Arielle stood in front of the large mirror in the hallway, adjusting her earrings nervously.
Tonight was her first time attending a public event as Mrs. Arielle Castillo, wife of one of the country's richest and most powerful men.
Even if it was all fake.
The stylist had dressed her in a soft rose gold evening gown. It hugged her body gently and made her skin glow.
Her hair was curled in waves, her lips painted with soft pink gloss.
She barely recognized herself.
She took a deep breath and walked downstairs, the sound of her heels clicking softly on the marble floor.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes met Leonard's—and for a second, she couldn't move.
He stood tall and powerful in a perfectly tailored black suit. The fabric hugged his broad shoulders and strong frame like it was made for him—because it probably was. A deep midnight-blue pocket square rested in his chest pocket, matching the dark silk tie around his neck.
The top two buttons of his shirt were left undone, giving him a relaxed but commanding presence.
His hair was combed back, smooth with just the right amount of natural messiness, like he hadn't tried too hard. His skin looked fresh, his jaw clean-shaven, and under the golden light of the chandelier, his sharp features seemed even more intense.
Leonard Castillo didn't just look rich.
He looked like trouble wrapped in perfection.
"Do I look okay?" Arielle asked, her voice softer than she expected.
Leonard's gaze traveled from her hair to her shoes, lingering a little too long at her waist.
"You look… fine," he said, clearing his throat.
Something flickered in his eyes, but he turned away before she could understand what it meant.
"Let's go," he said, offering his arm.
She hesitated… then took it.
"Remember," he said quietly, his voice low. "We're in love. At least for tonight."
---
Inside the Car
The car was quiet except for the soft hum of the engine. Arielle stared out the window, trying to calm her nerves.
"What's this event for?" she asked finally.
"It's a charity gala. My family hosts it every year."
"Will they all be there?"
"Yes. And many more. Business partners, media. You'll need to smile, talk, and stay close."
"So… pretend to be your perfect wife."
"Exactly."
She nodded, then looked down at her hands.
> It's just a contract. Don't forget that.
But her heart… didn't listen.
---
At the Gala
The ballroom was full of glittering lights and high-class people.
Everything sparkled—chandeliers, dresses, fake smiles.
Leonard held her hand as they walked in. His grip was firm. Protective.
"Mr. Castillo," someone greeted. "And your beautiful wife."
Arielle smiled and nodded, her stomach twisting.
People kept coming. Some asked rude questions. Others looked at her like she didn't belong.
But Leonard never let go of her hand.
When someone made a snide comment about her "cheap" background, Leonard stepped in coldly:
"She's my wife. Show some respect."
Arielle looked at him in surprise. His voice was calm, but his eyes were dark and dangerous.
He didn't have to defend her.
But he did.
---
Later That Night – On the Balcony
Arielle stepped out for air. The music and small talk were too much.
She leaned on the balcony railing, breathing in the night air.
"Tired already?"
Leonard's voice made her turn.
He stood behind her, holding two glasses. He handed her one.
"Thanks," she said, taking a sip. "I didn't think pretending to be rich could be this exhausting."
"You did well," he said. "Better than I expected."
She smiled a little.
"That almost sounds like a compliment."
They stood in silence for a while, just watching the stars.
"Why are you really doing this?" he asked suddenly.
"For my sister," she said. "You know that."
"Yes. But why me? You could've run away with the money. I wouldn't have chased you."
She looked at him.
"Because I gave my word. And maybe… because I saw something in you too."
Leonard looked away, his voice suddenly quieter.
"Don't. I'm not someone you should look into like that."
"Why?" she asked. "Because you think no one can love you?"
He was silent for a moment. Then, he said softly:
"The last woman I loved left without saying goodbye. It… changed things."
Arielle's heart ached a little.
"What was her name?" she asked gently.
He hesitated. Then answered,
"Samantha."
She stored that name quietly in her mind.
Then—like some cruel twist of fate—a woman's voice called from inside.
"Leonard?"
Arielle turned. A tall, elegant woman with long black hair walked toward them.
She wore a red silk dress and carried herself like a queen.
Leonard's body stiffened.
"Samantha," he said.
Arielle's heart dropped.
The woman smiled softly.
"It's been a long time," Samantha said. "I didn't think I'd see you again."
Leonard's face went blank—but not cold. Just… stunned.
He stepped forward.
"Excuse me," Leonard said quickly to Arielle, then followed Samantha inside.
Arielle stood alone on the balcony.
The night suddenly felt colder.
---
Back at the Mansion
They didn't talk on the ride home.
Leonard was quiet, eyes on his phone.
When they reached the mansion, he walked straight to his room.
"Good night," he said flatly.
Arielle stood by the door, still in her gown, feeling like a guest again.
So that's her. His first love. The one who left.
The way he looked at Samantha was nothing like the way he looked at her.
Arielle touched her chest.
Why did it hurt?
It's just a contract, she reminded herself.
But her heart was already breaking the rules.
---
End of Chapter 4