Chapter 5 Let The Game Begin

Aurora leaned back in her chair, watching Theo as he studied the agreement like he had just made a deal with the devil.

Vincent, ever the observer, tapped the laptop shut with a smirk that never quite reached his eyes. "Well, that's settled. Welcome to Everly Elite Enterprise, Mr. Winslow."

Theo didn't respond immediately, his focus still remained on the contract as his thumb traced the embossed lettering as if searching for some hidden clause, something he'd missed before he signed the contract.

Aurora knew what he was thinking, the sick realization that he was now tied to her, to this world, with no easy way out...for at least two years.

Finally, he looked up. "So, when do I start?"

Aurora tilted her head slightly, pretending to consider it when, in truth, she already knew the answer. "Tomorrow morning. But for now..." She stood, smoothing the fabric of her tailored dress, a calculated movement designed to exude authority. "We need to make an appearance."

Theo frowned. "An appearance?"

Vincent chuckled, clearly enjoying the show. "Your first public outing as Aurora's... what's the word? Arm candy?"

Aurora shot him a glare before shifting her attention back to Theo. "There's a gala tonight. Press, investors, shareholders, CEO's. If we're doing this, we need to sell it."

Theo exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I go from being a part-timer to playing the role of a billionaire's boyfriend overnight?"

Aurora smirked. "Try to keep up, Winslow."

-

The gala was nothing short of theatrical-a spectacle of money, influence, and quiet wars fought over a glass of champagne and strategic handshakes.

The grand ballroom shimmered under the weight of extravagant chandeliers, casting golden light over figures adorned in designer gowns and tailored suits worth more than most people's homes.

Aurora stepped out of the sleek black car first, her entrance commanding, the elegant black gown she wore clung to her like a second skin, highlighting her curves.

The moment she stepped on the red carpet, camera flashes erupted in a storm of white blinding lights and she absorbed it all-the attention, the murmurs, and shouts of love from fans she didn't know.

Then Theo stepped out beside her.

Gone was the man who had his hands in his sweater pocket in the convenience store. Gone was Theo the part-timer. In his place stood someone...

Broad-shouldered, sharp-jaw, exuding an effortless confidence, the black suit tailored to perfection, accentuating his build in a way that made him look slightly commanding.

Aurora smiled as she linked her arm through his, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath the expensive suit.

"Relax," she murmured just low enough for him to hear. "You look like you're walking into an execution."

Theo exhaled, his jaw tightening. "I'd rather be."

"Too late for that," she said sweetly, leading him forward.

The minute they entered the grand ballroom, the shift was evident.

Eyes flicked toward them, some discreet, others not, and then, the whispers started.

"Who's he?"

"Have you seen him anywhere?"

"What's his networth?"

"Does he own a company?"

Aurora ignored them, but she felt Theo tense beside her. His grip on her arm tightened slightly enough for her to notice his nervousness and without much thought, she squeezed his arm in return.

Don't react to their words she whispered.

To her relief, he didn't, he exhaled slowly, straightening his posture, and then masking his expression.

A familiar voice cut through the crowd. "Aurora."

She didn't have to turn to know who it was. Her grip tightened on Theo's arm before she turned to face her father.

He stood near the bar, a drink in hand as his gaze swept over Theo with the slow deliberation of a man assessing an investment gone wrong but Theo held his ground.

"Aurora," Mr. Everly called again, his tone deceptively smooth. "I didn't realize you were bringing a... guest."

Aurora smiled, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I thought a little change would be refreshing."

Mr. Everly's eyes flickered toward Theo. "And you are?"

Theo met his gaze without hesitation. "Theo Winslow. Aurora's..." a pause "...boyfriend."

Mr. Everly smirked. "Boyfriend, is it?"

Aurora felt Theo tense beside her again, but she didn't give her father the satisfaction of letting it linger, she looped her arm more firmly through Theo's turning away from her father. "We should mingle."

Mr. Everly didn't stop them, but as they walked away, she could still feel his eyes on her back.

-

Theo let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the invisible chains wrapped around him. "That went well."

Aurora licked her lips, wetting them. "He hasn't made a move yet."

Theo frowned, glancing back toward where Mr. Everly stood, now engaged in a conversation with one of his associates. "A move?"

She gave him a knowing look. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough."

Minutes later, one of her father's assistants approached. "Miss Everly, your father requests a private word."

Aurora's lips thinned. Of course, he does.

She turned to Theo. "Stay here."

His brows drew together. "You sure?"

She didn't miss the shift in his tone-concern, maybe?

"I can handle him."

Theo didn't look convinced, but he nodded.

She followed the assistant through the crowd, and then entered a private lounge where her father stood with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"You've done a lot of reckless things, Aurora," Mr. Everly said, swirling the amber liquid. "But this? This might be your most desperate attempt yet."

Aurora crossed her arms, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. "Spare me the dramatics."

"You think parading around with some nobody is going to make me rethink my plans?" He took a slow sip, the ice clinking softly against the glass. "I admire the effort. But you're playing a losing game."

Her jaw clenched. "Theo is more than capable..."

"He's a liability."

Mr. Everly set his drink down. "I did my research Aurora. A washed-up part-timer with a family in debt." He stepped closer, his voice disapproving. "Is that what you've been reduced to? A woman so desperate to hold on to control that she drags a nobody into her war?"

Aurora refused to let him see her falter. "I have a right to choose."

Mr. Everly chuckled knowing. "You're still a kid, but let me make something clear." He leaned in. "I will not let you keep that nobody Aurora."

Her fingers curled into fists, but she couldn't do anything. She watched as her father picked up his glass again, then with a slow tilt of his wrist, he gestured toward the ballroom.

"Enjoy your date." His smirk deepened. "While it lasts."