Chapter 3 A WEB OF LIES

Isabella couldn't sleep that night. Her mind replayed every word of the outrageous deal she'd struck with Ethan Hawthorne. She had walked into that gala desperate to save her family's legacy, but now, she found herself engaged to a man she barely knew a man whose icy demeanor and ruthless reputation made him both fascinating and terrifying.

The next morning, a sleek black car arrived at her modest apartment. The driver handed her a note written in Ethan's sharp handwriting:

"Our arrangement begins today. Be ready by nine. E.H."

Despite her nerves, Isabella dressed in her best professional outfit a cream blouse and black pencil skirt. As she stepped into the car, she wondered what exactly "today" would entail.

When she arrived at Hawthorne Industries' towering headquarters, Ethan was waiting for her in his penthouse office. The view of the city skyline was breathtaking, but Isabella barely noticed. Ethan's presence dominated the room, and the intensity of his gaze made her stomach twist.

"Good. You're punctual," he said, motioning for her to sit.

Before she could ask why she was there, Ethan slid a thick document across the desk toward her.

"Our contract," he said simply.

Isabella's eyes widened as she flipped through the pages. It was a meticulously detailed agreement outlining every aspect of their fake engagement: public appearances, press releases, even a clause about how they would handle questions from friends and family.

"This is... thorough," she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I don't leave things to chance," Ethan replied. "Now, sign it."

She hesitated, her pen hovering over the dotted line. "I have one question," she said, looking up at him. "Why are you so desperate to stage a fake engagement? You're one of the most powerful men in the city. Surely, you could find someone else someone willing."

Ethan's jaw tightened, and for a moment, something flickered in his eyes something vulnerable. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"That's none of your concern," he said curtly. "Just remember that this arrangement benefits both of us."

Isabella wanted to press him further, but the weight of her own desperation held her back. She signed the contract, sealing her fate.

"Good," Ethan said, taking the document and slipping it into a folder. "Your first appearance as my fiancée will be tonight."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Tonight?"

"Yes. A charity gala. The press will be there, so we need to sell the story. You'll have a fitting in an hour. My assistant will take care of the details."

Before Isabella could process his words, Ethan stood and walked to the window, his back to her. "One more thing," he said, his voice low. "You need to be convincing. People will watch us closely. If you slip, this deal is over, and so is your company."

The weight of his words hit her like a freight train. This wasn't just about pretending. This was about survival.

The charity gala that evening was more extravagant than Isabella had imagined. The glittering chandeliers, flowing champagne, and sea of designer gowns made her feel like a stranger in a foreign land.

Ethan, however, seemed perfectly at home. He greeted influential guests with ease, his hand resting lightly on her lower back as he introduced her as his fiancée. Isabella felt the heat of his touch even through the fabric of her dress, and she hated how it unsettled her.

But the real challenge came when the media descended upon them. Cameras flashed, and reporters peppered them with questions.

"How did you two meet?" one asked, shoving a microphone toward them.

Isabella froze, her mind blank. She hadn't prepared for this. But Ethan stepped in smoothly, his voice calm and confident.

"It was fate," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "The moment I saw her, I knew she was the one."

Isabella's heart raced, and she forced a smile, nodding as if the lie were true. But before the next question could be asked, a voice from the crowd sliced through the air.

"Fate? That's rich coming from you, Ethan."

Both Isabella and Ethan turned to see a stunning woman with fiery red hair and an icy smile. She was dressed in a striking emerald gown, her every movement exuding confidence.

"Victoria," Ethan said, his tone sharp.

Victoria sauntered closer, her gaze flicking to Isabella. "So, this is the fiancée? My, Ethan, you move fast."

Isabella felt the tension crackle between them, and she realized with a sinking feeling that this woman wasn't just any guest. She was someone from Ethan's past someone who clearly wasn't buying their act.

"Victoria," Ethan said, his voice low and dangerous, "this isn't the time."

"Oh, I think it's the perfect time," Victoria replied, her smile widening. "After all, I wouldn't want your charming fiancée to be blindsided by... old history."

Isabella's stomach churned as she looked between them. What was Victoria hinting at? And why did it feel like Ethan was hiding something far bigger than a fake engagement?

As the cameras continued to flash and the whispers around them grew louder, Isabella realized one thing: she was in way over her head.

And she wasn't sure if she could trust Ethan Hawthorne to lead her out.

What secret is Ethan hiding about his past with Victoria? Will their fake engagement crumble under the pressure of scrutiny?

Would you like to dive deeper into Ethan's past in the next chapter or focus on Isabella's reaction to the growing complications?