Chapter 4: "A Night of Deception."

Aria had hardly slept at all. During the time that she was lying on the enormous bed and looking at the ceiling, the weight of the impending gala was pressing down on her chest. She had just exchanged one prison for another, and now the walls were beginning to close in once more.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as she heard a gentle tap on the door.

She sat up and pulled the blanket about her more tightly as she did so.

"Please come in."

As Roland entered the room, he maintained the same level of formality that he's known for. With a courteous nod, he greeted Mrs. Ashford and wished her a good morning.

Camille will be here soon to assist you in getting ready for the event that will take place tonight. The significance of tonight's appearance was something that Mr. Ashford wanted me to bring to your attention.

Underneath the covers, Aria squeezed her hands tightly. I am Mrs. Ashford. The sound of the name seemed completely strange, as if it did not belong to her. Now, however, it did. It was sufficient for her to write her name on the contract; that was all that was required.

"Thank you, Roland," she responded with a resolute tone in her voice. "I will be prepared."

Roland gave her one more courteous gesture before leaving her to her own devices once again.

The hours came and went in a haze as preparations were made.

The arrival of Camille was marked by her typical zeal, and she proceeded to obsess over every aspect of Aria's look.

Aria's figure was clinging to the sleek black gown that she had selected, and the open back revealed just enough to attract attention without being scandalous.

Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, and she wore beautiful diamond earrings that shone against her neck.

Camille said, "You look absolutely stunning," as she took a step back to examine her job. "Tonight, no one will be able to take their gaze off of you," the speaker said.

Aria took a quick reflection of herself in the mirror. It seemed as if the lady who was gazing back at her was impeccable, sophisticated, and entirely foreign to her. Her inner nature was concealed under layers of clothing and cosmetics, and she had the impression that she was a doll that was being made up for exhibition.

Aria said something under her breath, "Let's just get this over with before we move on."

Camille offered her a look of understanding, seeing that she was uncomfortable, but she did not say anything.

At the same time that Aria was starting to comprehend her own function in Lucas's universe, she was aware of her own role.

Lucas was waiting for Aria at the foot of the big staircase as she started her descent into the foyer. His piercing stare followed her every step as she made her way down the staircase. He was wearing a sophisticated black tuxedo, and his dark hair was groomed in an impeccable manner.

He seemed to be every bit as powerful as a millionaire, and his presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room.

As Lucas extended his hand to her, he said, "You look absolutely stunning." He was giving her a handshake.

Putting her hand in his, Aria paused for a bit before finally putting her hand in his. It was a calm and deliberate touch from him.

Nothing more than a performance was being given here. That was something she needed to keep in mind.

In a gentle voice, she said, "Thank you," while attempting to smile, but her grin did not quite reach her eyes.

At that moment, Lucas's eyes darted over her, evaluating her as if she were a valuable property. He said, "Remember your role tonight," while maintaining a stern tone in his voice. "I consider you as my wife.

You are going to be cordial, you are going to smile, and you are not going to let anybody to even for a second have the impression that this is anything other than genuine.

With her pulse racing in her chest, Aria let out a forceful gulp. This is clear to me.

Lucas did not utter a single word as he walked her to the truck that was waiting outside.

Because of the heavy and unbreakable tension that existed between them, the trip to the gala was completely quiet. Aria's thoughts were racing fast as she glanced out the window.

Despite the fact that she had no idea what to anticipate from this event, she had a sickening sensation that it would be nothing less than a battleground.

This opulent ballroom in the city was the type of building that screamed money and power, and it was the location of the gala that was being hosted.

Aria was met by flashing cameras and murmurings of excitement as soon as they got out of the vehicle upon their arrival.

During the time that the paparazzi were taking picture after photo, she could feel her pulse beating in her chest as she firmly gripped Lucas's arm.

Lucas placed his voice in her ear and bent down slightly to speak to her. "Shine on."

Aria mustered up the courage to grin, despite the fact that it was empty.

Despite the fact that she had never been one to like the limelight, she found herself thrown into it at this precise moment, with the watchful eyes of high society scrutinizing every action she took.

When they entered the ballroom, there was an immediate silence among the throng. The buzzing of their voices could be felt in Aria's ears, and she could feel their eyes on her.

The new wife of Lucas Ashford is shown here.

It was completely unknown to me that he was dating anybody.

The question is, "She is stunning, but where did she come from?""

Aria had her head raised high and her hand softly resting on Lucas's arm as they moved around the room. She did this while keeping her head held high.

She had to keep up the pretense, she had to pretend that she belonged here, despite the fact that every instinct in her body was screaming at her to go.

Lucas took her to a group of guys who were standing a short distance away from the bar. The men's polished looks and costly clothes gave the impression that they were powerful and influential individuals.

As he talked, his arm became more tight around her waist, and he informed her that she was his wife.

The words "This is Aria, my wife," were said by Lucas with a silky tone and an expression of pride in his voice.

Aria saw that the guys were smiling and nodding politely as they welcomed her, but she could also see the interest in their eyes.

They were attempting to find out who she was and get an understanding of the reasons behind Lucas's decision to go with her.

Keeping her comments brief and to the point, she smiled sweetly and exchanged pleasantries with the other person. It was very evident that these guys were not interested in her as a person; rather, they were interested in what she represented by whatever means necessary.

She was a trophy, a representation of Lucas's power and accomplishment in the world.

Throughout the course of the evening, Aria noticed that she was gradually moving away from Lucas's side and finding refuge in the more secluded areas of the ballroom.

The pressure of the performance was beginning to take its toll on her, and she needed a little pause in order to catch her breath.

As she stood by the enormous windows that reached from floor to ceiling, she looked out at the city lights below her.

The room was filled with the sounds of laughing and discussion, but everything seemed far away, as if she were seeing everything that was going on from behind a glass wall.

Experiencing feelings of being overpowered?"

She was surprised by the deep voice, and as she turned around, she saw a guy standing next to her, his black eyes gleaming with amusement all around him.

He was tall, had a strong presence that was comparable to that of Lucas, and his grin was lovely; nonetheless, there was something disconcerting about both of these qualities.

Aria responded, "I'm fine," with a careful tone in her voice.

A quiet giggle came from the guy. What's the point of being so defensive? I'm just trying to strike up a conversation," he said, extending his hand to her.

It's me, Viktor. It was Viktor Pierce.

Before accepting his hand, Aria exhibited some reluctance. This is Aria Ashford.

The look of curiosity flashed over his eyes.

"May I ask, Ashford? Thus, you are the one who has finally succeeded in taming Lucas.

Aria tensed back up. However, I would not say that.

The grin that Viktor was wearing grew wider, but it did not reach his eyes. "Of course not," she said. The only person who can properly tame a guy is Lucas.

The dread that Aria was experiencing grew with each passing second, but she did not answer. Something about Viktor seemed strange to her, as if he were engaging in a game that she was unable to comprehend.

Are you having a good time at the gala?" Viktor inquired, his tone seeming easygoing, but there was a sharpness at the core of his question.

"This is... Aria said, "an experience," while carefully selecting the words she would use.

Another giggle came from Viktor, who never took his eyes off of her.

"I believe that it would be for someone like you," the speaker said.

A moment before she could react, Lucas stood at her side, his face becoming more gloomy as he took in the sight of Viktor. V. "Viktor."

With a grin that never wavered, Viktor said, "Lucas," with a seamless delivery. I had just begun to get acquainted with your wonderful wife.

Aria's arm was held by Lucas with a small tightening of his hold, and his mouth was clenched. "You were, without a doubt. Nevertheless, it is time for us to go.

The eyebrow of Viktor was raised, but he did not voice a complaint. Without a doubt. This is Mrs. Ashford, and I am looking forward to seeing you again.

Aria worked hard to put on a pleasant face, but her heart was racing as Lucas led her away from the room.

It was something about Viktor Pierce that made her feel like a piece in a much broader game. There was something that made her suspect that he was dangerous.

At the moment when they left the ballroom and entered the waiting automobile, Lucas remained mute, his countenance becoming more agitated.

While Aria waited for him to make a statement, the quiet continued to linger, becoming more heavy and uncomfortable.

At long last, she reached the point when she could no longer take it. It was who was that?"

This caused Lucas's jaw to tighten as his gaze flickered toward her.

"Someone about whom you should keep a safe distance."

Aria wore a frown. Why is that? How are things going?"

A delay in response was observed from Lucas. When he did eventually speak, his tone was icy and unfriendly. Mr. Viktor Pierce is a risky individual.

He is one of my competitors, and he is willing to do whatever in order to achieve his goals. You must use extreme caution.

Aria felt her heart sink. It was abundantly evident that her new existence with Lucas was far more precarious than she had anticipated it to be. The interaction with Viktor had left her feeling disturbed, despite the fact that she wanted to think that she was capable of handling the situation.

It was a terrible sense that she was caught in the midst of a conflict that she was not prepared for, and she was aware that there were forces at play that she did not comprehend.