CHAPTER 3

CAUGHT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

The last encounter with James Knight left Emily with mixed feelings, especially after the whole drama with the suspicious vehicle. James phoned the security unit in the hotel immediately and they're looking into the issue but she hadn't gotten any feedback and that too was keeping her on edge. But she knew there was no going back from this commitment. Now they must flaunt their fake union in front of the whole world to convince people they are a perfect couple.

Emily had been consumed with Wedding preparations, something that should make a person happy. But she felt like she was living another person's life, a life that had been picked out meticulously by her family and the Knights. As she walked into the large hall for her gown fitting, she found James already inside, sipping on the complimentary champagne.

“You're actually here.” Emily said, but it was more like a question.

“contrary to what you have in mind.” He said with a smirk “I'd love to see what kind of show our family has planned for the public.”

“Right, let's not forget the show.” She sighed.

She turned to the designer and the set of clothes that she could barely recognise their brands. Each dress was so beautifully presented but it all didn't matter to her, they all felt like costumes she was meant to put on.

“Why don't you try one on?” James said half jokingly and half serious.

He looked at Emily, trying to figure out what she was thinking. “You don't care do you?”

“No.” She said, holding his gaze. “This is just business, remember? I'd rather just get it done with.”

His eyes softened but he quickly looked away. “Fair enough.”

As Emily reluctantly tries on dress after dress, she could feel her eyes on him but he never said a word. When she finally emerged with her choice, it was a very sleek dress that screams elegance and command. She turned to him.

“So?” She said, sounding tired and uninterested.

He paused, scrutinising her, an unreadable expression flashed across his face.

“It suits you.”

Emily's cheeks flared but she turned away, reminding herself that this was an arrangement and nothing more. “I'll take this then.”

***********

James always appeared composed whenever they went out for any of their wedding plans. Treating it as one of his business obligations, Emily applauded his professionalism but she couldn't stop the lingering feelings in her gut. Neither of them wanted any of this but it was what their families demanded.

Later that evening, they found themselves seated facing each other, discussing the final arrangements for the wedding.

“Your appearances to the public must be well calculated.” James' father said, his voice firm and straightforward, he reminded Emily of her own father. “This is not just an arranged marriage, we're building an alliance so you both must look convincing enough.”

James nodded, keeping to his cool and collected self.

But Emily could feel irritation building. “We know, we've already gone through all the details ourselves.”

Her father turned to her, his expression hard. “This isn't just about going through details Emily, it's about our Legacy so you should treat it as something serious.”

Emily clenched her fist under the table trying to hide the anger that was threatening to burst out. “I'm well aware of that, Father.”

James looked at her from the corner of his eye, he sensed her anger and quickly changed the topic.

“Do we have to stay together in one house?” He asked the question which he directed to Emily's father.

“You are getting married James, do newly weds live in different homes?” Her father fired the question at him with distaste in his voice.

“Well, you can stay in the Knights mansion, buy a house, whatever you're both comfortable with, the fact this is an arranged marriage doesn't make us animals.” James' mother said, finally joining the conversation.

“I agree, you both can decide on that, that's the least we can do for you.” Emily's mother chipped in.

“I think buying a house would be the best approach.” James said. “What do you think, Emily?”

“Whichever, I don't really care.”

**********

Once the meeting ended, Emily stormed out of the room but James caught her arm, pulling her back.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” “You're letting your emotions get the best of you.”

She faced him, her jaw clenched. “Does anything even matter at this point?!!”

“I guess not.” He said, his voice softening. He could understand her, he was literally in the same position as her but he was calm and collected, treating this as he would treat any other business of his father's.

“If it makes you feel any better, I think you're handling it better than I thought you would.”

His words threw her off, it sounded like he was comforting her, and for a second, she saw a look of something flash across his face but she quickly retracted her hands.

“This is a show, remember? So we have to stick to our roles.”

James nodde, his face going back to his normal expression. “And we will.”

**********

In days leading up to their wedding, they attended a public event for the first time as a couple. As cameras pointed to their faces, questions flying from different corners, they posed as lovesick couples.

“Emily, what would you say marrying into the Knights family is like for you?” A reporter asked, pushing a big microphone towards her mouth.

Emily's face looked frozen in place, her smile looking programmed. “Um.. it's a privilege, really. We're excited to start this beautiful journey together.”

James standing beside her quickly added. “Emily has brought so much light and Joy into my life and I'm very lucky to have her by my side.”

The reporter nodded, feeling accomplished with the responses. “You're getting really good at this lying game.” Emily said with a sigh.

James looked at her, a small smile paying on his lips. “And so are you.” He whispered in her ear.

They shared a look of mutual understanding of the role they were supposed to present to the public but as they were about leaving.

“Emily, it has come to our knowledge that this is an arranged marriage and you're just putting on a show, what do you have to say about that?”

Emily didn't know where the reporter appeared from.

“What!? Where did you get that from?”

Emily said, sharing a terrified look with James.