Chapter 3_ Playing A Role To Be His Fiancee

‘His—-What?!’ Kate was dumbfounded and screamed in her mind but Lucas ignored the petrified Kate and continued with his speech.

“Like my father said before he passed on, I’ll need a queen by my side to properly lead the family. The empire I’ll soon inherit brings many duties and responsibilities—-- so I’m pleased to face them with someone I can truly rely on by my side.” Lucas looks back at Kate, his gaze warmer than usual.

“A capable woman who has proven herself to me and won my love. Many challenges await us, but I know we can face them together." Kate stands next to him in a daze as he goes on about their relationship with charm and like a man in love.

Yet, his commanding presence continues to dominate the atmosphere.

‘What the hell is going on?’

And why is he acting like a completely different person?!’

Applause breaks out after his speech, and with a dazzling smile on his handsome face, Lucas takes her hand again and leads her away. He brought her into an empty room just off from the room where the party was.

And Immediately, he lets go of her hand.

“Do you have anything to say?"

‘Anything?’ I don't even know where to begin.’ Kate exasperated inwardly.

She stared at him, appalled and In return, the man groaned.

“I didn't expect much, but this is disappointing even by the low standards I set—-- Whatever, at least, you looked good.”

His casual dismissal makes Kate’s blood boil and at that moment, she felt like throwing him a punch on the face.

‘Mafia boss or not, I can't let him talk to me this way!’

“What's wrong with you?" The words nearly explode out of her. “You drag me up there in front of everyone with no warning ahead of time and say that I'm your fiancee—-- And then you have the gall to insult me afterwards?!” She said and glared hotly at him with her hazel eyes.

“I’d assume someone with any brain power at all would ask a question or two."

“Y-You—-"

“You seem angry." Lucas said, with a smirk on his face as If enjoying the way she was spitting fire on him.

“You think? How dare you tell those people out there that I'm your fiancee—-- we barely know each other!” Kate said, with a loud voice, completely vexed by the jerk!

"I assure you, It's a good reason.”

"If it was a good reason, then why didn't you talk to me about it beforehand?”

Lucas frowned, "I’m disliking your tone." He steps forward, towering over her with his piercing gaze.

“Perhaps, you’ve forgotten who I am, but you are in no place to question my decision." Kate steps back away from him, Instinctively but as her back meets the wall, Lucas doesn't stop approaching her.

Kate swallowed hard, ‘I almost forgot what kind of shitty person he is.’

Seeing the frustrated look on her face, Lucas knew he had made his stance known and said, “Since I’d have to discuss things with you afterwards, anyway to make the proper arrangements, This is the most efficient way.”

Kate glared at him, fuming.

‘I can't believe the nerve of this guy! I know he’s an important person, but does he think that gives him the right to do whatever he wants?’

Lucas eyed her like she's a prey about to be snatched up, “Though I’ll admit, I seem to have misjudged you."

“Excuse me?"

“Our previous encounters weren't promising, but you have more gusto than I gave you credit for. It just came rushing out all at once.”

Kate snorts, "There's only so much a person can take before she stops being polite.”

He looked at her curiously and nodded, "Indeed.”

Something in his gaze seems more interesting than a moment ago. Kate almost thought he’s admiring her and the thought of that makes her heart flutter, as confusing as that is.

Lucas steps closer to her and tilts her chin up to look into his deep emerald eyes.

The shock of his touch makes her freeze, His fingers are warm and gentle, but his gaze looks piercing.

“As long as you keep that mouth of yours under control, you might be a good choice after all."

“What? To be your fiancee?" Kate swallowed a mouthful of saliva as she noticed the man’s eyes staring at her neck before they flit back up to her face.

“Precisely. If you were as empty- headed as I feared, this would be a painful engagement. Now, I know you're a good choice.” He grabs her jaw and tugs her face closer to his. His grip isn't painful but It's not gentle either.

"I approve of you.”

"We are not engaged!” Kate fired at him.

"We told all those people out there that we are.”

"No, You did!”

"I hope you aren't suggesting that I tell them otherwise, because that's out of the question.”

"You expect me to pretend to be your fiancee?”

"Exactly, and I assume you’ll be better behaved when speaking to people who don't know the truth.” His casual assessment nearly makes Kate choke.

“Still, It's time I explain the situation to you." He pulls his hand away, but the way he looks at her keeps her rooted in her spot.

“I'm sure you already know who I am—- Lucas Romano, heir to the Romano group and the Romano family and the recent family head after the untimely death of my father.”

Kate scoffed, ‘Death is putting it lightly. Mr. Romano’s gruesome murder was in the papers for weeks.’

“Given the unpredictable line of our work, there are some concerns among the Costa Nostra that it's risky to have a boss with no heir of his own. Normally, I wouldn't care, but one of my enemies is pushing to take over the family."

“So you need to put on this show to calm any doubts and make it seem like It's still going strong?"

Lucas raises an eyebrow, "Smart girl.”

‘It’s hard to tell If he’s being genuine or not, but I’d take the compliment regardless, Kate mused.

“If I’m married, everyone will assume I will have an heir sooner or later, and They'll stand behind me as their boss when I take over." Kate shook her head, ‘This is unbelievable!’

“Wouldn't it make more sense to marry someone you actually want as your wife?"

“If I had a genuine fiancee already, this wouldn't be a concern to start with. I have no interest wasting my time romancing fickle women when I have an empire to run.” Lucas said, with an expressionless face.

"W-Well yeah, but—- Come on, this can't be the best solution." She said, but Lucas disagreed.

“On the contrary, It's the most ideal. You will play the part of my fiancee, then after the wedding, I will secure full control over my father's business and related matters. You can do whatever you please at that point, and the divorce will be quick and easy. And rest assured, you will be well rewarded for your role in this.”

Kate snickered, “Do I really have a choice?"

“What exactly are you hoping my answer to be?" Lucas asked, surprising himself.

‘Why does he seem like he was being patient towards her, and trying to convince her to accept him willingly instead of taking drastic measures like he always does?’

“Er…….that I can go back to my own life while you find someone else to marry?”

“Absolutely not.”

Kate sighed, ‘I was afraid he would say that.’

“But why? What's so special about me?"

At her question, his gaze grew so intense, that it has Kate shrinking back.

“Because you were the best of all the women in that room."

Kate’s breath catches, oddly, his words pleased her and brought tingles down her spine until Lucas spoke up again.

“A plan like this requires the utmost secrecy. I went to someone who owed me a favor, and he recommended you as one of the options tonight."

"Recommended? Who would” Just then, a knock sounded at the door and interrupted her words.

The door opened and Kate widened her eyes in belief to see the person who had just made an entrance.