Chapter 5 A Night of Masks and Mirrors

Amanda adjusted the glittering emerald gown Leonardo had sent over earlier that day, its fabric hugging her in ways both flattering and foreign. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, feeling like a stranger in her own skin. The jeweled necklace around her neck sparkled under the dim light of her apartment, but it felt like a weight pressing against her chest. Tonight, she would step into Leonardo's world, a place she had no map for, no guide.

A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. She opened it to find Leonardo standing there, impeccable in a tailored black tuxedo. His presence filled the small space, his sharp features softened slightly by an approving glance.

"You look... perfect," he said, his voice low and deliberate.

Amanda fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Perfectly out of place," she replied, her voice tinged with nerves.

Leonardo stepped closer, his gaze steady. "You'll do fine. Just remember-confidence is everything. Tonight, you're Amanda Castelli, my fiancée. Let them believe it."

Amanda inhaled deeply, nodding. "And if they don't?"

Leonardo's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "Then we give them no reason to question us."

He offered his arm, and with a shaky breath, Amanda took it. The limo ride to the gala was quiet, the city lights streaming through the tinted windows. Amanda's heart raced as she rehearsed polite smiles and practiced phrases in her head. Beside her, Leonardo exuded an unshakable calm that only heightened her unease.

The gala was being held at one of New York's most exclusive venues, a sprawling mansion adorned with glittering chandeliers and marble floors that gleamed underfoot. Amanda tightened her grip on Leonardo's arm as they stepped through the grand entrance. The room was filled with people dressed in designer gowns and tailored suits, their conversations a murmur of wealth and influence.

All eyes turned to them as they entered, the buzz of curiosity rippling through the crowd. Amanda's stomach twisted, but Leonardo's hand settled reassuringly over hers.

A man with salt-and-pepper hair and a wolfish grin approached them, holding a glass of champagne. "Leonardo," he said warmly, though his sharp eyes were already appraising Amanda. "You've been keeping secrets."

"Victor," Leonardo replied smoothly. "Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Amanda."

Victor's smile didn't falter, but Amanda felt the weight of his scrutiny. "A pleasure to meet you, Amanda," he said, extending a hand.

Amanda shook it, her grip firm despite her nerves. "The pleasure is mine."

Leonardo's voice cut in, cool and commanding. "Victor, I'm sure you'll excuse us. There are others we must greet."

Victor inclined his head, his smile lingering as he stepped aside. As they moved through the crowd, Amanda caught snippets of whispered conversations, the words "fiancée" and "Castelli" floating around like smoke.

"Who was that?" Amanda asked under her breath.

"Victor Russo," Leonardo replied, his tone neutral. "A business associate. Keep your guard up around him."

Amanda nodded, though the advice did little to steady her nerves.

As the evening wore on, Amanda found herself introduced to a dizzying array of people-business magnates, political figures, and socialites whose names she struggled to remember. Some greeted her warmly, others with thinly veiled skepticism. It wasn't until she met Gizelle Rossi that the evening took a sharper turn.

Gizelle was stunning, her crimson gown clinging to her like liquid fire. Her smile was as sharp as the diamonds adorning her neck. "Leonardo," she purred, her eyes flicking to Amanda. "And who is this?"

"Amanda, my fiancée," Leonardo said, his voice steady.

Gizelle's eyes widened, a flicker of something dark passing through them before she smiled again. "Fiancée? My, how surprising. I didn't think you were the settling-down type."

Leonardo's expression remained unreadable. "People change."

"Do they?" Gizelle mused, her gaze lingering on Amanda. "Well, congratulations. Though I must say, you're a brave woman, Amanda."

Amanda forced a smile. "Why is that?"

Gizelle's lips curved. "The Castelli name carries a lot of... baggage. But I'm sure Leonardo has been very forthcoming about that."

Amanda felt Leonardo's grip on her hand tighten ever so slightly. "Amanda is well aware of what she's stepping into," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Gizelle tilted her head, her smile saccharine. "Of course. I'm sure you'll be very happy together."

As Gizelle sauntered away, Amanda exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Friend of yours?" she asked, her voice low.

"An old acquaintance," Leonardo replied curtly. "Don't let her get to you."

Amanda wanted to press for more, but the look in Leonardo's eyes warned her not to.

The evening continued, a blur of introductions and polite conversation. But beneath the surface, Amanda could feel the undercurrent of tension. She was an outsider in this world, and no amount of designer gowns or rehearsed smiles could change that.

By the time they sat for dinner, Amanda's nerves were frayed. She pushed her food around her plate, her appetite nonexistent. Beside her, Leonardo was the picture of composure, engaging in effortless conversation with those around them.

It wasn't until dessert was served that the evening took a dangerous turn.

A man at their table, a gruff-looking figure named Matteo, leaned closer to Amanda. "So, Amanda," he said, his voice grating. "What exactly do you do?"

"I'm an artist," she replied, keeping her tone polite.

"An artist," Matteo echoed, his lips curling into a smirk. "And yet here you are, engaged to one of the most powerful men in the city. How does that happen?"

Amanda's cheeks flushed. "It's a long story."

Matteo chuckled, a low, unpleasant sound. "I bet it is. Tell me, do you know what you're getting into? Or is this all just a fairy tale for you?"

Leonardo's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "That's enough, Matteo."

Matteo raised his hands in mock surrender. "No offense, Leo. Just making conversation."

Leonardo's eyes hardened, a silent warning that made Matteo look away. Amanda swallowed hard, her hands trembling under the table.

By the time the gala ended, Amanda was emotionally drained. As they stepped into the limo, the silence between her and Leonardo was heavy.

"You handled yourself well," Leonardo said finally, breaking the tension.

Amanda let out a bitter laugh. "Did I? Because it felt like they were all just waiting for me to mess up."

Leonardo turned to her, his gaze steady. "They'll test you. That's how this world works. But tonight, you proved you can hold your own."

Amanda didn't respond, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past. She had agreed to this arrangement to escape her struggles, but tonight had shown her that she had merely traded one battlefield for another.

As the limo pulled up to her apartment, Leonardo reached for her hand. "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice softer than she expected. "But you don't have to face it alone."

Amanda met his gaze, searching for any trace of insincerity. For a moment, she thought she saw something real, something human, in his eyes.

"I'll hold you to that," she said quietly before stepping out of the car.

As the door closed behind her, Amanda realized that her new life came with a price-a price she wasn't sure she could afford. But she had made her choice, and there was no turning back now.