As the car drove smoothly along the road, Claire leaned back in her seat, feeling unexpectedly comfortable beside Leon. Maybe it was the way the day had gone, or maybe she was just getting used to him, but the tension between them didn't feel as sharp anymore.
She glanced at Leon wondering if he wasn't going to buy an attire for himself as they were heading home.
Pouting slightly, she asked "What about a suit? You're just going to wear something you already own?"
"I already did my fitting yesterday," he said smoothly. "My suit should be ready by now. Levy will pick it up and bring it to the mansion before evening."
Claire blinked, impressed. "You really do plan ahead, don't you?"
"Always," he replied.
A brief silence settled between them, and Claire hesitated before speaking again. She knew she needed to say this before they got home.
"By the way…" she started, glancing at him carefully. "Can you not call me your wife in front of anyone?"
Leon's brows lifted slightly. "Oh? And why is that?"
She exhaled, choosing her words carefully. "I haven't even started my acting career yet. I don't want people assuming I got in just because of you." She looked away, adding, "I'd rather keep a low profile."
Leon studied her quietly for a moment.
What she didn't say—what she couldn't say—was that it was also a way to protect herself. If he kept calling her his wife, it would only make things harder when the time came for her to leave.
Finally, Leon nodded. "Alright," he said simply. "If that's what you want."
Claire hadn't expected him to agree so easily, but she was relieved.
The rest of the drive was quiet, filled with a comfortable stillness.
The moment they stepped into the Yu family mansion, Claire was met with a surprising sight.
She had expected a grand setup with servants taking care of everything. But instead, the house was bustling with energy, the air thick with the scent of fresh pastries and the glow of lanterns.
What shocked her the most was seeing everyone involved.
Leon's father was overseeing decorations, Mae was sorting out lanterns, and even Grandma Yu was directing people with a playful authority. The staff was there, yes, but the family was just as involved.
"You're staring again," Leon murmured beside her.
Claire blinked, realizing she had been observing the scene in fascination. "I just… didn't expect this."
Leon glanced around, a small smile playing at his lips. "We've always done it this way. Wealth doesn't mean leaving traditions behind."
Claire found herself admiring that—they were such a humble family.
Mae spotted them and waved them over. "Come on, don't just stand there! We need more hands."
Claire walked over to where they were. She helped hang up lanterns while Leon worked beside her, adjusting decorations. Laughter filled the air as the family playfully bickered about placements and colors, creating an atmosphere Claire hadn't expected to enjoy.
At one point, Claire tried to hang an ornament on a higher spot but lost her balance slightly.
"Ah—"
Leon's arm shot out, steadying her by the waist.
For a moment, she was pressed against him, his warmth seeping through his shirt. Their eyes met, and time seemed to slow.
She swallowed hard. Her heart thundering so hard she felt it was going to rip out of her chest. Her cheeks flushed. Too close.
"Oh my, look at them!" Grandma Yu's voice rang out. "What a beautiful couple."
Mae smirked. "Leon, if you wanted to hold her, you could've just asked."
Claire immediately pulled away, her face burning. "I-It's not like that!"
Leon, ever composed, simply smirked. "She was about to fall. What kind of husband would I be if I didn't catch her?"
Grandma Yu chuckled knowingly. "Yes, yes, of course."
Claire groaned, deciding to focus on the decorations rather than deal with the teasing.
But despite her embarrassment, she couldn't ignore the truth.
For the first time in a long while, she felt warm—exactly how a family should be.
She could only remember having this feeling when she was little, at that time her dad adored her mom and they used to have warm conversations like this, but then her dad decided to have a mistress who ruined their family—killed her mom and cast her out.
She shook her head to stop thinking about a family who had disowned her and were dead to her, she had nothing to do with them now.
After hours of work, the mansion and the garden was transformed into a glowing spectacle, ready for the festival.
One by one, everyone retired to their rooms to freshen up and get ready.
Claire stretched as she followed Leon upstairs, exhausted but satisfied. Before heading to her room, she glanced back at the decorated halls.
This wasn't what she had expected when she came here.
She was supposed to fool Leon. Break his heart. Leave.
So why was she starting to feel something entirely different? Both towards Leon and his family
Pushing the thought aside, she turned away.
She needed to remember why she was here.
Before it was too late.
After showering, she came out to meet Mae in the room. With a mischievous smile on her face, Mae dragged her to the dressing room, where a personal stylist awaited her.
Claire glanced around for Leon, and a maid informed her that he was getting ready in an adjacent room. Allowing the stylist to work, she was soon dressed in her gown, adorned with jewelry Grandma Yu and Mae had given her, as well as pieces Leon had bought.
Descending the stairs, she caught everyone's attention. She looked so breathtakingly radiant that, for a moment, no one could believe it was her.
Claire took a slow breath as she descended the grand staircase, the fabric of her dress flowing around her like a delicate stream. The outfit she and Leon had chosen suited her perfectly—simple, yet undeniably elegant. A deep red silk gown with subtle gold embroidery that shimmered under the light, highlighting her figure without being overly extravagant. Her hair was styled neatly, soft strands framing her face.
The mask she wore was a combination of black and gold, adorned with delicate patterns that shimmered under the soft glow of the lanterns. It covered the upper half of her face, accentuating the sharpness of her cheekbones and the natural allure of her deep, expressive eyes.
Paired with her rich red gown, the mask added an air of mystery to her already captivating presence. The way it framed her features gave her a refined, almost untouchable beauty—one that could draw attention without revealing too much. Her lips, painted a deep shade of crimson, stood out against the mask, making her look both elegant and simple.
The moment her feet touched the last step, all eyes turned to her.
Mae was the first to react. "Wow." Her lips curled into a teasing smirk. "You clean up really well, Claire."
Grandma Yu beamed with approval. "Oh my, you look stunning, dear. Absolutely breathtaking."
Old Man Yu gave an approving nod.
Leon himself had been in the middle of a conversation with one of the family's business associates when he looked up and saw her. His gaze lingered, eyes darkening slightly as he took her in. He didn't say anything immediately, but the way he reached out his hand toward her spoke volumes.
Claire hesitated for a brief second before placing her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm as he guided her toward the entrance where the guests were arriving.
The grand courtyard was brimming with elegantly dressed guests, some familiar with the Yu family, others new but eager to make connections. As the official hosts, Leon and his family stood at the entrance, greeting each arrival with polite nods and handshakes.
Claire stood beside Leon, offering polite smiles when necessary.
Despite standing in the glow of the lanterns, beside a man as powerful and commanding as Leon, she still felt the weight of people's scrutiny.
She noticed the way people glanced at her—curious, questioning. Some whispered behind, others exchanged looks.
Who is she?
She's not an heiress we know of.
She's not a famous actress either, why would the Yu family choose her?
The murmuring crawled under her skin, making her uneasy.
It wasn't surprising. She had made sure to stay out of the spotlight before now. But being with Leon—standing beside him like she belonged in this world—made her an instant target for curiosity and judgment.
She swallowed, feeling an uncomfortable tightness in her chest. She thanked God it was a mask party, at least they won't know who she actually was.
Leon and the rest of the family were deep in conversations, perfectly at ease. Meanwhile, she was simply there—a presence, a mystery, an outsider in a sea of people who had lived in this world far longer than she had.
Her hands reached for a crystal glass of champagne from a passing server and she took one sip after another, keeping herself company as she continued to watch Leon interacting with the guests, his smile polite but the look in his eyes cold and distant. She frowned when she noticed the glass was empty.
It wasn't enough.
Taking a second drink from another tray, she let the cool liquid wash down her throat as she observed the party from a distance. The music was lively, the conversations endless, but she still felt like a spectator instead of a participant.
Feeling a bit tipsy from the drink, she turned to leave, to head to a quiet place and regain her balance, but as she turned—
She collided into someone.
The shock sent her drink spilling forward, drenching the person in front of her.
A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she looked up, her heart pounding.