Chapter 3: Restricted by obligation

The next morning arrived much too fast. The sun barely showed above the horizon, bathing Aria's new room's big windows in an orange hue. Her body weighty with the truth of her choice, she stirred slowly. Though not the type she had previously dreamt of, marriage was the weight she had signed up for. This constituted a contract; nothing more.

She showered quickly, then stood before the mirror marveling at her image. Usually so vibrant, her brown eyes were lifeless, and her face bore traces of the weariness from the emotional roller coaster she had been on. She sighed and tucked a wild strand of hair behind her ear. She really ought to have worn what? Was it really important?

She was taken from her ideas by a knock on the door. Standing there with a kind, somewhat mechanical grin was Roland, Lucas's assistant. "Mr. Ashford asks for your attendance in his briefing in his study."

Briefing? Aria ar eyebrows but nodded softly. She swiftly changed from her luggage using a basic white top and black pants. Lucas undoubtedly wanted to talk about business, whatever else he wanted. With him, business always took front stage.

Lucas was already sat behind his large desk, papers all about him when she got to the study. He turned to face the chair in front of him after momentarily looking up as she arrived.

"Sit," he commanded, his tone as frigid and commanding as always.

She settled down with her hands resting on her lap. Her voice softer than she had wanted, "What's this about?" she questioned.

Lucas steepled his fingers, his eyes keen. "We have to review the standards of this configuration. As my wife, you will have unique duties, especially with regard to looks. You will have to be by my side for many of the public engagements I have scheduled.

Aria stiffened, stifling her want to challenge him. She had approved of this after all. Still, the thought of being paraded around like some appendage to Lucas's company made her stomach flip.

"I understand," she murmured at last, her voice steady although her emotions were not calm.

Lucas carried on as if he had no sense of her pain. "I have set up a stylist to see you this afternoon. You will have to look the part for these occasions; your present wardrobe won't be enough.

Aria nodded even though her cheeks reddened at his directness. What did she expect? She obviously belonged nowhere in this world of luxury and riches. Her life with the Moonstone pack had been straightforward, focused more on utility than fashion.

And one more thing, Lucas said, leaning slightly forward. " Tomorrow night we are going to a gala. First time you will be presented as my wife.

The air seemed to pass right through her lungs. Next evening. Introduced as his spouse. Her pulse raced as she considered appearing in front of total strangers, acting as if everything was normal, that she hadn't been sent away only days earlier.

She couldn, however, afford to fail now.

She responded, "I'll be ready," meeting his eye with more assurance than she felt.

Lucas nodded, glad for her answer. "Good." Let us now review many of the specifics. You will have to know how to manage certain... circumstances.

Aria squinted. "Events?,"

Lucas's face darkened just a little. "I have many commercial competitors, many of whom would like to see me fail. A few will attempt to reach me via you. You have to be constantly conscious of this.

Her heart missed one beat. Was he implying someone could attempt to harm her?

Lucas appeared to absorb her ideas. "Don't panic; I have security set up. Still, there are more subdued methods individuals may attempt to discredit us. They will try you and check your weakness. Aria, I cannot afford a lazy companion. You have to be as powerful as I am if we are going to keep control.

Though she wasn't sure whether it was the coldness with which he spoke or the idea that she was weak, hurt Errors were unacceptable and vulnerability had no place here. Not here, on this planet.

Again, she responded, "I understand," but her mind was racing.

Lucas got up from his seat to indicate the conversation was ended. You will see the stylist at two. You are free to tour the estate up until then. Just keep out of the west wing.

Aria too stood there perplexed by the final line. "Why can't I visit the wing on the west?"

His eyes flickered icy, inscrutable toward her. "Your worries are not at all relevant here. Just avoid the place.

He passed her and left the study without waiting for a reply, therefore leaving her standing with more questions than answers. In the west wing was what? Why was he hiding himself about it?

She gave her head a shake. It didn't matter. She had enough to cope with without snooping into Lucas's personal life. She would concentrate on surviving this marriage, one day at a time, right now.

The remainder of the morning went unremarkably. Aria wandered the large grounds of the estate, attempting to displace the mounting anxiety that had crept into her chest. Perfectly groomed hedges and vivid flowers that appeared out of place in the otherwise chilly, austere home surrounded the beautiful grounds. Even the beauty of the gardens, however, could not lift the weight in her heart.

She was looking at her reflection in the flowing water while standing at the brink of a big fountain. The lady turning back at her appeared like a stranger. In a short period of time, her life had altered rather fundamentally. She no longer identified with herself.

Startled, "Aria," a voice said.

She turned to see Roland walking toward her, his customary courteous grin in place. "The stylist is here." In the sitting room she is waiting for you.

Aria nodded and followed him back into. She had no option even if she wasn't sure what this stylist would produce. She would have to pretend if she was going to survive this show. And so be it if it meant styling like the ideal billionaire's wife.

She was met in the sitting room by a tall, sophisticated lady with precisely groomed hair and a keen sense of fashion. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed Aria over, immediately evaluating her.

The lady continued, "You must be Aria," her voice kind yet businesslike. "Your stylist is Camille here.."

Aria gave a little grin, uncomfortable under Camille's close inspection. " Nice to meet you.."

Camille lost no time starting her task. She explained the need of projecting the correct picture while pulling out fabric swatches, designs, and jewelry pieces. Aria nodded along, let Camille's words flood her. Not one of them seemed genuine.

Following what seemed like hours of conversation, Camille at last decided on a design for Aria's gown for the gala. With a high neckline and a dramatic, exposed back, the dress was sleek black. For the part she would be doing, it was modest and sophisticated.

Camille gave Aria one final, approved glance as she packed her belongings. "The evening's star will be you. Lucas cannot turn his eyes away from you.

Aria gritted a grin, but the idea made her stomach turn. Lucas could be her spouse right now, but they showed no passion for one other. She had to keep in mind that she was simply another element in his well crafted universe.

Aria lie in bed that evening, looking up at the ceiling. She would formally be Lucas Ashford's wife tomorrow, seen by the world. She would have to act as if everything was OK, smile, and help.

Deep inside however, she knew this was just the start. Lucas's world hid secrets, and sooner or later she would have to confront them.

She also wasn't sure if she would emerge unharmed when she did.