As we entered the sparkling ballroom, Adrian teased just as he always does, "Smile, darling," placing his hand at the small of my back.
His gentle yet possessive touch served as a silent reminder to me to maintain my composure.
Despite my heart feeling like it was trying to claw its way out of my chest, I forced a smile and swallowed hard.
Like everyone could see right through me, every eye in the room turned to us, sharp and keenly observing.
This was no ordinary meeting. It was the pinnacle of Milan's elite, including socialites, billionaires, and titans of the industry.
Their smiles were well practiced, their laughter sharp. Of course I had no place here!.
"Remember dear, confidence is everything," Adrian muttered, his voice as silky as the silk dress I was wearing. Despite my instincts telling me to run, I nodded.
Rather, I allowed him to lead me farther into the crowd, my thoughts racing, my steps hesitant.
What was I doing here? Just a day ago, I was struggling to pay rent, sneaking into this world like a thief in the night.
And here I am posing as Adrian Cross's fiancée, Milan's most desirable bachelor.
"This is ridiculous," I muttered, my jaws clinched.
Adrian answered calmly, "You'll get used to it,"
The way he said that with a straight face really got on my nerves.
But as soon as he said it, I spotted her.
Vanessa Carter.
With her platinum blonde hair styled in a sleek chignon and her figure draped in a dress that probably cost more than my annual income, she was a picture of cold beauty.
Just like a predator sizing up its prey, her piercing blue eyes fixed me. She stepped forward with an elegance that made me feel awkward in contrast, and cooed,
"Adrian." "And this has to be... Mia, isn't it?
Well in true honesty it felt insulting the way she said it.
Adrian's fingers tightened around my waist as he responded with ease, "Yes," "My fiance."
Her gaze shifted to the dazzling diamond ring on my finger, which seemed like a burden binding me to this façade.
Vanessa never wavered in her smile, but I could see the glimmer of doubt and the calculating in her eyes.
She said it again, her voice brimming with fake sweetness: "Fiancée." "How beautiful. And so sudden".
Adrian said, "It's been a whirlwind," in a calm and collected manner. "But when you know, you know."
When Vanessa's eyes returned to me, I briefly thought I was being x-rayed. "Tell me, Mia," she asked in a quite inquisitive tone. "How did you two get together?"
With Panic gnawing at my throat, I froze. My thoughts were racing, trying to come up with a response that wouldn't give us away.
Just then Adrian took over with ease. "Although it's quite the tale, but I'm afraid we'll have to save it for another time. Please excuse us.
Vanessa's eyes followed us piercing and suspicious, but he pulled me away before she could push any farther.
"You're doing just great!," Adrian remarked quietly.
I gave him a scowl. "She doesn't believe us."
"She doesn't have to. She just has to think twice before saying otherwise."
We came to a halt close to a group of guests who were already engaged in a heated discussion about stock portfolios and corporate mergers.
Adrian, ever the chameleon, fit into their circles despite my complete lack of belonging. I remained silent while I looked around the hall. The glances from other guests felt like daggers.
Was it that obvious I was different from their world?
I heard Vanessa's voice suddenly, louder now, laughing and making dramatic gestures.
She addressed the gathering surrounding her, saying mockingly, "A fiancée from nowhere." "That sounds like the plot of a bad novel, doesn't it?"
I tightened my hands as heat surged to my cheeks.
"Don't", Adrian said in a barely audible voice.
With my rage seething just beneath the surface, I turned to face him. "Don't what?"
"React. That's exactly what she wants right now.
But of course I couldn't watch myself being downgraded by his cold and arrogant ex-wife. I pressed, "Excuse me," moving away from him and making my way directly to Vanessa.
As I got closer, she stopped laughing and changed her attitude to one of mock surprise. Despite the anger in my chest, I shot back, "I'm so glad you find my life amusing."
Her smile was cheesy as she cocked her head. "No need to take things personal, my dear". "I'm just fascinated by...... your tale".
I lowered my voice so that she could hear me clearly as I leaned in. "Fascinated enough to spread rumors? Or are you just trying to make yourself feel better about being his ex?"
For a little while, her smile wavered, but it was just what I needed at the moment. Of course I knew that hit her hard enough.
After recovering quickly, she remarked, "I suppose time will tell if you're up to the task."
I forced a smile and took a step back. "Yeah, time will tell a lot of things, ex-wife." I said mockingly.
I could feel Adrian's eyes on me as I turned to leave.
He arched an eyebrow as I got to him. "Bold move," he said "I like it.
"She got what she deserved," I whispered.
He didn't disagree.
The rest of the evening was a haze of strained discussions and fake smiles.
I was exhausted both mentally and physically by the time we left.
The tension between us was high as we rode silently back to Adrian's penthouse. He finally talked when we got there. "Vanessa isn't your biggest problem right now."
I scowled. "What do you mean by that?"
He gave me a folder that he had taken out of his briefcase. There were pictures—of me. Sneaking through the rear entrance at the gala.
My blood became icy.
"Someone knows," he remarked somberly.
"Knows what?" I anxiously said.
"That you aren't who you are 'ACTING' to be." And, they won't be quiet about it.
"Who exactly are they" I asked almost immediately, but his phone buzzed before he could answer.
His face darkened as he looked at the screen.
"Now what?" My voice trembled as I asked.
I saw the message when he turned the phone to face me: *If you think tonight was bad, just wait* As I stared at him, my heart fell.
His voice was stern and icy as he said, "We're running out of time."
My gut dropped with fear as I gazed at him. "So what now?"
His face was unreadable as he looked into my eyes. "Whatever it takes."
--- A loud, urgent knock echoed through the penthouse. I grabbed Adrian's arm before he could answer it.
"Wait," I muttered, my voice laced with fear.
He hesitated, his jaw tight. Then, slowly, he reached for the door.