Chapter 5: A public display

I blinked. “You mean besides the eight hundred thousand dollars?”

His expression remained unreadable. “Yes.”

I hesitated, fingers tracing the marble countertop. Why had I agreed?

Because my father needed medical treatment. Because I had no other options. Because, deep down, I wanted to prove I could handle this.

Instead, I shrugged. “Why did you ask me to go into a contract marriage with you ?”

Alexander exhaled, swirling the water in his glass. “You fit the image. You were the least complicated choice.”

Ouch. I felt the harshness in that.

“Glad to know I’m your best ‘least complicated’ option,” I muttered.

He didn’t apologize, because, of course, he wouldn’t.

Instead, he just said, “Get some rest. We have a public appearance tomorrow.”

And just like that, he left again unannounced, disappearing down the hall.

I let out a slow breath, staring at the spot where he had stood.

This arrangement was simple on paper, but being in Alexander Pierce's world it was going to be anything but easy.

And the worst part? A part of me was starting to wonder what it would be like if this marriage were to be real.

I mean being the real wife of Alexander.

This thought crossed my mind for a few seconds, but I pushed the thought away as fast as possible, because the thought of this alone gave me the chills, as I walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of cold water.

This was a contract, not some fairytale romance built on the bed of roses. I told myself that more like a quick reminder I needed to know.

I siped the water I was holding, as my gaze drifted toward the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. 

The city lights stretched endlessly, casting a glow over the sleek interior. It felt surreal being here, this I can't deny, being part of this life, even if it was temporary.

I had spent my entire life struggling to make ends meet, and now I was living

I thought to myself, staring at the spot where he had stood.

I was presently living in a world where money was never a concern. It should have felt like a dream.

Instead, it felt like a cage wrapped in gold.

And the man who held the key? He was the one person I couldn’t afford to fall for.

   It was an unusual morning for me, I had barely finished my morning coffee when Alexander's assistant Hailey arrived at the penthouse. Looking all dressed up in a well-tailored black suit, her deep brown hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, that made her look so elegant. And carried a tablet in one hand.

“We need to discuss today’s event,” she said calmly 

without preamble.

Alexander immediately set aside the newspaper he had been reading, he set it aside and gestured for her to continue what she was saying. I sat directly across him, still in my pajamas, feeling completely unprepared for whatever discussion we were about to have.

“There is a charity gala at the Rosewood Hotel this evening. High calibers of people were the only ones on the guest list including high-profile investors, politicians, and, of course, the media. This will be your first official appearance as a couple.” She looked directly at me. 

“Which means, you’ll need to be ready for cameras, interviews, and speculation.”

 “Interviews?” I asked quickly, nearly choking on my coffee.

Alexander's expression didn’t change.

 “Only if necessary. The focus will be on our presence, not what we say.”

“But people will ask questions,” I argued. “And I have no idea how to answer them.”

“That's part of the reason I'm here, we need to ensure your story is consistent,” 

Hailey said as she tapped a few times on her tablet 

before continuing. 

“You and Alexander Pierce met at a gala last year. You had an instant connection, started dating in secret, and recently got engaged.” 

Nothing more and nothing less. Hailey said.

I raised an eyebrow. “That’s…dramatic.”

“It’s believable,” Alexander countered. 

“The media loves an exclusive love story. It keeps them engaged.”

I sighed, caressing my temples. “What if I say something wrong?”

“You won’t,” Heiley said firmly. “I’ll run through likely questions with you now. By the time we arrive, you’ll know exactly what to say.” Trust me you would.

I glanced at Alexander, who simply watched me with that unreadable gaze. This was real. This was happening.

I had to avoid making mistakes and play my role perfectly. But I somehow feel bothered if my role doesn't go well.

Later that evening,

I was handed the gown I would be wearing to the evening gala event by Hailey and I must say the dress looked stunning. I admired it for a while before trying it on. It was a form-fitting, pretty deep red gown. After putting it on the beauty came out even more it draped elegantly over my body. I was still standing before the dressing mirror as I gently adjusted the fabric on the gown to look more fitted.

 I couldn't take my eyes off the slit at the side of the gown. It was just enough to be daring but still sophisticated. I loved it.

While I was still admiring the dress, Hailey had already arranged for a stylist. 

My hair framed my face flawlessly, it was styled into soft waves. The makeup was exceptionally flawless. I could barely recognize myself.

“You look stunning,” Hailey said almost Immediately as she stepped into the room.

I turned to her, still feeling uneasy. “ for a second I felt like I was wearing someone else’s life.”

She smiled slightly. “That’s because you are.”

A knock at the door made me jump.

Alexander walked inside, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo. For a moment, I forgot I was so carried away that I forgot how to breathe.

“You clean up well,” Alexander said, while his eyes scanned me from head to toe.

I didn't say a word, pretended not to hear what he said because it was not a compliment to me.

He extended his arm. “Shall we?”

I paused for a second before placing my hand in his. The moment our skin touched, a shiver ran up my spine. He led me out of the room, and down to the private car waiting outside.

The drive to the Rosewood Hotel was quiet. I was still staring at the window as we approached the grand entrance, my heart was already pounding as I sighted photographers who were already stationed outside flashes going on and off as other high-profile guests arrived.

Alexander's grip on my hand tightened slightly. “Remember what we practiced.”

I exhaled slowly. “Right. Smile, look in love, and don’t say anything stupid.”

He smirked. “Exactly.”

The car moved to a stop, and before I could prepare myself any further, the driver opened the door.

Alexander stepped out first, and then it was my turn. He reached out for my hand, almost immediately as I placed my hand in his and we both stepped onto the carpet, flashes exploded around us that I could barely see properly.

Showtime! 

Inside the Gala, the ballroom was breathtaking I must say, I stared at the well-decorated high ceilings and chandeliers, and also the tables that were set with expensive floral arrangements. The ballroom was flawlessly designed. I couldn't stop admiring the top-notch decorations. 

  I was still looking around as I spotted Some sea of elegantly dressed important guests mingling with champagne flutes in hand. It was indeed a sight of high calibers of people.

 I wasn't expecting less of this though but the whole decoration was top-notch.

Alexander kept a firm grip on my waist as we walked in, and I could already hear the whispers.

“That’s Alexander Pierce's fiancée?”

“I was told they’ve been secretly dating for months.”

“She’s gorgeous, but she doesn’t look like the usual type he goes for.”

Not giving in to all that people were saying, for some reason, I just felt safe until my eyes landed on a face I thought I would never see again.

  I calmly took a glance around the room, I spotted  Brenton, my toxic ex, who once tried to murder me standing among the crowd, smiling while looking around like he was in search of someone. 

At this point I could feel my hands trembling, my blood ran cold as my palms were already covered in cold sweats, and my heart was pounding in fear so fast and loud that I could hear every beat it made.