Chapter 6 Everyone's Jaw On The Floor

Ciara's POV

There's a fine line between workplace scandal and corporate fairytale. I just walked it in heels.

The elevator doors opened, and the first thing I saw was a wall of people. Suits, skirts, clipboard-wielding assistants-all turning, all staring.

It hit me then. This was really happening.

Well, I am already aware that there would be an announcement since Jules literally bombed me a while ago.

What she didn't tell me was that it would be this extravagant. The second the doors opened, a wave of murmurs and camera phones greeted us. The room was packed tighter than the copy room on bonus day. Every face I'd ever seen at this company was there, and a few I wished I hadn't.

I kept my shoulders back, head high, even though my stomach was knotting under this designer dress and-ugh-his choice of undergarments.

Lysander walked beside me like this was just another Monday. Maybe for him it was. For me, it was a carefully contained panic attack in heels.

We stepped up to the front where a tiny podium had been dragged out, and someone-I suspect someone working in the design team, had tied fake white flowers around it like this was prom night.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lysander began, cool and commanding. "I know you've all been curious about the recent rumors."

Oh god. Rumors. I glanced at Jules, who offered a tight-lipped smile that said: You owe me an explanation and a very strong drink.

"As of today," Lysander continued, "I am officially engaged... to Ciara Dela Cruz."

I smiled. Not too wide. Just enough to say yes this is happening and no I didn't lose a bet.

And then-he did it.

From his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box and flipped it open.

I blinked. "You brought a ring?" I whispered.

He glanced down, voice so soft only I could hear. "You think I'd half-commit to this?"

The sparkle that burst out of that ring could blind a nation.

It wasn't just big. It was obscene. My brain actually short-circuited. I felt it fry in real time.

With deliberate slowness, he slid the ring onto my finger.

The crowd gasped. Not metaphorically. Like, actual synchronized gasps. It was the most dramatic group inhale I'd ever heard.

"In case anyone was wondering," Lysander said, "yes, this is real. No, it's not a PR stunt. And yes, you're all invited to the engagement party this Friday."

"Mandatory," he added with a devilish smile.

I swallowed my pride, my panic, and whatever remained of my dignity. Then I raised my hand, let the ring catch the light, and gave a small wave. My coworkers clapped. Mrs. Lena looked like she might pass out from sheer disbelief. Yale was already typing something on his phone, and Jules mouthed, I'm calling your mom.

Yeah, she was talking about Nun Kate who raised me in the orphanage. I have been treating her as my mother.

But I held it together. Barely.

When we finally stepped into the elevator again, I leaned against the wall, breathing hard.

"You didn't tell me about the ring," I muttered.

"You knew there'd be a ring."

"Not a ring that could fund a small country."

He shrugged. "It suits you."

I gave him a look. "You're impossible."

He took my hand, brushed his thumb over the diamond like it wasn't burning a hole through my finger. "You're mine now. At least on paper."

His words sent a shiver down my spine-and not the good kind. I suddenly felt every inch of that lingerie.

My voice was dry. "How long do you plan to keep this charade up?"

He smirked. "Long enough to convince immigration. Longer, if you keep looking at me like that."

I looked away. My reflection in the polished elevator doors showed a woman in a designer dress, with a billionaire fiancé and an expiring visa.

God help me-I wasn't sure if this was a trap or a ticket to freedom.

But either way, I was in too deep now.

"Don't worry, I will return everything you gave me right now after a year. As soon as our contract expires, this ring, this dress, I will return them all." I winked at him to make things lighter.

"I don't need those. I can buy new ones, no need to return them." He said. "Actually, the real reason I bought them is for you to sell them after a year. You might get used to the lavish life I will give you and you have to stand on your own feet after divorce."

He makes it sound like I am going to be broke after we part ways.

"Excuse me?" I pulled my poker face at him. "Apparently, I will still be working as your secretary at that time. We won't let personal affairs weddle with our professional work, won't we?"

"Well, let me think more... maybe, we can do something about that." He smiled as if he had plans to fire me off the job once the agreement wears off.

I stayed silent until we reached the top floor. "So, what's your plan now?"

"Hmm?" He moaned a bit as he asked me what the question was again.

"I mean, what are we going to do now? The engagement have been announced and surely, everyone is dying to ask me questions. What are your plans? Shortly after, the immigrant are going to chase after me as well." I whispered and sat on the couch.

"Yeah? Let's fool them all." He said shortly, as if it was a common thing.

"Mister Eryx, we'd be questioned. The good thing about you is that, I know everything about your personality and your background. However, once they ask about me, can you answer?" I raised my brows at him.

"We're facing charges if that happened. I would be deported and couldn't come back here while you will have to pay billions of dollars to save your ass. So yeah, I need a concrete plan."

He looked at me confused. "Then, I'll get to know you."

"Ohh, is that so?" I laughed.

"I'll get to know every inch of you if I have to." A smirk escaped his lips and I knew exactly that he's up for the game.