Chapter 1: The Facade of Love

(Aurora)

Marrying Leon Kingsley was never part of my plan. Then again, nothing in my life had gone as planned. Three years ago, with my family’s name in ruins and our estate reduced to a hollow shell, Leon – my childhood friend – offered me a lifeline: a three-year marriage of convenience. In return, he’d help salvage what little remained of my family’s legacy.

Feelings weren’t part of the deal.

Tonight, we were headed to one of Isabella Kingsley’s infamous family dinners. Leon’s mother excelled at hosting events that showcased wealth and power. This evening’s guest list included close friends belonging to influential families.

The weight of Leon’s hand in mine was a good distraction as we walked into the dining hall filled with guests milling about. My eyes squinted as they immediately fell upon someone standing just by the entrance. Taking small sips from her wine with her eyes glued to Leon was none other than Sophie Montgomery, a polished socialite who’d been pining for Leon for years. Her eyes lingered on him with unmistakable intent, her smile a thinly veiled challenge to me.

I stayed by Leon’s side as we went around the room greeting everyone. Just as I moved to greet Isabella, she clapped her hands right in my face and motioned the workers to bring the food out. I bit my lip and ignored her insolence as I took my seat beside Leon at the long table.

Dinner had barely started when Leon excused himself to take a call. Sophie wasted no time following him. I excused myself, and trailed behind her down the corridor. Keeping “predators” at bay—those eyeing Leon like candy—was part of my job as his wife, and tonight was no different.

As I turned the corner, the sight of Sophie falling into my husband’s embrace sent a shockwave down my spine—her hair tousled, eyes half-lidded, their bodies pressed together like smooth butter, Leon’s back turned toward me.

Before I could process any of it, she noticed me and smirked "Oh, Aurora, how long have you been standing there? I hope you didn’t misunderstand. Leon and I are just friends. We’ve always been close, right?”  She slid her hands up Leon’s chest, pressing against him with sultry eyes. “If I had real intentions, you would've caught us doing a lot more. And if you’re worried about anyone, it should be Claire. She’s been a favorite of the Kingsleys forever."

I stiffened, rolling my eyes as I marched forward, while Leon grabbed Sophie’s wrist, pushing her off him firmly. “Ms. Baker, please. I have a wife. Don’t make this a spectacle.”

“Ms. Baker, does your mother know this is how you’ve carried yourself at the tender age of eighteen?” I curled my arm around Leon, glaring at Sophie. “Or maybe I could share the details of your little escapade to your parents. If they approve…” I tilted my head, my eyes cold and sharp. “Maybe we can make your wet dream a reality. How does that sound?”

Sophie’s face was drained of color. She bit her lip, her eyes flickering between us, then yanked her dress and hurried back toward the hall.

“That was spectacular," Leon said, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Though, I’m a bit curious about your suggestions.” He raised an eyebrow. “You want her to partake in—”

“Oh, come on,” I cut him off, feigning anger. “You know exactly what I was doing.”

Leon laughed, the sound resonating through the hall, deep and rich. I smiled, but a flicker of melancholy and weariness settled in my chest.

Moments like these always stirred up memories I tried to keep buried – the fall of the Winters name, the whispers of scandal, and the hollow echo of an empty estate. After my father’s business empire under the weight of mismanagement and fraud allegations, my stepmother, Dahlia, in a desperate attempt to secure our future, laced my drink with drugs and sent me to Leon’s suite during a charity gala. Her plan was simple: force Leon, my childhood friend, into a position where he’d have no choice but to marry me.

But Leon wasn’t like the men Dahlia assumed him to be. When I woke up groggy and humiliated, he was sitting in a chair across the room, his expression a mix of concern and quiet anger – not at me, but at the situation we’d been thrust into. He didn’t touch me, didn’t even entertain the possibility. Instead, he offered a solution that, at the time, felt like salvation.

“Aurora,” he had said that morning, his voice steady and resolute, “we’ll do this on our terms. A marriage in name only. Three years. I’ll help your family, and in return, you’ll help me keep my mother off my back and society out of my personal life.”

It was a lifeline I couldn’t afford to refuse. And so, our arrangement began. To close friends and family, we were husband and wife – a picture-perfect couple navigating the high-pressure demands of elite society. To everyone else, we were a secretary and her boss. And behind closed doors, we were two people bound by necessity, carving out a delicate balance between partnership and distance.

Claire Winston, someone I’d always believed to be Leon’s true match, left the country after hearing the news. It felt like I had taken something from her—something from him—even though Leon assured otherwise. Her marriage overseas quieted the whispers for a time, but her shadow still lingered.

The meal resumed, but Isabella wasn’t one to let things lie. Her gaze settled on me all of a sudden, her tone deceptively sweet. “It’s always a joy to see families grow. Some of us have been waiting for baby news for quite a while now. Legacy, after all, isn’t just about accomplishments. Don’t you agree, Aurora?”

I felt the room’s attention shift to me. “Absolutely,” I said smoothly. “Legacy is important. And so is timing. Leon and I believe in building a strong foundation before taking any big steps.”

Her smile faltered. “Timing, yes. But the clock doesn’t stop for anyone. Especially in matters as crucial as family.”

Leon’s voice broke the tension, calm but resolute. “Mother, that’s enough. Any decisions about children are ours alone. I’d appreciate it if you respected that.”

The table fell silent. Isabella’s lips pursed, but she didn’t push further. Conversation shifted, but her barbs lingered in my mind.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said softly, under my breath so only Leon could hear.

“Yes, I did,” he replied without hesitation and loud enough that people sitting a few seats down heard it. “You’re my wife. She has no right to undermine you.”

His words warmed something deep within me, though I masked it with a teasing smile. “I had it handled,” 

“I don’t doubt it. But even you deserve backup sometimes.”