Chapter 3 A Risky Activity

Sharon's POV

Standing behind Thomas on the high venue, I was blinded by the press conference's intense lights, which caused my hands to perspire. As Thomas grabbed my hand tightly, cameras snapped nonstop, documenting every moment. He had a comforting grasp, but his face was still inscrutable. In my humble attire, I felt like a fraud, surrounded by wealth and influence.

Thomas said, "Ladies and gentlemen," his powerful voice drowned out the whispers. It is a privilege for me to share some personal news with you today. I'm engaged to Sharon Miller, this amazing lady at my side.

A mixture of groans and cheers filled the room. Despite my racing heart, I faked a grin. I could hear reporters whispering:

"Who is she? A secretarial assistant?"

"I don't think she's, his type."

Maybe a gold digger?"

Even though the remarks hurt, I maintained my composure. A gentle touch of Thomas's hand served as a quiet reminder to maintain composure.

We were inundated with inquiries from the press after the announcement. An especially audacious reporter inquired, "Ms. How does it feel, Miller, to be engaged to one of the wealthiest men in the nation after working as a secretary?"

Even though my throat constricted, I was able to respond, "It's overwhelming, but love isn't about wealth or titles." It has to do with understanding and connection.

A little grin formed on Thomas's lips, but it vanished as soon as it emerged. The remainder of the conference seemed to go by quickly, and I kept thinking that the media's doubt was just the start of my difficulties.

The charity gala that night was a magnificent show. The guests wore cut suits and beautiful dresses, and the ballroom was glistening with chandeliers. In my borrowed outfit, I felt out of place, but Thomas strolled next to me with the self-assurance of a world-owner.

A silence descended over the room as we mixed. A lady in a gown that shouted luxury and bright red hair came in. Her lips curved into a sly smirk as her gaze fell on Thomas.

Thomas said, "Veronica," in a tone that was colder than anything I had ever heard.

She purred, completely disregarding me, "Darling." "I was surprised to see you here."

With a harsh tone, Thomas presented me to his fiancée, "This is Veronica, Sharon."

Veronica glanced at me, her contempt hardly hidden. "How charming," she said in a sarcastic tone. Tell me, Sharon, what it's like to land the city's most eligible bachelor."

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. She went on, louder this time so the other guests could hear before I could reply.

Being so high above your position must be exhilarating. Tell me, are you naturally gifted or did you study gold-digging?"

The audience erupted in laughter. Thomas intervened before I could collapse, even though my cheeks were burning.

His voice was cold as he replied, "Enough, Veronica." "Sharon is twice as good a woman as you could ever be," I advise you to leave if you are unable to behave.

Veronica's grin wavered, but it returned swiftly. She said, "Oh, Thomas, you're so protective." How endearing. But how long will it endure, I wonder?

I was shaken as she walked away. Thomas said softly as he leaned forward. "Avoid letting her affect you. She enjoys drama a lot.

I nodded, but his words didn't calm the raging emotional storm inside of me. Why had he spoken up for me so strongly yet stayed so far away? Did that all happen as part of the act?

I had to breathe. I took a deep breath as I stepped out onto the balcony and tried to calm myself. The refreshing night air was a nice change from the stuffy indoors.

Behind me, a silky voice said, "Quite the performance in there."

I looked across and saw Thomas's half-brother, Maxwell. His eyes were calculating, but his grin was attractive as he leaned comfortably on the railing.

"What are you looking for? With a cautious tone, I inquired.

"To assist you," he added, taking a step forward. "'Sharon, Thomas's world will destroy you. It's too brutal for someone like you.'"

Though my voice faltered, I said, "I can handle myself."

Maxwell laughed. "Brave words. But allow me to simplify things for you. I'll make it worthwhile if you go immediately. A substantial amount of money, sufficient to begin again in a distant location.

I looked at him in disbelief. Are you able to buy me off?"

His cocky statement was, "I know I can." But if you stick around, I'll reveal things that will ruin you and Thomas alike. Sharon, give it some serious thought.

I felt a sinking sensation in my chest as he left. What secrets were he discussing? And why did I feel as if I was playing a riskier game than I had anticipated?

When I returned to my room and opened my handbag to locate my phone, a folded piece of paper fell out. As I opened it, I saw one terrifying statement that made my pulse race:

"Take off now before it's too late."

The content was obvious, but the writing was strange. Grasping the letter, my palms shook. Threatening to get me to leave was something someone wanted to do.

I stared at the message while perched on the bed's edge. Everything was pressing down on me, threatening to crush me: Maxwell, Veronica, the press, and now this.

However, as the panic surged through me, resolve emerged as a new sensation. I was misjudged by whoever wanted me out of Thomas's life. I had no intention of running. Not quite yet.

As the evening wore on, I realized that the stakes were bigger than I had ever imagined. Pretending to be Thomas's fiancée was no longer the only goal. It was about finding the truth and surviving.