Chapter 5 Playing The Part.

Kara stood in front of the full-length mirror in Elena's penthouse, adjusting the stiff collar of the expensive suit she had been forced into.

The fabric was smooth, the fit perfect, but it felt wrong on her body. Like an imposter slipping into someone else's skin.

Behind her, Elena leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her with amusement.

"You clean up nicely," Elena mused, tilting her head. "Almost like a real gentleman."

Kara scowled, yanking at the tie around her neck. "This thing is choking me."

Elena sighed dramatically, pushing off the doorframe and sauntering toward her. "If you're going to be my boyfriend, you need to look the part. High-society men don't fidget like nervous schoolboys."

She stepped closer, reaching for Kara's tie.

Kara's breath caught as Elena's fingers brushed against her throat-gentle, but firm. The warmth of her touch sent a surprising jolt down Kara's spine.

Her gaze flickered to Elena's face. The heiress was completely focused, lips slightly parted as she worked on the tie, her perfume-something floral and dangerously intoxicating-filling the space between them.

Kara swallowed hard. Too close.

"Relax," Elena murmured. "You're acting like I'm about to bite you."

Kara stiffened. She wouldn't admit that part of her wouldn't mind.

Elena finished adjusting the tie, her fingers lingering for just a second too long before she stepped back. "Better?"

Kara exhaled. "Whatever."

Elena smirked. "Adorable."

Kara shot her a glare, but before she could fire back, Elena turned, picking up a sleek black watch from the dresser. "This is for you."

Kara hesitated before taking it. "This looks... expensive."

"It is." Elena winked. "You're my rich, charming boyfriend now, remember?"

Right. She had to play the part.

But the weight of the lie pressed against her chest.

Would she really be able to pull this off?

---

An Hour Later – The Laurent Mansion

Kara stepped out of Elena's sleek black car, her pulse hammering as she took in the grand estate before her.

It was ridiculous-a mansion so large it could fit five of her apartments inside. The air smelled of expensive wine and freshly cut roses, and staff in black suits moved around with robotic precision.

Kara tugged at her collar. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

Elena slid her arm through Kara's, flashing her a dazzling smile. "You're tense."

Kara scoffed. "Gee, I wonder why."

Elena leaned in, whispering against her ear, "Just stay close to me. And for the love of God, don't embarrass me."

Kara's jaw clenched. This woman...

Before she could respond, the doors swung open, revealing a ballroom filled with the city's elite.

Kara's stomach twisted.

Elena led her inside, moving with the kind of effortless confidence that made Kara painfully aware of her own presence. Eyes turned toward them, murmurs already starting.

The rich knew how to whisper behind delicate glasses of champagne.

Kara's grip on Elena's arm tightened, and Elena's fingers lightly brushed over hers in response-silent reassurance.

Then, a voice called out from across the room.

"Elena, darling!"

Kara turned as a tall woman in a crimson gown approached-a woman who could only be Elena's mother.

Sharp eyes. Perfectly styled blonde hair. And a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Dangerous.

Kara's muscles tensed as Elena plastered on a warm, completely fake smile.

"Mother," Elena greeted smoothly, before turning slightly. "This is my boyfriend, Kai."

Kara barely had time to react before Elena's mother was scanning her from head to toe.

Kara forced a polite smile. "It's an honor to meet you, ma'am."

Lady Laurent hummed. "Handsome, well-dressed... and yet, there's something..." Her gaze flickered over Kara's face, as if searching for a crack in the illusion.

Kara held her breath.

But then Elena chuckled, smoothly stepping in. "You're overanalyzing again, Mother. He's perfect, isn't he?"

She leaned into Kara slightly, her hand casually sliding against the small of Kara's back.

Kara fought the urge to stiffen.

Lady Laurent studied them for a moment longer, then smiled. "If my daughter approves, then I suppose I do as well."

Kara exhaled silently.

But the moment Lady Laurent turned away, Elena leaned in, lips brushing against Kara's ear.

"You need to be more natural," she whispered. "You look like you're about to pass out."

Kara clenched her jaw. "Maybe because I am."

Elena laughed softly, then-to Kara's complete horror-slid her hand down Kara's arm, interlocking their fingers.

A test.

Kara's pulse skipped.

Elena's eyes dared her to pull away.

But Kara didn't.

Not because she couldn't.

But because, for some reason, she didn't want to.