Chapter 4: One evening of dishonesty

Aria had slept little at all. She lay in the huge bed looking at the ceiling, the weight of the approaching gala crushing down on her chest. She had swapped one jail for another, and now the walls were closing in.

She was startled from her thoughts by the faint tap on the door. She sat up, drawing the blanket tightly over her. Ask to come in.

Roland entered the room with his customary formal manner. Good morning, Mrs. Ashford he nodded politely. "Camille will be coming soon to assist with evening event preparation. Mr. Ashford wants me to remind you of the significance of tonight's look.

Under the covers, Aria closed her fists. Mrs. Ashford. The name sounded alien, like if it did not belong to her. But it did then as well. It needed only her signing her name on the deal.

Her voice tight, "Thank you, Roland," she said. I will be ready.

Roland nodded once more politely before walking off alone once again.

The hours flew in a haze of getting ready. Arriving with her normal energy, Camille fiddled with every aspect of Aria's look. The elegant black gown Aria had selected hung to her figure, the open back showing just enough to attract attention without being provocative. Her hair was brushed into a graceful updo, and little diamond earrings glittered on her neck.

Camille replied, "You look perfect," then stepped back to appreciate her job. Nobody will be able to stop looking at you tonight.

Aria turned to check herself in the mirror. The lady turning back at her seemed polished, smart, and utterly alien. Her real self buried behind layers of cosmetics and cloth, she felt like a doll getting ready for exhibition.

Under her breath, Aria said, "Let's just get this over with."

Sensing her uneasiness, Camille smiled sympathetically but said nothing. She recognized her place in Lucas's universe, just as Aria was starting to realize hers.

Lucas was waiting for Aria at the foot of the great staircase as she descended into the foyer; his keen eye tracked her every step. He had a slick black tuxedo on, and his dark hair was exactly combable. He commanded the room with his every bit of a strong billionaire.

Lucas remarked, his voice low as he reached for her, "You look stunning."

Aria hesitated just long enough to put her hand in his. His contact was deliberate, cold. This was hardly more than a performance. She had to remind herself of it.

She said gently, "Thank you," attempting a grin that fell short of her eyes.

Lucas's eyes veered over her, evaluating her like a valuable item. "Remember your role tonight," he stated calmly and with stern voice. You are the wife of my. You will be kind, you will smile, and you will not allow anybody to momentarily believe that this is anything other than genuine.

Aria bit hard, her heart thumping in her chest. "I understand."

Lucas walked her to the waiting vehicle outside without further word. The trip to the gala was hushed; their conflict was deep and relentless. Aria gazed out the window as her head spun. Though she had a terrible sense that this gathering would be nothing less than a battlefield, she had no idea what to anticipate.

The event was taking place in a lavish ballroom in the metropolis, the kind of venue that screamed riches and authority. Aria was met by whirling cameras and whispers of curiosity as soon as they left the automobile. Her heart racing in her chest, she grabbed Lucas's arm firmly as the paparazzi shot picture after picture.

Lucas bent slightly, his words low in her ear. "Polite."

Though it felt empty, Aria made herself grin. She had never been one for the limelight, and now she was being pushed into it, her every action watched by the wary eyes of high society.

A silence descended the assembly as they walked inside the ballroom. Aria could see their eyes fixed on her, their words buzzing in her ears.

"That is the new wife of Lucas Ashford.”

"I hardly knew he was seeing anyone."

Though she is wonderful, where did she come from?

Aria kept her head up and let her palm softly rest on Lucas's arm as they moved across the hall. She had to maintain the façade, act as if she belonged here even though every impulse in her body screamed at her to go.

Lucas took her to a gathering of guys near the bar, their polished looks and costly clothes suggesting they were men of power and influence. He presented her as his wife, his arm around her waist as he talked.

"This is Aria, my wife," Lucas stated with a smoothness that suggested pride.

Though Aria could see the inquiry in their eyes, the guys welcomed her with courteous grins and nods. They were trying to figure her out, to know her and why Lucas had picked her.

She kept her answers brief and direct while still grinning graciously and passing kind greetings. These guys clearly were more interested in what she represented than in her personally. She was a trophy, a representation of Lucas's might and accomplishment.

Aria saw herself slipping away from Lucas's side as the evening drew on, comfort sought in the ballroom's quiet corners. She needed a minute to breathe as the weight of the performance was beginning to wear on her.

Perched near the expansive floor to-celly windows, she peered down at the city lights. if it seemed far-off, as if she were seeing it all happen behind a glass wall, the sound of laughing and chatter permeated the space.

"Feeling overwhelmed?,"

Startled by the deep voice, she turned to see a guy standing beside her, his black eyes glittering with laughter. Though his grin was attractive, there was something strange about him; he was tall and had a dominating presence that matched Lucas'.

"I'm good," Aria answered, her voice wary.

The guy gave a gentle laugh. Not need to be so protective. I am just having a chat. He held hers out to her. Viktor here is me. Vicke Pierce.

Aria paused then reached for his hand. "Arian Ashford."

His eyes danced with curiosity. "Ashford, huh? You are therefore the one who has at last calmed Lucas.

Aria froze. That is not what I would say.

Though it didn't reach his eyes, Viktor's grin became bigger. Definitely not. Nobody really brings a guy like Lucas under control.

Aria said nothing; her discomfort was rising with every second. Viktor seemed odd, as if he was engaged in a game she knew nothing about.

"Enjoying the gala??" Viktor questioned, his voice laid back but with a hardness under it.

"It's... an experience," Aria remarked, picking her words carefully.

Once again Viktor laughed, his eyes never straying from hers. Indeed, I can see that happening for someone like you.

Lucas sprang up at her side before she could react, his face darkening at seeing Viktor. "Viktor".

"Lucas," Viktor replied fluidly, his grin unwavering. "I was just starting to know your beautiful wife.”

Lucas's jaw clenched as his hold on Aria's arm tightened just slightly. "You were definitely. But it is time for us to go out.

Viktor ar eyebrows, but he did not object. "Of course," Seeing you once again will be much awaited, Mrs. Ashford.

Aria pushed a courteous grin, but her heart was pounding as Lucas walked her away. Viktor Pierce seemed to be hazardous, something like a piece in a far more expansive game.

Lucas was quiet as they left the ballroom and entered the waiting automobile, his face tight. Aria waited for him to say anything, but the stillness was heavy and suffocating.

She finally could not stand it any longer. "Who was that?," asked

Lucas tightened his jaw and turned his gaze on her. Someone you should keep far away from.

Aria squinted. "Why?" What is occurring?

Lucas did not respond straight away. His voice was icy when he did speak at last. "Viktor Pierce is lethal." One of my adversaries, he would do everything to acquire what he wants. You need to exercise caution.

Aria plummeted in her heart. Her new existence with Lucas was obviously lot more difficult than she had first thought. And even if she wanted to think she could do it, the meeting with Viktor had rocked her.

She got the terrible sensation that she was trapped in the thick of a fight she wasn't ready for and felt forces at work that she cannot grasp.