TBG - Chapter 17: Trapped in Silk and Secrets

The grand celebration in Victor’s mansion was in full swing, buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and the chatter of well-dressed elites. The massive space was decorated with opulence, and Nadia couldn’t help but feel out of place. She was adorned in a stunning black backless dress, six-inch heels clicking softly on the marble floors, her hand resting in Theodore's arm as he led her through the sea of wealthy guests. Everything around her was a reminder of how different her life was from theirs.

They reached their table where Theodore sat beside Drake. Nadia seated herself next to Theodore, still feeling the weight of the unfamiliar world around her. Before she could fully settle in, Drake leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, his voice low and admiring. “You look absolutely stunning tonight, Nadia,” he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. Nadia smiled awkwardly, not sure how to respond to his charm, her heart fluttering despite herself.

Victor stood, signaling the start of the speeches. “Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Thatcher Enterprises,” he began. “Without your support, we wouldn’t have reached this milestone. My brother would have been proud to see this day.”

Applause filled the room, glasses clinking in approval. When Theodore stood to give his speech, his cold and composed presence commanded the room. “Forty years is a testament to the hard work and vision of this company,” he said, his tone crisp and professional. “But it’s just the beginning. Thatcher Enterprises will continue to innovate and grow.” His words were concise and devoid of emotion. He made no attempt to engage with the crowd beyond his brief speech. As he finished, the applause was polite but not fervent.

Nadia couldn't help but watch him as he returned to his seat. There was something magnetic about him—the way he held himself, the sharpness of his features. She admired him in silence, her gaze lingering longer than she intended. Theodore was undeniably handsome, his confidence and composure making him almost unreachable. Nadia couldn’t tear her eyes away, captivated by the quiet strength he exuded. She quickly looked away, embarrassed by how long she had been staring.

Drake, clearly in high spirits, picked up the conversation with Nadia to break the awkward tension. “So, you know, I once had to shoot a scene where I had to get covered in mud,” he began, chuckling as he remembered the experience.

“Mud?” Nadia asked, her curiosity piqued. “How did that happen?”

“Oh, it was a battle scene. Picture this: I'm supposed to be in this fierce fight, muddy, grimy, and struggling in the rain with the other actors,” Drake continued, grinning widely. “But the director decided that the mud should look extra dramatic, so they had this huge mud pit set up right in the middle of the set.”

Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Extra dramatic? That sounds… uncomfortable.”

“You have no idea,” Drake said, his voice light and amused. “They threw so much mud on me that it weighed me down, and I could barely move. The worst part? It started to rain halfway through, so I was covered in cold, thick mud and freezing water. But the camera kept rolling, and we had to keep acting like nothing was wrong.”

Nadia laughed, shaking her head. “How did you keep a straight face?”

“I didn’t!” Drake chuckled. “I couldn’t stop shivering, so I ended up looking like a nervous wreck, even though I was supposed to be a tough warrior. I swear, I had to hide my shivering under the fake bravado.”

“Sounds like a nightmare,” Nadia said with a smile. “I can’t even imagine how that must’ve felt.”

Drake shrugged playfully. “You get used to it after a while. But yeah, that one was tough. There’s something about being covered in mud that really humbles you. The crew was laughing at how ridiculous I looked, but I just had to push through. The show must go on, right?”

Nadia smiled warmly, appreciating Drake’s ability to laugh at himself. “I think it would’ve been hard for anyone to look cool covered in mud like that.”

“Yeah, definitely. But hey, it makes for a good story,” he said, laughing again. “You’ve got to be able to laugh at the awkward moments in this industry. If you don’t, you’ll go crazy.”

Nadia chuckled, enjoying the banter. As the conversation continued, she felt more at ease, her initial nervousness beginning to fade. Drake’s storytelling kept her entertained, and for the first time that evening, she forgot about the vast wealth and unfamiliarity of the event.

However, just as Nadia was laughing at one of Drake’s stories about a mishap on set, she felt a sudden pressure at her waist. Theodore’s hand had appeared out of nowhere, gripping her waist possessively. Nadia tensed, caught off guard by the sudden gesture. Theodore didn’t look at her, his face unreadable, but he pulled her closer, making it clear that his touch was not just an innocent move.

Nadia was confused. She didn’t know what was happening, but she could feel the tension radiating from him. “Theodore?” she murmured, but he didn’t acknowledge her, only whispered sharply, “Can you stop talking with him?”

Nadia blinked in surprise. What was happening? Why was Theodore acting like this? She glanced at Drake, who hadn’t noticed the shift in the atmosphere, still caught up in his own storytelling. But Nadia felt increasingly uncomfortable, unsure of what had caused Theodore’s sudden change in demeanor. Before she could process it, Theodore stood up and walked away, heading toward his business partners without another word.

Feeling a little lost and unsure of what to do next, Nadia returned her attention to Drake, who was still talking animatedly. She didn’t know anyone else in the room, and Drake’s stories were a welcome distraction. But as she listened, part of her couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled in her chest after Theodore’s unexpected behavior.

She tried to push her confusion aside and laughed along with Drake, but a small part of her kept wondering what had just happened between her and Theodore.

The conversation between Drake and Nadia was in full swing, their laughter echoing softly in the grand hall. Drake had just finished another amusing tale about a misstep during a red carpet event when, suddenly, the music stopped. A heavy silence blanketed the room, drawing everyone’s attention toward the center.

Standing tall and commanding attention was Theodore. His presence alone silenced the crowd, and his icy gaze was fixed directly on Nadia. Nadia’s smile wavered, confusion flickering across her face as the warmth of her conversation with Drake evaporated.

Theodore made his way toward her, his steps deliberate and his expression unreadable. The murmurs among the guests began to rise, curiosity piqued by his unusual behavior. Reaching Nadia, he extended his hand, his cold demeanor unyielding.

“Come,” he said simply.

Nadia hesitated but complied, placing her hand in his. Her heart raced as Theodore guided her to the front of the room, all eyes on them. His grip was firm yet not uncomfortable, and she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of unease and safety.

Once they stood before the crowd, Theodore’s voice cut through the silence, calm but with an edge of authority. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his gaze briefly scanning the room before landing back on Nadia. “I would like to formally introduce you all to my fiancée, Nadia.”

A wave of shocked gasps and hushed whispers rippled through the room. The men admired her beauty, while the women speculated about her identity and connection to Theodore. Nadia’s cheeks burned under the attention, but she maintained her composure, though her confusion deepened.

“And one more thing,” Theodore added, his tone resolute. “We will be married on the 17th of next month—two weeks from now.”

The whispers grew louder, the guests buzzing with intrigue. Some admired Theodore’s bold announcement, while others questioned the suddenness of the wedding. At the far end of the room, Drake’s jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold, jealousy flashing in his eyes. He clenched his fists, trying to mask his disappointment with a forced smile.

In a dark corner of the room, Leonora stood motionless, her piercing gaze locked on her son. Her hands gripped the edge of her clutch tightly, her face a mask of barely contained fury. This is not part of the plan, she thought, her frustration boiling over.

After the announcement, Theodore didn’t allow Nadia to return to her seat with Drake. Instead, he kept her close, his hand firmly holding hers as he steered her toward a quieter area. His icy demeanor didn’t falter, but his voice softened just slightly, betraying his discomfort.

“How is your brother?” Theodore asked, his tone brusque but not unkind.

Nadia blinked, surprised by the sudden shift. “He’s doing well,” she replied, her voice tentative. “The doctor said there’s a high chance he’ll recover fully if he continues with the medication.”

Theodore nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good,” he said, his words clipped, as if he wasn’t used to discussing such personal matters. “Make sure he does. His health is important.”

Nadia stared at him, searching his face for any sign of genuine concern. But Theodore remained distant, his cold exterior firmly in place. Despite his aloofness, there was a faint sincerity in his words that made her wonder if there was more to him than met the eye.

As they stood side by side, the buzz of the crowd surrounded them like an unrelenting wave. Theodore appeared calm and collected, while Nadia struggled to ignore the weight of so many eyes on her. His actions left her puzzled, yet there was something about him that kept her curiosity alive, even if he remained an enigma.

Camera flashes erupted, their bright bursts reflecting off the polished floors and casting a luminous glow over the pair. Theodore, ever poised, kept his hand firmly on Nadia’s as he leaned closer.

“Stay calm,” he murmured, his tone steady and commanding.

Nadia’s pulse quickened, and her cheeks flushed under the constant scrutiny. “I’m trying,” she whispered, barely moving her lips.

Theodore’s sharp eyes swept across the room, his voice dropping to a quiet but firm declaration. “Let them stare. You’re mine now. They need to remember that.”

In that moment, the confusion in Nadia’s eyes vanished, replaced by understanding. It was all part of the game.