"…Engage in public displays of affection and interaction that are consistent with a committed couple…"
Pretend to be a loving couple in public…
I could manage that for one night. Just one night… with Shane.
I stood before the mirror, mesmerized by my reflection. The red dress hugged my curves, its silken fabric seeming to mould itself to my skin as if tailored specifically for me. The colour was a deep, bold crimson that made my skin glow with a warm, golden undertone. For a moment, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. The dress was almost too beautiful for me, its elegance making me feel like an imposter.
I'd found the dress—earlier when I woke up, draped gracefully on the sofa, accompanied by a note that read, "Be ready at seven." Ten suitcases stood lined up beside it, packed with every last thing I owned. From my favourite clothes and pyjamas to my lingerie and makeup collection. Even my signature perfumes and body mists were nestled among the neatly folded clothes.
It had hit me like a ton of bricks. I was officially living with Shane. Living with a stranger who made my heart skip a beat -and not always in a good way. But, I had no choice to make than to play nice with him until my dad paid off his debt. Which could take months, maybe even a year, and if I'm unlucky it would take years.
How long would it take for someone to repay 6.5 billion dollars?
Shit.
This isn't the future I had envisioned for myself after graduating from college.
Thankfully, James had brought my breakfast today. I was happy to see another face besides Shane's. A week of solo confinement with only Shane's brooding gaze was starting to drive me crazy...
James had to watch me eat—which was so weird and awkward. He insisted that it was his boss's orders. I had to finish everything, and he had to watch. Flushing the food down the toilet wasn't an option - even if James weren't there, Shane's cameras were always watching. Talk about creepy.
He would face serious charges once my father paid up. He was breaking so many laws. False imprisonment (keeping me locked up in here), Stalking and Invasion of privacy (installing cameras in my room), and murder(I don't think there's a need for explanation)
What a sick, lawless bastard.
James had shared details about the charity gala he was hosting, supposedly benefiting an orphanage. I was sceptical, to say the least. It was hard to fathom that anyone would believe his humanitarian acts. If only they knew the truth - that beneath the charming smile and lavish donations, lurked a psychopath and a murderer.
'Access approved.' Speak of the devil.
I came out from the closet to find Shane, in a black tuxedo, leaning against the door, his hands tucked nonchalantly in his pockets. His gaze roamed from my head to my toes, and a charming smile spread across his face, highlighting his side dimple. "You look good," he said as if he hadn't forced pasta down my throat just 24 hours ago. The audacity.
That had to be a crime too right? That should definitely be a crime. Forcing someone to eat against their will should be considered a form of abuse.
"Can we just get this over with?" I muttered, adjusting the itchy dress and wincing at the heel-induced pain. This night was already off to a terrible start, and all I could think about was escaping back to the relative comfort of my prison - yes, you read that right. I longed to be back in bed, asleep.
A lifetime of homeschooling and just a brief taste of freedom had taught me to be comfortable with solitude. Being locked in this room for days on end shouldn't have bothered me, and strangely, it didn't. I was used to spending entire days alone in my room, surrounded by my own thoughts. Loneliness had become so familiar that it felt almost comforting.
Shane's expression turned dire as he approached me. "I have something for you," he held out a small velvet box.
I stood firm, eyeing him warily before I took it, my gaze flicking between the box and his face. For once, he was keeping his distance, and I was grateful. I opened the box, and my attention settled on the diamond ring inside.
"I want you to wear it tonight," he uttered,"And I want you to behave yourself. No scenes, no drama. Can you do that for me?"
His request was provoking. Did he really think I'd jump at the chance to please him? The nerve of this man…
"And why would I do that? You haven't been treating me so well," I rose an eyebrow. His eyes closed, and his jaw tightened as he took a deep breath, struggling to contain his frustration.
"Let's make a deal," His strained voice revealed his fragile grip on self-control.
If he's so fed up with me, then he should let me go. I wasn't the one who suggested signing a contract. Now, his oh-so-genius plan didn't seem to be working out so well for him.
"I'll pass, thank you," I forced a brief, stiff smile before it quickly faded.
"If you behave for the rest of the night - flash smiles, keep your mouth shut, I don't care - I won't lock you up anymore," he tilted his head as if expecting me to consider his deal and obey like his little pet.
I didn't care about his offer, but to know I could come and go as I pleased was tempting.
"How does that sound?" he asked. I turned away, but he pressed on, "Hmm?"
I finally relented, unfolding my arms and meeting his gaze. "Fine."
He eyed me sceptically as if searching for any sign of lies. "You'll behave?"
I glared back at him, "I said okay."
"Put in the ring on" He gestured to the box, and I let out a reluctant sigh before putting it on.
It fit perfectly on my finger, but I refused to acknowledge how pretty it was. Coming from Shane, it felt tainted, like a threat. My hatred for him automatically extended to the ring.
"It's on," I drawled, waving my hand at him with a grimace, feeling anxious about the public announcement of our fake engagement.
"Good, Let's go" He grumbled, his voice tight as he gestured for me to go first, opening the door wide enough for me to go out.
Shane lived in a penthouse because of course, he did. As he led me out, I tried my best not to be awestruck by the stunning designs and lavish decor that filled his home. The sleek, modern furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city skyline were hard to ignore. I caught glimpses of the kitchen, a spacious living room, and a beautifully crafted staircase curving upward.
I made a mental note that if I ever got the freedom he'd offered if I cooperated, I'd give myself a tour to explore every nook and cranny of this penthouse.
After leading us out, we walked through the polished lobby and into the elevator. Shane pressed the button for the bottom floor, and we stood there, enveloped in a silence that was neither comfortable nor uncomfortable. "Ariana?" he called out in his signature calm tone, without looking at me.
"Yes?" I replied, equally uninterested in meeting his gaze.
"Please don't piss me off tonight," his words laced with a subtle warning.
As the elevator doors slid open, he pulled out a car remote from his pocket and stepped out, leaving me to ponder over his words and trail behind him.
Piss him off?
I would have enjoyed the opportunity to defy him in public, knowing he'd be forced to maintain composing. But the thought of facing the consequences alone with him later was a different story. I wasn't eager to provoke him, not when I'd have to endure the fallout in private. He might just lose control and snap my neck this time. That thought alone was enough to keep me in line, at least for tonight.
"You look gorgeous Miss Ariana" James's warm words broke into my thoughts, and I found myself smiling genuinely at him, something I hadn't done in five long days.
"Thank you, James, and please call me—" But before I could finish, Shane cut in.
"Aren't you supposed to be married?" He cast James a sidelong glance.
I rolled my eyes, Yeah, too bad James was off-limits, married and out of reach. I would have been fucking him in private if it weren't for that.
"It's just a compliment," James replied Shane with a neutral tone.
Shane's answer was mocking "I'm sure your wife would think that." Then he opened the car door and slid in, before shooting me a stern glare "Get in," he commanded. I let out a sigh, before reluctantly obeying. God, I hate this.
James gallantly opened the car door for me, and I couldn't help but smile at him again. Why did the good ones always have to be taken?
"Thank you, how gentlemanly of you," I stressed the word "gentlemanly" as I shot a mocking glance at my so-called husband. A real gentleman would treat his partner—contract or no contract—with respect and kindness, not manipulate and control them.
"Just Shut the fucking door," Shane snapped, starting the engine, which roared to life like a beast awakened. I obliged, slamming the door shut and clutching my purse, which was as empty as my patience with him.
As we hit the road, the silence between us was palpable. I found myself stealing glances at Shane's side profile, and the way the light danced across his chiselled features made him look even more attractive. But I quickly shook off the thought, reminding myself of the kind of person he truly was – controlling, manipulative, and downright scary.
I watched him navigate the steering wheel with ease, and I wondered aloud, "Why are you driving? Where's the driver?"
But I was ignored.
Just great.
Out of all the contract husbands in the world, I had to get stuck with the one who made the Grinch look like a teddy bear.
This night was shaping up to be a real blast. I was basically trapped in a car with a man who made my skin crawl, and I had to pretend to be his happy little wife.
Can't wait to see what other joys this evening had in store.