Chapter 2 A Red Dress and a Warning

The next morning, Benita woke up in a new world.

Her bed was soft. The sheets were silk. The room was large-too large for someone like her.

She sat up slowly. For a moment, she forgot where she was.

Then she saw the ring on her finger.

The contract was real.

She wasn't just Benita anymore.

She was the fake fiancée of Kelvin Grey.

---

A soft knock came at the door.

A woman entered. She was dressed like a maid.

"Mr. Grey asked me to give you this," the woman said.

She handed Benita a box and left.

Benita opened it.

A red dress.

It was long, smooth, and beautiful.

A small note was inside:

> "Dinner at 8. Wear red. Make them believe." -K

---

At 7:45, a black car came for her.

She stepped out at a hotel filled with lights and cameras.

Inside, people in expensive clothes were everywhere.

Benita walked in slowly. Eyes turned to her.

People whispered.

Some smiled.

Some stared.

She felt them judging her. She didn't care.

Then she saw Kelvin across the room.

Dark suit. Sharp eyes. A man who ruled the room without speaking.

He walked toward her.

"You're late," he said, voice low.

"I'm here, aren't I?" she replied.

He stared at her for a second.

Then he took her hand and pulled her close.

"To everyone watching," he whispered, "you're mine tonight."

---

The dinner was long.

They sat at the front table with investors and reporters.

Benita smiled, laughed, played her part.

Kelvin was perfect beside her. Cold but charming. He touched her hand at the right times. He whispered fake sweet things in her ear.

But then... something strange happened.

One of the investors leaned forward and looked at Benita.

"You're not the kind of girl I expected Kelvin to choose," he said, smiling. But it wasn't a kind smile.

"She's exactly the kind I need," Kelvin replied.

But his jaw was tight.

Benita's smile didn't fade, but her stomach turned.

---

After dinner, they walked into a quiet hallway.

No more cameras. No more eyes.

Kelvin turned to her.

"Did you know that man?" he asked.

Benita blinked. "No. Why?"

Kelvin stepped closer. His voice dropped.

"He knew your name before I said it."

Benita's heart skipped.

"I don't understand-"

Kelvin stared into her eyes. Cold. Hard.

"If you're hiding something from me," he said slowly, "this deal ends tonight."

Before Benita could speak, her phone buzzed.

A message.

> "I know who you are. Stay away from Kelvin. Or your secret dies with you."

Her hands went cold.

She looked up-but Kelvin had already walked away.