Chapter 3 The First Move

Serena Vale had faced her share of difficult conversations, but none quite like the one waiting for her now.

By late afternoon, the penthouse was buzzing with unfamiliar faces - designers wheeling in racks of clothes, stylists carrying cases of makeup and tools, personal shoppers discussing colors and fabrics like generals planning a military operation. Serena sat on the edge of a pale leather chaise, feeling like an exhibit in a gallery she didn't belong in.

"Try this one, Miss Vale," a stylist named Isla cooed, holding up a shimmering silver evening gown. "It would look divine on you."

Serena took it politely, her mind elsewhere.

Caden had disappeared after his mother's icy visit, vanishing into one of his endless meetings. Not that she cared where he went - but the ache of uncertainty gnawed at her. This life wasn't hers. This name, this ring on her finger, the illusion they'd built for the world - it was a cage, gilded and gleaming, but a cage nonetheless.

She thought of Mia, fragile and hopeful in that hospital bed, her smile bright despite everything. It gave Serena strength. She could do this. She had to.

After another hour of fittings and adjustments, she finally managed to slip away, ducking into the study where she'd last seen Caden. The room was empty now, bathed in soft afternoon light. His jacket still hung on the back of the chair, a glass of whiskey half-finished on the desk. Papers were scattered across the surface - financial reports, charity event schedules, a contract with her forged name already at the bottom.

A sudden wave of nerves hit her.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she grabbed the phone and dialed the hospital. Mia's number was memorized, etched into her heart like a talisman.

"Hello?" her sister's soft voice came through.

Serena's throat tightened. "Hey, it's me."

"Rena! Are you okay? How's it going? Is he... is he as awful as you expected?"

Serena let out a shaky laugh, sitting on the desk's edge. "He's... complicated."

"That's code for arrogant, isn't it?"

"A little," Serena admitted. "But it's fine. I'm managing."

"How's the place? Is it as ridiculous as it looked in the photos?"

"Even more so. I feel like I should be paying rent just for breathing the same air."

Mia's laugh warmed her heart. "I miss you."

"I miss you too, kiddo."

There was a pause on the line, a heaviness neither wanted to address.

"They've confirmed the date," Mia said quietly. "For the surgery. End of next month."

Serena closed her eyes. "Good. That's good."

"You'll be there, right?"

"Of course. Nothing could keep me away."

Mia sighed. "I just... I wish you didn't have to do this for me."

"I'd do it a thousand times over," Serena said fiercely. "Don't ever forget that."

"I won't."

A knock on the study door made Serena jolt. She quickly hung up. "Come in."

Caden entered, his expression unreadable. "You're avoiding your stylist."

"I needed air," she said, standing. "Your mother nearly froze me alive this morning."

His mouth twitched. "That sounds like Evelyn."

"She doesn't like me."

"She doesn't like anyone."

Serena crossed her arms. "You could've warned me. That woman could kill with a glare."

"I didn't think you'd be fazed so easily," he said, watching her.

"I'm not fazed," she lied.

Caden moved to the sideboard and poured himself another drink. The amber liquid caught the light like liquid fire.

"I need you tonight," he said.

Serena raised a brow. "I thought we established this isn't that kind of arrangement."

He chuckled. "Not like that. There's a charity gala. My father expects us to attend. Public appearances matter now, remember?"

She groaned. "You know I don't belong in that world, right?"

"You belong wherever you decide to," he said, his gaze steady. "But if you're worried about the people you'll meet tonight, don't be. They're no better than the rest of us. They just have better tailoring."

Serena gave a wry smile. "Comforting."

Caden sipped his drink. "You'll be fine. Play the part. Hold my hand. Smile when they ask about the wedding. Pretend you don't hate me."

"I don't hate you," she said before she could stop herself.

It surprised them both.

Caden's brow furrowed. "No?"

"I mean, you're a little insufferable, and your mother's a terror, and this whole situation is insane. But I don't... hate you."

Something in his expression softened, so quickly she almost missed it. He set the glass down and crossed the room until he was standing right in front of her.

"Good," he murmured. "Because this gets a lot easier if we can tolerate each other."

For a moment, the air between them shifted. The world outside the study fell away, leaving only the quiet hum of the city, the faint scent of Caden's cologne, the slow, treacherous beat of Serena's heart.

She stepped back, breaking the spell. "I should get ready."

He nodded, the moment shuttered away. "Be downstairs at seven. The car will be waiting."

Serena fled before her sanity betrayed her any further.

By evening, the penthouse was transformed. The staff moved like clockwork, Caden in a sleek black tuxedo, his expression guarded as always. When Serena descended the staircase, the room seemed to pause.

The silver gown Isla had chosen clung to her like liquid light, the deep neckline a little scandalous, the delicate beading catching every flicker of movement. Her hair was swept into soft waves, her skin glowing.

Caden's gaze darkened, surprise flashing before he smoothed it away.

"You clean up well," he said.

"Was that a compliment?"

"Don't let it go to your head."

Serena smiled despite herself.

In the limo, she sat beside him, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. Caden's phone buzzed nonstop, his assistant updating him on guests, media coverage, last-minute changes.

"Any advice?" she asked as they neared the venue.

"Smile. Be gracious. Remember names if you can."

"And if someone throws a drink at me?"

"I'll double your cut."

She laughed, nerves momentarily forgotten.

Outside, cameras flashed as the car rolled to a stop. The driver opened the door, and Caden stepped out first, offering his hand.

Serena hesitated for half a second before placing hers in his. His grip was warm, steady. Reassuring, even if she'd never admit it.

They walked the red carpet together, the world a blur of lights and voices. Reporters shouted questions.

"Caden, over here!"

"Serena, show us the ring!"

"How does it feel to be engaged to the city's most elusive billionaire?"

Serena pasted on a practiced smile, her fingers tightening around Caden's arm.

"It feels... unexpected," she said sweetly, earning a low chuckle from Caden.

Inside the ballroom, the stakes rose. Power players circled like sharks, each interaction a test, each polite word a veiled threat.

Serena knew she had to survive this night.

For Mia. For herself.

And for reasons she was starting to realize had very little to do with obligation - and everything to do with the man beside her.