Chapter 5 The Aftermath of Deception

After barely processing everything that had transpired at the gala, Velia found herself seated next to Lucas in the limousine once more in dead stillness.

While the city lights outside flickered by, the tension within the vehicle was oppressive.

She had smiled, lied, and acted like Lucas Hernandez's loyal fiancée, and she had made it through the night.

But something about the way Lucas was sitting now-arms crossed, gaze fixed ahead, jaw tight-told her she had made a mistake somewhere.

Her hands curled into fists on her lap. What now?

"You hesitated."

Lucas's voice, calm yet edged with disappointment, cut through the silence.

Velia stiffened. "What?"

"You hesitated when Margaret asked how we met," he said, turning his head slightly to look at her. "I saw it. So did she."

Velia felt her tummy tighten. Although she knew a woman like Margaret wouldn't notice even the slightest discrepancy, she had done her best.

"I-I recovered," she said defensively.

Lucas's eyes darkened. "Barely."

She felt reprimanded like a child by his tone. Her chest burnt with frustration.

"I had to memorise a dozen details about your life in one day," she snapped. "I'm not used to lying, Lucas."

For a moment, she feared he might snap back as his jaw jerked. Instead, he leaned in closer and spoke in a dangerously low voice.

"Then you'd better get used to it, Miss Howell. Because one slip-up could cost us everything."

Velia's breath hitched.

It wasn't just a warning. It was a threat.

She understood the gravity of this to him for the first time since she'd signed the contract.

This isn't a game.

Lucas stood to lose everything, including his career, his reputation, and authority over his well-planned life.

In contrast, Velia had already lost everything.

Nevertheless, she had somehow entered a world where a single mistake could destroy her completely.

---

Back at the Penthouse

By the time they arrived at the penthouse, Velia was exhausted.

With a sigh of relief, she kicked off her heels just as she had entered.

"I don't know how women do this every day," she muttered, rubbing her sore feet.

Lucas, who had just removed his tie, gave her an amused glance. "They do it because they have to."

Velia rolled her eyes. "Right. Because looking perfect is the most important thing in the world."

She expected him to brush off her sarcasm, but instead, he walked toward her, his gaze sharp.

"In my world," he said, "it is."

Velia met his stare, heart pounding. "Well, in my world, people don't have to pretend to be something they're not just to survive."

Lucas smirked. "No? Then why are you here?"

The words hit harder than she expected.

She opened her mouth to argue but stopped.

Because he was right.

She had no choice but to be here. Because the only way she could regain her life was to pretend to be someone else.

Lucas tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Get some sleep. You'll need it."

Before she could respond, he turned and disappeared into his own room, leaving Velia standing there with too many thoughts and a heart that wouldn't stop racing.

---

A New Routine

The next morning, Velia woke up to find Evelyn already waiting in the living room.

"You're up late," Evelyn said, sipping her tea.

Velia groaned. "It's eight in the morning."

Evelyn raised a brow. "Exactly. You have work to do, Miss Howell. The gala was just the beginning. If you're going to be the perfect fiancée, you need to be prepared for what comes next."

Velia sighed, rubbing her temples. "And what exactly is next?"

Evelyn set down her cup and handed Velia a list.

1. Public outings with Lucas

2. Media training

3. More etiquette lessons

4. Dealing with social climbers and reporters

5. Avoiding scandals at all costs

Velia stared at it. "This looks like a full-time job."

Evelyn smiled. "Because it is."

Velia groaned. "Great. What's first?"

---

The First Public Date

That afternoon, Velia found herself at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

Lucas had arranged for their "first public date" to happen in broad daylight, where the paparazzi could easily catch them.

As they entered, the cameras flashed, and Velia forced a smile, linking her arm with Lucas's just as Evelyn had taught her.

The restaurant was packed with socialites, celebrities, and prominent businesses.

Lucas led her to a secluded window-facing table. As they sat down, he whispered, "Sit straight, smile, and don't say anything unnecessary."

Velia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "You make it sound like a military operation."

Lucas didn't even blink. "It is."

When the waiter showed up, Velia realised right away that she didn't know what to order.

The menu was filled with dishes she couldn't even pronounce.

Noticing her hesitancy, Lucas ordered for them both nonchalantly.

"You don't have to do that," Velia muttered.

Lucas grinned. "I do if you want to keep up the illusion that you belong here."

Velia's jaw tightened, but she remained silent.

She sensed the looks as soon as their dinner arrived.

People were watching them. Judging. Whispering.

She took a slow breath. Just act normal.

Then, out of nowhere, a woman approached their table.

"Lucas, darling!"

When Velia turned around, she saw a gorgeous brunette wearing a red dress.

She was beautiful-elegant, confident, the kind of woman who actually belonged in this world.

Lucas barely reacted. "Isabelle."

With hardly concealed curiosity, the woman's eyes strayed to Velia. "And this must be your fiancée."

Velia forced a smile. "Velia Howell. Nice to meet you."

Isabelle's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Likewise. However, I must admit that I'm taken aback. Settling down has never been Lucas' style."

Despite having a twisted tummy, Velia maintained a neutral demeanour. "Guess I must be special, then."

Lucas smirked slightly at that, but Isabelle didn't seem amused.

After a few more pleasantries, she finally left, but the tension remained.

Velia turned to Lucas. "Who was that?"

"An old acquaintance."

Velia raised an eyebrow. "She looked more than that."

Lucas didn't answer; he just sipped his wine.

Velia sighed. "Let me guess. Another person who's going to be watching me, waiting for me to slip up?"

Lucas met her gaze. "Exactly."

Velia leaned back in her chair, suddenly exhausted.

She had thought surviving the gala was hard.

But she was starting to realise-this was just the beginning.

And Lucas Hernandez's world was far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.