Chapter 4 The First Test

Velia barely slept that night.

She woke up in the opulent condo Lucas had given her, which was much too opulent for someone who had been struggling to buy instant noodles only days before. The room was large and tasteful, and the bed was the softest she had ever slept on, yet it didn't feel like hers.

Because it wasn't.

The glistening city view, the designer clothing neatly arranged in the wardrobe, and the silk sheets were all part of the fantasy she had consented to.

She would pretend to be the fiancée of a man who hardly knew her when she entered a room full of influential people tomorrow.

You can do this, Velia.

She had to. There was no other choice.

---

The Morning Before the Gala

The following morning, Evelyn arrived early, as efficient as ever.

"Good morning, Miss Howell," she greeted as she walked into the apartment, followed by her assistant carrying a rolling rack of clothes. "We have a long day ahead of us."

Velia, still feeling sleep deprived, rubbed her eyes. "I thought the gala was tonight."

Evelyn gave her a small, patient smile. "Yes, but we have work to do before then. You need to be prepared-both in appearance and knowledge."

Velia sighed but nodded. There was no room for mistakes.

---

Lessons in Deception

Evelyn's first task was teaching her everything she needed to know about Lucas.

"People will ask questions," she explained, sliding a folder across the marble coffee table. "They'll want to know how you met, how long you've been together, and what Lucas's favourite things are."

Velia opened the folder. Inside was a detailed profile of Lucas Hernandez-his business empire, his habits, his preferences. She frowned. "It's like studying for an exam."

Evelyn smirked. "Exactly."

Velia spent the next few hours learning everything by heart, including the fact that Lucas never went to social events before midnight if he could avoid it and that he always drank black coffee without sugar.

But the hardest part was the fabricated love story.

Evelyn provided her a script that said she and Lucas had met at a charity function a year prior. They had clicked right away and had been dating in secret ever since. At a private dinner in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower illuminating the backdrop, he had proposed.

Velia nearly choked on her coffee when she read that. "That's ridiculous. I've never even been to Paris."

Evelyn raised a brow. "Then you better learn to lie convincingly."

Velia groaned. She had underestimated how difficult this would be.

---

The Dress and the Man Who Would Break Her

By the time nightfall came, Velia had changed.

She stood at the mirror, gazing incredulously at her reflection.

The deep sapphire gown Evelyn had chosen clung to her curves perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the soft lighting. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and the subtle makeup gave her an air of effortless elegance.

She looked like she belonged in Lucas's world.

On the inside, though, she still felt like the same girl who had been left to fight on her own.

She was startled out of her reverie by a knock on the door.

Evelyn opened it, and Lucas stepped in.

Velia's breath caught.

Lucas looked stunning in a sleek black tuxedo. His suit's precise cut highlighted his strong shoulders, and as he took her in, his normally icy face softened just a bit.

For a few seconds, they just looked at one another.

Then, Lucas spoke.

"You'll do."

Velia scowled. "Gee, thanks."

His lips twitched in amusement, but he said nothing more as he walked toward her, reaching into his pocket. "Hold out your hand."

She hesitated but obeyed.

Lucas pulled out a huge, exquisite diamond ring that shone in the illumination.

As he placed it on her finger, Velia's heart raced.

"It fits," she murmured, staring at it.

Lucas smirked. "Of course it does. I don't make mistakes, Miss Howell."

The way his fingers hovered over hers until he eventually moved away had a possessive quality.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

Velia swallowed her nerves and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

---

The Gala: A Test of Lies

Cameras flashed at them as soon as they got out of the limousine.

Velia gripped Lucas's arm tighter, her heart pounding. The time had come for her to demonstrate her ability to play the part.

Lucas, as if sensing her nerves, leaned down and murmured in her ear, "Smile, darling. You're supposed to be in love with me."

Her spine tingled at the rich tone of his voice. She turned to face him as the cameras caught the moment, forcing a grin.

To anyone watching, they looked like the perfect couple.

The ballroom inside was stunning. Chatter and the clinking of champagne glasses filled the air as chandeliers glistened overhead. Before Velia could even take in the majesty, a crowd of people gathered around them.

"Lucas!" A tall, elegant woman in a silver dress smiled warmly. "And this must be the fiancée we've heard so much about."

Velia's stomach clenched. Showtime.

Lucas's grip on her waist tightened slightly-a silent warning to stay calm.

"Yes," he said smoothly. "This is Velia."

The woman turned to her. "I'm Margaret Sinclair. Lucas and I go way back." She gave Velia a pointed look. "So, tell me, how did you two meet?"

Velia's mind raced, but she managed a soft laugh. "At a charity event last year."

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Really? Which one?"

Velia faltered for a second, but then Lucas interjected.

"The Hernandez Foundation Gala," he said effortlessly.

Margaret's gaze lingered on Velia for a moment longer before she finally smiled. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Velia exhaled silently. One test down.

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of introductions and carefully crafted lies. Velia played her role well-laughing at Lucas's dry remarks, gazing at him the way a woman in love would.

But beneath it all, she could feel the weight of his presence.

Lucas was calculating, icy, and dangerously alluring. She wasn't the only person who noticed, either.

At the event, a number of women gave him sly looks of curiosity; some even gave Velia envious looks.

Then she realised that Lucas Hernandez was more than just powerful. They desired him.

She was the woman who stood by his side for the next six months.

---

A Dance with the Devil

The orchestra started playing a gentle, beautiful melody just as Velia was beginning to believe she had made it through the night.

Lucas turned to her, extending his hand. "Dance with me."

Her heart pounded. "I don't-"

"You do now," he said, cutting off her protest.

With no choice, she placed her hand in his and let him lead her onto the dance floor.

The moment his arm wrapped around her waist, she forgot how to breathe.

Lucas moved over the floor with such ease and grace that she seemed to belong there. A strange feeling that was entirely related to the man holding her and had nothing to do with the contract was triggered by the warmth of his palm on her back.

The world around them dimmed for a moment as their eyes locked.

Then Lucas said, his voice just audible over her ear.

"Miss Howell, you performed admirably tonight. But keep in mind that this is only the start.

Velia took a deep breath.

Thinking it was merely a business deal, she had consented to this arrangement.

However, she became aware of something as she gazed into Lucas Hernandez's impenetrable grey eyes.

She wasn't merely playing a role.

She was tinkering with fire.

Lucas, too?

He would let her burn because he was that kind of man.