders straight. Don't look at the floor."

Clara lifted her head and repeated the walk.

"Again."

She returned to her original position and tried once more.

Nelson watched her carefully.

"Acceptable."

The stylist smiled slightly.

"Shall we finalise this one, sir?"

"Yes. Make the necessary adjustments. I don't want any last-minute problems."

The secretary made a note.

"Understood."

Clara looked at herself in the mirror once more. The gown fitted beautifully. For a moment, she could appreciate its elegance.

Then Nelson spoke.

"Don't mistake the dress for a privilege, Ms. Clara. It is part of the arrangement."

Her expression changed.

"Yes, sir."

"You are not attending the gathering as an ordinary guest. You will be introduced as my fiancée. Every movement, every word, and every expression will reflect on me."

"I understand."

"Make sure you do."

---

The dress fitting was followed by the selection of shoes and accessories.

A pair of elegant high heels was placed in front of Clara. They were delicate and expensive-looking, but considerably higher than anything she had ever worn.

"Try these," the stylist said.

Clara sat down and slipped them on.

When she stood, her body immediately became unsteady. She grabbed the edge of the nearby table.

"Careful," the stylist warned.

"I'm sorry."

"You haven't worn heels before?" the secretary asked.

"Not this high."

"Then we need to practise."

Clara tried taking another step. Her ankle wobbled, and she nearly lost her balance. The stylist caught her arm.

"Don't worry. We'll start slowly."

Nelson watched for a moment.

"She needs to be able to walk in them tomorrow."

"Yes, sir. I'll make sure she practises."

He checked his watch.

"I have another meeting. Send me the final photographs of the outfit once the adjustments are complete."

"Certainly."

Before leaving, he turned towards Clara.

"One more thing."

She looked at him immediately.

"Tomorrow, you will not mention the contract, your father's medical condition, or anything about the arrangement to anyone. If somebody asks how we met, you will give the explanation provided by the secretaries."

Clara nodded.

"And don't volunteer unnecessary information. Answer only what is asked."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't embarrass me."

With that, he walked out.

The stylist turned towards Clara.

"Shall we continue?"

Clara nodded and returned her attention to the shoes.

---

The etiquette session began shortly afterwards.

A middle-aged woman named Mrs. Evelyn entered the room carrying a notebook and a small folder.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Clara. I will be guiding you through tomorrow's event."

"Good afternoon, ma'am."

Mrs. Evelyn pulled out a chair.

"Please sit down."

Clara sat.

"I understand that you haven't attended many formal gatherings of this kind," Mrs. Evelyn began.

Clara shook her head.

"No, ma'am. I haven't."

"That's perfectly fine. We will go through everything. But I need you to pay close attention. Tomorrow's gathering is important, and there will be many people observing you."

Clara nodded.

Mrs. Evelyn opened her notebook.

"Let's begin with greetings. When you meet an elderly family member, greet them respectfully. A simple smile and a polite greeting are enough. Do not speak too loudly, and do not interrupt anyone while they are talking."

She demonstrated a gentle smile.

"Try."

Clara attempted to copy her expression.

"Good. But relax your face. You look frightened."

Clara lowered her eyes.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologise. I'm only asking you to practise."

Mrs. Evelyn continued.

"When you are introduced to a business associate, greet them politely. You may say, 'It's a pleasure to meet you.' If they ask about your background, keep your answer brief."

She paused.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Now let's practise."

Mrs. Evelyn stood up and extended her hand.

"Good evening. You must be Mr. Nelson's fiancée."

Clara stood quickly.

"Good evening, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Better. But you need to sound more confident. Don't speak as though you're asking permission to be there."

Clara tried again.

"Good evening. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Much better."

They repeated the exercise several times.

Next came the introduction to Nelson's family.

"Tomorrow, you will meet his mother, Mrs. Ruzee, his sister, Ms. Nora, and his brother, Mr. Dimitri. You must address them respectfully. Do not act too familiar, but don't appear rude either."

Clara listened carefully.

"Will they know about the contract?" she asked before she could stop herself.

Mrs. Evelyn looked at her.

"That is not something you should discuss."

"But if they ask—"

"You will not tell them."

Clara pressed her lips together.

Mrs. Evelyn closed the notebook.

"Now, let's practise walking."

She pointed towards a clear space in the room.

"Stand straight. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Your chin should be level, and your steps should be small and steady. Do not rush."

Clara stood up in her high heels.

"Start from here and walk towards me."

Clara took her first step. Her heel caught slightly on the floor, and she stumbled.

"Slowly," Mrs. Evelyn instructed.

Clara tried again.

One step, then another.

Her ankles trembled. She was concentrating so hard on keeping her balance that she could barely think about her posture.

"Look ahead," Mrs. Evelyn reminded her.

Clara raised her head.

"Keep your back straight."

She adjusted her posture.

"Again."

Clara returned to the starting point and repeated the walk. This time, she reached the other end without stumbling.

"Good. Now turn."

Clara attempted to turn, but her heel slipped slightly. She grabbed the chair beside her.

Mrs. Evelyn sighed.

"We need more practice."

"I'm trying, ma'am."

"I know. But trying once or twice won't be enough. You must be comfortable in those shoes before tomorrow."

For the next half hour, Clara practised walking across the room. Mrs. Evelyn corrected her each time she made a mistake.

"Don't drag your feet."

"Keep your knees relaxed."

"Smaller steps."

"Look ahead."

"Don't keep checking your dress."

By the end of the session, Clara's feet were aching. She was relieved when Mrs. Evelyn finally asked her to sit down.

---

After walking practice came table etiquette.

A table had been arranged with several plates, glasses, forks, knives, and spoons.

Clara stared at the arrangement. There were more pieces of cutlery than she had ever used at a single meal.

Mrs. Evelyn noticed her expression.

"Don't worry. I'll explain."

She pointed towards the plates.

"At a formal dinner, you should wait until everyone is seated before beginning. Follow the host's lead. Use the cutlery from the outside towards the inside, depending on the courses served."

Clara nodded.

"And remember, don't place your elbows on the table. Keep your napkin on your lap, and avoid speaking while eating."

Mrs. Evelyn demonstrated how to hold the fork and knife.

Clara copied her movements.

"Like this?"

"Yes. That's correct."

They practised several times.

Then Mrs. Evelyn placed a glass in front of her.

"When someone offers you a drink, you may politely accept or decline. Never feel pressured to drink something you don't want."

Clara looked relieved.

"All right, ma'am."

"If you don't understand something, observe what the other guests are doing. Don't panic. Most importantly, remain composed."

Clara looked at the table again.

"Ma'am, what if I make a mistake?"

Mrs. Evelyn paused.

"Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you handle them."

"But Mr. Nelson said I must not embarrass him."

Mrs. Evelyn looked at her for a moment.

"Then you should be careful."

Clara nodded, though the answer did little to reassure her.

---

The secretaries returned towards the end of the session.

One of them carried a folder containing the schedule for the following evening.

"Ms. Clara, we need to go through tomorrow's programme."

Clara sat down, grateful for the opportunity to rest her feet.

The secretary placed the folder on the table.

"The guests will begin arriving at seven in the evening. Mr. Nelson will arrive with you. You will enter together, and he will introduce you as his fiancée."

Clara listened carefully.

"You will stay beside him during the introductions. If he moves towards another group, follow his lead unless he asks you to remain where you are."

"All right."

"You will not wander around alone. You will not leave the gathering without informing one of us. And you must not discuss personal matters with the guests."

Clara nodded.

"Mr. Nelson's family may ask you questions. We have prepared a brief background story for you. You must remember it exactly."

She opened the folder and handed Clara a printed page.

Clara looked down.

It contained a carefully arranged account of how she and Nelson had supposedly met, how their relationship had developed, and how they had decided to get engaged.

She read the first few lines.

"'Mr. Nelson and I met through a mutual business acquaintance...'"

She stopped.

"But this isn't how we met."

The secretary's expression hardened slightly.

"It is the story you will tell."

Clara looked up.

"Won't they find out?"

"That is why you must remember the details. You are not being asked to explain your entire life. You only need to answer the questions that may arise."

Clara looked back at the paper. There were details about a restaurant, a meeting, and a conversation that had never happened.

"I don't know if I can remember all of this by tomorrow," she admitted.

"You will have to."

The secretary placed another sheet in front of her.

"Here are the names of some important guests. Read through them. You should know who they are and how to address them."

Clara stared at the pages. There were businessmen, investors, family friends, and social acquaintances. It felt like an examination for which she had barely been given any time to prepare.

"Can I take these home and practise?"

"Yes. But make sure you return the folder tomorrow."

Clara gathered the papers carefully.

"Is there anything else?"

The second secretary checked her notes.

"One important matter. Tomorrow, you must behave like a woman who belongs in Mr. Nelson's world. You cannot appear nervous, confused, or uncertain. You must speak confidently and maintain a pleasant expression."

Clara nodded.

"And remember," the secretary added, "there will be consequences if you fail to follow the instructions."

Clara's fingers tightened around the folder.

"What kind of consequences?"

The secretary did not answer immediately.

"That depends on the seriousness of the mistake."

Clara swallowed.

"Could you please explain?"

"Ms. Clara, you signed a contract. The conditions are clear. If you fail to fulfil your responsibilities, Mr. Nelson has the right to take action under the agreement."

Clara thought of her father in the hospital and the treatment he still needed.

"I won't make any mistakes," she whispered.

The secretary closed the folder.

"Good. We expect you to be ready tomorrow."

---

By the time the session ended, it was already evening.

Clara collected the papers, the accessories, and the instructions for the following day. Her feet hurt, and her mind was crowded with names, rehearsed answers, and rules she was expected to remember.

She had been taught how to smile, walk, speak, sit, eat, and introduce herself. Yet nobody had asked whether she was comfortable with any of it.

As she prepared to leave, the first secretary handed her a small box.

"These are the accessories selected for tomorrow. Keep them safe. Bring them with you when you arrive."

Clara accepted the box with both hands.

"Thank you."

"Your dress will be delivered to the address provided. Make sure you are ready on time."

"I will."

"And Ms. Clara?"

Clara turned around.

"Yes?"

"Please remember that tomorrow is not an ordinary evening. Mr. Nelson's reputation is involved. Do not disappoint him."

Clara nodded.

"I understand."

She walked out of the office and entered the lift. Only when the doors closed did she allow herself a moment of rest.

She looked down at the box in her hands. Inside were expensive accessories selected for a woman she was expected to pretend to be.

Tomorrow, she would wear an elegant gown, walk in high heels, smile at influential people, and stand beside a man who had made her father's treatment conditional on their marriage.

Outside the building, the evening air was cool. People hurried along the pavement, talking on their phones and making their way home. Clara stood near the entrance for a moment before her phone vibrated.

It was a message from the hospital.

The doctor would like to speak with you regarding your father's treatment. Please contact the hospital at your earliest convenience.

Her heart began beating faster.

She immediately called the hospital. After a brief conversation, she was informed that her father's condition required continued medical attention and that the doctors needed confirmation about the next stage of treatment.

Clara gripped her phone.

"How much time do we have?" she asked.

The response made her close her eyes.

She had no money to pay for the treatment yet. Nelson had made it clear that the payment would come only after the marriage, and the marriage was still one day away.

"Please, just give me a little more time," she said before ending the call.

She looked at the box again.

"Just one more day, Papa," she murmured. "I'll do everything they ask. I promise."

She wiped her cheek, put her phone away, and began walking towards the bus stop. There was still a story to memorise and a new identity to rehearse before morning.

---

Meanwhile, back in his office, Nelson was reviewing the arrangements for the family gathering.

One of his secretaries entered with the final fitting photographs.

"Sir, the dress has been finalised. The alterations will be completed by tomorrow afternoon."

Nelson glanced through the photographs.

"Good."

"The etiquette session is also complete. She has been given the schedule and the background story she needs to remember."

"Did she understand the instructions?"

"Yes, sir."

"Any problems?"

The secretary hesitated.

"She was nervous during the fitting and had some difficulty walking in the heels. She has also never attended an event of this scale."

Nelson looked up.

"Then she should have practised harder."

"We have arranged additional practice for tomorrow, if required."

"No. There is no time for unnecessary arrangements. Make sure she arrives on schedule."

"Certainly, sir."

The secretary collected the remaining documents.

"One more thing, sir. She asked again about the payment for her father's treatment."

Nelson's expression did not change.

"What did you tell her?"

"That it will be arranged after the marriage, as stated in the contract."

"Good. Don't make any promises beyond the agreement."

"Understood."

The secretary left.

Nelson returned to his work without another thought about Clara's discomfort or the pressure she was under. For him, everything was progressing according to plan.

The dress had been selected. The story had been prepared. The family gathering was arranged. The woman he needed would stand beside him and play her part.

There was nothing else to worry about.

But for Clara, the next evening marked the beginning of a life she had never chosen.

She would walk into that gathering wearing a beautiful dress and a carefully practised smile. No one would know that the woman standing beside Nelson had agreed to surrender her freedom for the chance to save her father.