Chapter 5

Evelyn’s POV

The night crept in slowly, shrouding the Blackwood mansion in an eerie stillness. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the ornate walls that now defined my new reality. The weight of the day pressed on my shoulders, but sleep felt like a distant dream.

A soft knock at the door startled me. “Come in,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The door creaked open, revealing Joe. His composed demeanor seemed unshaken, as always. “Mrs. Blackwood,” he began, but quickly corrected himself, “I mean, Evelyn. Mr. Adrian has requested your presence in his study.”

My heart sank. What could he possibly want now? The idea of facing him alone was unnerving. “At this hour? Can it wait till morning?” I asked, trying to mask the trepidation in my tone.

Joe’s expression softened. “I’m afraid it’s urgent, ma’am. He insists.”

Sighing, I stood and smoothed out my dress. “Lead the way.”

Joe nodded and guided me through the long corridors of the mansion. The grandeur of the house was almost intimidating, with its high ceilings and intricate carvings, but it offered little comfort. The deeper we went, the colder the air felt.

We finally stopped in front of a heavy mahogany door. Joe knocked once before opening it and stepping aside to let me in.

Adrian stood by the large window, his back turned to me, hands clasped behind him. The soft glow of the moonlight outlined his tall frame. He didn’t turn when I entered, but his presence alone was enough to fill the room with tension.

“You called for me?” I said, my voice firmer than I expected.

He turned slowly, his piercing gray eyes meeting mine. “Sit.”

I hesitated but obeyed, taking a seat in the chair across from his massive desk.

Adrian remained standing, his gaze unwavering. “Tomorrow, we’ll have our first public appearance as a couple. It’s a charity gala. You’ll need to act the part.”

“Act the part?” I echoed, my eyebrows knitting together. “What does that mean?”

“It means,” he said, walking toward me with measured steps, “you’ll smile, you’ll hold my arm, and you’ll look every bit the happy fiancée. The press will be watching, and I don’t tolerate mistakes.”

His words were sharp, but I refused to let him intimidate me. “And what if I make a mistake? Are you going to throw me out of this mansion?”

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “You won’t make a mistake, Evelyn. You’re smarter than that.”

I wanted to argue, but his confidence was unnerving. “Anything else, Mr. Blackwood?” I asked, crossing my arms.

He leaned forward, placing both hands on the desk. “Yes. Don’t forget why you’re here. This isn’t a fairy tale, and I’m not your prince charming.”

His words stung, but I refused to let him see it. “Trust me, I’m well aware.”

Adrian straightened, his expression unreadable. “Good. Joe will provide you with everything you need for tomorrow. You can leave.”

I stood, but before I could turn away, he added, “And Evelyn…”

I glanced back at him.

“Don’t try anything foolish.”

His warning hung in the air as I left the study, my heart pounding in my chest.

The next day arrived faster than I anticipated. Joe and a team of stylists had already prepared an elaborate gown for me—an elegant emerald-green dress that clung to my figure and flowed gracefully to the floor. My hair was styled in soft waves, and diamond earrings sparkled against my skin.

I barely recognized myself in the mirror. The woman staring back looked like she belonged in Adrian’s world, but deep down, I knew I didn’t.

“Are you ready, ma’am?” Joe asked as he stepped into the room.

“Do I have a choice?” I muttered under my breath before nodding.

Joe escorted me to the grand entrance, where Adrian was waiting. He looked impossibly handsome in a tailored black suit, his presence commanding as always.

His eyes briefly scanned me, and I thought I saw a flicker of approval, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. “Let’s go,” he said, offering me his arm.

I hesitated before placing my hand on his arm, the warmth of his touch sending an unexpected jolt through me.

The car ride to the gala was silent, the tension between us palpable. Adrian stared out the window, lost in his thoughts, while I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

When we arrived, the paparazzi were already swarming. Flashing lights and shouting voices greeted us as Adrian stepped out first, extending his hand to help me out of the car.

I plastered a polite smile on my face as cameras clicked furiously. Adrian’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. “Smile,” he whispered, his voice low and commanding.

I obeyed, feeling like a puppet on strings as we made our way inside.

The gala was a whirlwind of introductions and small talk. Adrian was in his element, charming and composed, while I struggled to keep up.

“Adrian, darling!” A sultry voice interrupted our conversation.

I turned to see a tall, beautiful woman approaching us. Her crimson dress clung to her like a second skin, and her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“Victoria,” Adrian greeted her, his tone polite but distant.

Victoria’s eyes flickered to me, her smile widening. “And who’s this lovely creature?”

Adrian’s grip on my waist tightened. “My fiancée, Evelyn.”

Victoria’s smile faltered for a brief moment before she recovered. “Fiancée? My, my, Adrian, you move fast.”

“It’s a special arrangement,” I said, surprising even myself. “Adrian is a man who knows what he wants.”

Adrian glanced at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes, but he didn’t comment.

Victoria’s smile turned frosty. “Well, congratulations. I hope to see more of you, Evelyn.”

With that, she sauntered away, leaving a trail of expensive perfume in her wake.

“Who was that?” I asked, once she was out of earshot.

“An old acquaintance,” Adrian replied curtly. “Stay away from her.”

His warning sent a chill down my spine.

As the night wore on, I found myself stepping out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The cool night breeze was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.

I leaned against the railing, staring at the city lights, when a voice behind me made me jump.

“You play your role well, Evelyn.”

I turned to see Adrian standing there, his expression unreadable.

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” I asked, crossing my arms.

He took a step closer, his eyes boring into mine. “It’s an observation.”

I held his gaze, refusing to back down. “Why did you choose me, Adrian? Out of all the women in the world, why me?”

For a moment, he said nothing, his jaw tightening. Then, he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Because you’re expendable.”

The words hit me like a slap, and I felt my throat tighten. Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone on the balcony.

I stood there, stunned, as a sudden movement in the shadows below caught my eye. A figure emerged from the darkness, their face obscured, but their intent was clear.

They were watching me.

I stepped back, my heart racing. Who were they? And what did they want?

Before I could call for help, the figure disappeared into the night, leaving me with a chilling sense of foreboding.