Chapter 5 Enemies in Silk

Elena had never worn anything so expensive.

The silk gown hugged her curves like it had been made to whisper secrets. Her heels clicked across the marble floor of the ballroom, each step echoing louder than the last.

Lucien walked beside her-tall, unreadable, perfect in a black tux. His arm rested lightly against hers, but his fingers never curled around her hand.

"Smile," he whispered as they entered the crowd.

"You smile," she shot back.

He almost did.

The Gala - Blackwood Foundation Annual Dinner

It was her first event as "Mrs. Blackwood-to-be."

Politicians. CEOs. Designers. Media.

All watching her. Judging her.

She sipped her champagne and kept her posture perfect, remembering clause #7 of the contract:

"You will behave like the wife of a billionaire, regardless of your personal feelings."

Then she saw her.

Harper Vane.

Tall. Blonde. Wearing a red dress that screamed power.

Lucien's ex-fiancée.

The one he was supposed to marry.

"Lucien," Harper purred, stepping right between them. "So this is your... fiancée?"

Elena extended a polite hand. "Elena Cruz. It's a pleasure."

Harper ignored it.

"Interesting choice. From secretary to Cinderella in a day. Tell me, do you also do tricks?"

Elena blinked.

Lucien's jaw clenched. "Enough, Harper."

But Harper only smirked and leaned close to Elena.

"You think you know him?" she whispered. "He hasn't even told you the real reason behind this little performance, has he?"

Elena's heart skipped. "What are you talking about?"

Harper's smile was ice.

"Ask him about New York. About the woman he left in the hospital... and why he never goes back."

Later That Night - Penthouse

Elena tossed the heels aside and stormed into the living room.

Lucien was at the window, drink in hand, as always.

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"What happened in New York?" she asked.

He turned slowly. His expression didn't change-but his eyes did.

"That's not part of our contract."

"But I'm still human. Lucien! You can't just keep burving

your past and expect me to play along!"

Silence.

Then, slowly, he whispered, "New York was a mistake."

"I lost someone. And I don't lose."

He looked at her then-really looked.

"Don't make me lose again."

TO BE Continued