Chapter Nine

Lily’s POV

The car ride to Lucas’s office was silent, except for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional beeping of his phone. I kept my eyes on the passing skyscrapers, trying to shake the strange nervousness settling in my stomach.

Why was I nervous? 

I had no reason to be. This was a business transaction, nothing more. But as we pulled up to the massive glass building with "Hawke Enterprises" displayed in bold letters, I couldn’t ignore the way my heart pounded.

“Stay close to me,” Lucas instructed, stepping out first. 

I rolled my eyes but followed him, smoothing down my outfit. The moment we entered the lobby, all eyes turned to us. Employees whispered among themselves, stealing glances. Some looked surprised, others curious. I heard snippets of murmured conversations.

“She’s real?”

“So, the rumors were true?”

“She’s actually kind of pretty.”

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to ignore them.

Lucas, on the other hand, walked with his usual unbothered confidence. He led me straight to the private elevator, swiping his keycard before the doors opened. As soon as we stepped inside, the hushed chatter from outside was cut off, replaced by an unsettling silence.

“You’ll be working from my office today,” Lucas said, checking his watch. “I have back-to-back meetings, so stay inside unless necessary.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Working? Doing what, exactly?”

He finally looked at me, his gaze unreadable. “Reading the contract you signed would have answered that.”

I groaned, folding my arms. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be a genius businessman, you really suck at communication.”

His lips twitched, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he checked his watch again before the elevator doors slid open to reveal a sleek, modern office floor. The decor was minimalist yet expensive, a reflection of the man himself.

The receptionist, a woman with sharp features and an even sharper stare, greeted Lucas with a professional nod before her gaze landed on me. “Mr. Hawke, your schedule is packed until three. Should I clear some time later?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Lucas said curtly. “Make sure she has everything she needs in my office.”

I resisted the urge to scowl at the way he spoke about me like I wasn’t standing right there.

The receptionist nodded, but her eyes lingered on me for a second longer. “Of course.”

Lucas led me through a corridor lined with glass-walled offices, his strides purposeful and unwavering. I had to hurry to keep up, my heels clicking against the polished floor. When we finally reached his office—a massive space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city—I let out a slow breath.

“You seriously work here every day?” I muttered, glancing around.

“I do,” he answered, heading straight for his desk. “And now, so do you.”

I shot him a glare. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Lucas sat down, finally meeting my gaze. “Consider this an adjustment period. Read over the documents on the desk. Get familiar with the business.”

I frowned, but before I could argue, there was a knock on the door. A well-dressed man stepped inside, holding a file. He barely spared me a glance before speaking.

“Sir, the board is ready for your presentation.”

Lucas nodded, standing. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

He turned to me, his expression unreadable. “Stay here. If you need anything, ask the receptionist.”

I watched as he left, the door shutting behind him. The silence that followed was almost suffocating. 

I glanced at the stack of papers on his desk. If I was going to survive this, I might as well do what he asked.

I sighed but walked over, sinking into the chair. “So, I’m just supposed to… what? Pretend to be productive?”

“You’re supposed to familiarize yourself with my schedule, emails, and upcoming events. You’ll be accompanying me to social functions, meetings, and charity events.”

I blinked. “You want me to play secretary?”

“I want you to play the role of my wife.”

His words sent a strange shiver down my spine. I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, the door swung open.

A stunning woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes strode in, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She barely spared me a glance before turning to Lucas with a dazzling smile.

“Lucas,” she purred, ignoring my existence. “I was hoping we could discuss the upcoming investor’s gala.”

I watched as she placed a manicured hand on his desk, leaning in slightly.

Lucas barely reacted. “Not now, Veronica.”

She pouted, but her eyes flickered toward me. “Oh, is this…?”

“My wife,” Lucas said flatly. “Lily, this is Veronica Hayes, head of PR.”

Veronica’s lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, how lovely. It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Lily.”

I could already tell she didn’t mean it. 

I forced a polite smile. “Likewise.”

She studied me for a second before turning back to Lucas. “We’ll talk later then.”

With that, she walked out, leaving behind the faint scent of expensive perfume.

The moment she was gone, I exhaled. “I don’t think she likes me.”

Lucas smirked. “She doesn’t have to.”

I scoffed. “And here I thought this would be easy.”

Lucas leaned against his desk, watching me closely. “It won’t be.”

I met his gaze, determination settling in my chest. “Good. I like a challenge.”

For the first time, something like amusement flickered in his eyes. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”