Chapter Five

Miracle 

I blinked away my confusion, wondering what demon from hell had possessed Dani. She dragged me along, drawing several gazes. When we got outside the establishment, I yanked my hand away. 

"What the hell, Dani?" I scolded her, frustrated that she was nearly a foot taller than me. It was always annoying when I had to look up to speak with her.

"Read my lips. If you screw this contract up, you're doomed for life. Didn't the contract state that you should never be seen with another man? Have you forgotten how powerful Leonel Hamilton is?”

"But Travis-”

"Forget about your crush on Travis until the contract is over," she snapped. “Focus.”

"Stop yelling at me!" I shot back. "Travis is an old friend and classmate. The contract doesn't prevent me from communicating with family and friends. 

She shook her head, frustrated. "Dude, that guy was eye-fucking you. Soon, he'll call and ask for a date. Use your head, Mimi."

Tired of arguing, I agreed. "Alright, ma'am, I hear you. Can we leave now?"

After a long day, I was napping when I heard a knock at the door. Maria, Leonel's housekeeper, walked in with a tray of cookies and orange juice.

"Hello, Miss. The boss is downstairs and wants to speak with you."

I was about to ask her if everything was fine, but then I remembered I needed to pretend to be Leonel's girlfriend since Maria was the live-in housekeeper.

"Please don't keep him waiting," she said before turning around and leaving.

I dashed to the dresser to inspect my hair, hoping Leonel wouldn't ruin my mood. Despite having my hair done, I still felt insecure and compared myself to his crazy girlfriend, whose perfume alone must cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I tried to act casually as I walked down the stairs. Leonel sat on the sofa, dressed in golf clothes, and was drinking a glass of whiskey. He looked up and cast a casual glance at me. Then it became exploring, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable.

"You sent for me, sir," I announced, breaking the silence. He gestured for me to sit on the sofa opposite him.

He remained silent, and I felt a knot in my stomach as I wondered what he was about to say. I was so nervous that I dug my toes into the white shag rug that covered most of the floor.

"Drop the title and call me Leonel. There is a charity gala tomorrow night. You have to accompany me."

He sipped his drink while watching my reaction. I clasped my hands and exhaled loudly.

"I... I don't think I'm ready."

Leonel shot me an annoyed look from the corner of his eye. "So, why are you here? To eat and sleep?"

"I didn't mean that. I thought I would have some time to learn more about your circle."

"Learn on the job. You became my girlfriend when you signed that contract, and I need to introduce you to my friends and family—everyone who matters in the city," he said, sounding impatient. I closed my eyes and took deep, controlled breaths.

"You can do it; remember the money at stake." I heard Dani's voice in my head.

"This is business," Leonel reminded me. "You agreed to this arrangement, and I expect you to stick to the bargain.”

"But how should I act? What should I say?"

He groaned loudly. "Where's Calvin when I need him? He'll take you somewhere tomorrow to work on your mannerisms."

When Leonel waved me off, I was glad to leave his intimidating presence. Calvin kept his word and drove me to Elegance Academy, an etiquette school.

I spent over an hour staring at mirrors, trying to make myself look presentable, while Calvin simply smiled at me as if he were watching a particularly amusing child.

That evening, the housekeeper assisted me with some light makeup, and my pulse quickened with intense worry. My first party with Leonel could either be a success or a complete disaster.

"The lipstick is bold, and the bronzer is too much," I grumbled, amusing Maria.

"Stop complaining and sit still," she said, laughing. "You look flawless."

Leonel was waiting downstairs for me. When he turned around, his gaze lingered, and I looked away, feeling self-conscious.

"Would you like me to change?"

“No, this is fine. It…uh… looks great on you."

Whoa!

Did Leonel Hamilton just compliment me?

I swallowed hard, hoping I wasn't blushing furiously. An uncomfortable silence enveloped the car, leaving me at a loss for words on how to start a conversation with him until he broke the silence. 

"Have you had dinner?"

I shook my head. "I'm avoiding a bloated stomach."

His gaze swept across my dress, making my skin prickle. Then his mouth slowly formed a small smile.

"Your females are strange.”

The rest of the drive was quiet, but sitting next to him was overwhelming. Thank goodness the human stomach was not transparent; otherwise, he would have seen the butterflies fluttering in mine.

I grimaced as I remembered Travis, and my mind began drawing comparisons between the two men. 

Travis seemed like a nice, put-together young man, down to earth, and the type of person I would like to spend the rest of my life with.

Leonel was a billionaire who exudes sex appeal. With him, I wouldn't have to lift a finger at work, and my orgasms were guaranteed. I closed my eyes, trying to remember what I learned in etiquette class.

"Do you feel nervous?" 

I nodded, surprised that Leonel was attempting to break the silence. 

“Just be yourself. People can smell fakery from miles away.”

The venue was a five-star hotel outside an exclusive neighborhood, and the sight of A-list celebrities made my eyes pop open.

"Relax," Leonel said, trying to hide his amusement. “I'll go open your side of the door."

I managed a nod, and he helped me out. I clutched my purse so tightly when he hooked his arm around mine after handing over our car to the valet.

"Welcome to the party, Mr. Hamilton," one of the well-dressed waitresses said to Leonel, ignoring me completely.

Ouch.

We passed through the foyer into a massive ballroom where the party was in full swing, with everyone dressed to the nines and mingling while sipping champagne.

Leonel unexpectedly rubbed my back. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel so much better.

"Let's say hello to the host. She's one of my company's major shareholders. Remember to smile."

He smiled broadly at a middle-aged redhead who was stunningly beautiful and flawless. She looked smitten, like a schoolgirl.

"What a delightful surprise, Jelena. I had no idea you had returned from Paris."

I froze when he wrapped his hand around my waist and drew me closer.

"Meet Miracle, my girlfriend. Darling, this is Jelena Fitzpatrick, our host and my family's business associate for decades."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am." I smiled and extended my shaky hand.

She didn't take it.

"Keep smiling," Leonel whispered to me.

"I apologize for being rude," the host said haughtily. "But I'm trying to remember where I saw her before. Is this Nasir Mohammed's daughter?"

"What?" Leonel laughed, attempting to make light of the situation. "Certainly not. That is not a good impression of my girlfriend."

She snorted and ignored me. Thankfully, Leonel whisked me away. 

"She is a piece of cake in comparison to the others," he warned, leading me around for introductions. 

People stared at me, some puzzled, some indifferent, and a few women gave me hostile looks until Leonel abruptly pulled me aside. 

"My family is walking in. I'm going to kiss you right now."

"What!" I exclaimed in shock.

"It's part of the agreement," he said, gritting his teeth and drawing me closer.

"Behave, or it's over. Now, lean forward and pretend to enjoy yourself."