Chapter 5 The Gala of Lies

Angel stood at the top of the grand staircase, her fingers curled tightly around the railing as she gazed down at the ballroom below. It was like something out of a dream-or a nightmare. Hundreds of people filled the lavishly decorated hall, their laughter and conversation mingling with the soft hum of orchestral music. Crystal chandeliers hung high above, casting a golden glow over the space, while waiters in crisp uniforms moved between the guests, serving champagne in delicate flutes. This was Aaron Blackwood's world. And tonight, she was expected to be his queen.

She took a shaky breath, her heart pounding against her ribs. The black gown she wore was flawless, her hair styled to perfection, her makeup subtle yet striking. She looked every bit the billionaire's wife. But inside, she felt like an imposter. "Stop hesitating," Aaron's deep voice came from beside her. She turned her head slightly, taking in the man who had forced her into this marriage. He was the picture of confidence, his sharp tuxedo perfectly tailored to his broad frame, his expression unreadable. "I'm not hesitating," she muttered. Aaron arched a brow. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, you look like you're about to bolt." Angel clenched her jaw. He wasn't wrong. "You're going to walk down those stairs with me, smile at the right people, and play your part," he continued, his voice low and firm. "Understand?" She turned to face him fully. "And if I don't?" His smirk was slow, dangerous. "Then I'll remind you exactly why you're here." A shiver ran down her spine. He was infuriating. Controlling. Cold. And yet, as much as she hated to admit it, there was something about him that made her pulse quicken. Before she could respond, he offered his arm. "Shall we?" Angel hesitated for only a second before slipping her hand through his arm. The warmth of his skin against hers sent an unwanted jolt of awareness through her, but she pushed it aside. This was just a role. Nothing more. Together, they descended the staircase, their movements perfectly in sync. The moment they reached the floor, all eyes turned toward them. The whispers started immediately. "So that's the new Mrs. Blackwood?" "She's beautiful, but do you think she's really his type?" "I heard it was a rushed wedding. Suspicious, isn't it?" Angel forced herself to smile, keeping her posture poised as Aaron led her through the crowd. He greeted guests with a cool nod, his grip on her hand firm, possessive. She felt like a trophy. A well-polished accessory meant to complement his image. "Aaron, you didn't tell us your wife was this stunning," a voice called out. Angel turned her head, coming face to face with an older man dressed in an expensive suit. His eyes raked over her in a way that made her skin crawl. Aaron's jaw tightened, but his expression remained composed. "Nathaniel, this is Angel." Nathaniel extended a hand. "A pleasure, my dear. How are you enjoying married life?" Angel met his gaze, refusing to let her discomfort show. "It's... an adjustment." Nathaniel chuckled. "I imagine it would be. A woman like you, suddenly thrown into this world? You must feel overwhelmed." Angel's fingers twitched at her side. Before she could respond, Aaron spoke. "She's handling it just fine." His tone left no room for argument. Nathaniel smirked, taking a sip of his champagne. "I'm sure she is." The conversation shifted, but Angel barely listened. Something about Nathaniel's tone unsettled her. As the night wore on, she realized that the whispers weren't just about her marriage. They were about something bigger. Something dangerous. And she had a feeling she was about to find out exactly what kind of man Aaron Blackwood really was.