008

The next morning, the sterling estate was occupied with activities. Preparations were done for an exclusive business dinner hosted by Margaret to appease the board members and silence any lingering doubts about Cyrus’s leadership. Camilla, however, had been left in the dark until a maid knocked on the, informing her of the evening's event.

Camilla's lips pressed into a deep thin line as she stared at the array of gowns the maid had brought into the room. She wasn't a fan of being dressed like a doll for appearances, but she knew better than to fight against the sterling expectations. Her role was clear, smile, nod and act like the perfect secretary. But the dress brought to her wasn't the type a secretary should wear, Camilla shrugged. But as she ran her fingers across the expensive fabric, a flicker of defiance rose in her chest.

“Is this how it's going to be from now on? Pretending to be his secretary in a social meeting, while she was his wife?” She muttered to herself, her reflection in the mirror staring back with equal parts frustration and determination.

By the time the sky became dark, the sterling mansion had transformed into a dazzling display of opulence. Chandeliers sparkled, waist staff in crisp uniforms moved seamlessly through the crowd, and soft classical music floated in the air. Business tycoons, investors, and Influential socialites filled the grand hall, each sipping champagne and exchanging polite pleasantries.

Camilla descended the staircase in a deep emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Her dark hair was styled into an elegant updo, a few strands framing her face. She looked every bit a beautiful and adorable wife, but her sharp gaze betrayed her discomfort. She spotted Margret near the centre of the room, surrounded by guests, her practiced smile firmly in place.

Margret hurried towards Camilla immediately she caught sight of her. 

“Hold on, Camilla.” 

Camilla paused, her fake smile etched on her face.

“You look so adorable.” Margret smiled sweetly, as soon as walked up to Camilla. “I knew the dress was going to suit you.”

“Thank you, Mrs Margaret. But isn't it too much for a secretary?” 

“No, I already Introduced you as Cyrus's wife, not a secretary. So, yes, the dress is very good.”

“What? I thought  the agreement was a Non-Disclosure?” 

“Yes, dear. But I had a change of mind. You're okay with it, right?” 

Camilla smiled faintly, and nodded, “Yes, ma’am. I'm okay with it.” She said, Even though she wasn't okay with it, what was her say, when the woman had already disclosed the matter?

“Alright then. Cyrus had been staring at you, go, go to him. I'll leave you both.”

Camilla mentally rolled her eyes and nodded.

She hadn't even noticed Cyrus yet, until Margret nodded towards his direction. He stood near the bar, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders and commanding presence. His hair was styled just enough to look effortlessly perfect and his sharp features gave him an air of authority.  He was in a deep conversation with an older man, but his eyes flickered towards Camilla the moment she stepped into view.

Cyrus' lips tightened, though he quickly masked his reactions. He turned back to his conversation, but his gaze drifted to her again moments later. Camilla didn't miss the brief flicker of disapproval in his expression, but she ignored him, holding her head high as her gaze shifted to another angle.

Camilla was still staring away, when she perceived Cyrus's cologne, she turned to find him standing close to her.

“This dress looks nothing like work attire.”

“Maybe you should ask your mother.” Camilla spat and made to leave, but Cyrus quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

“I'm not done talking to you.”

“Well, I'm done.” Camilla said calmly, trying to free her arm.

“What do you mean I should ask my mother?”

“I see you're looking for ways to talk to me, that's okay. People are watching, I'm sure they're speculating how romantic our relationship is.” Camilla smiled.

“Why not place your hand on my waist, so it'd look more romantic? Huh?” She grabbed his free hand and placed it on her waist. 

“Release my arm, and place the other hand on my waist. That way we'd look every bit of the perfect couple, right?”

Cyrus clenched his jaw and angrily removed both hands from her body. “What do you think you're doing?” 

“Fulfilling my part of the contract, you should do yours too.”

Cyrus looked around, indeed many eyes were on them, he sighed and grabbed her wrist, pulling them a bit away from the guests.

“What? You can't get enough of me? Wait till the event has ended, okay?” Camilla raised her voice a bit, giving the guest a wrong impression, as Cyrus pulled her away.

Once they were away from the prying eyes of the guests, Cyrus released her wrist. “This is a joke to you, right?” 

“No. Am I not playing my role well?”

“What was it you pulled over there?”

Camilla stared at him for a moment before looking away. “Why are you so pissed? Didn't you agree with your mom before she sent us the proposal?”

“No!”

“Ohh, well I also didn't agree, but what can a poor girl like me do, huh?” She said, her voice carrying a hint of mockery.

“I’ll give you this last chance. Tomorrow, come to the Third Sterling’s building, I'll have my men arrange a lot of money for you to leave.”

Camilla smiled sweetly, and Cyrus thought she had agreed, but her next words shattered that illusion.

“I'm also giving you this last change. Tomorrow, come to the Third Camilla's building, I'll have my men arrange a lot of money for you to leave.”

“Is that fair enough?” she laughed.

Cyrus was at a loss for words, he thought he was headstrong, but looking at the petite woman in front of him, he knew he was mistaken. 

Other ladies wouldn't miss to take an offer like this, so why did she refuse? He thought, confused.

“What exactly do you want?”

“Your guests are probably wondering where we are. We should head back.”

Without waiting for his response, Camilla turned around and left, leaving his question unanswered.

Once she was away and in sight of the crowd, she pretended to adjust her clothes, feigning an embarrassed smile. 

“Don't worry Hun, when the event is over, I really won't stop you again.” She said, as soon as she noticed Cyrus's approaching figure.

Cyrus simply shook his head and walked past her.