CHAPTER THREE – THE FIRST NIGHT
The day passed in a blur. I moved through my tasks at work with my mind somewhere else, the contract heavy in my thoughts. Every time my phone buzzed, I flinched. I kept glancing at the clock, counting the hours until I would have to meet Mr. Grey again.
When the evening came, I stood in front of the mirror for the second time that day. Tonight, I would step into a world I had never belonged to before. The gown was perfect , black silk that clung to my frame, simple but expensive-looking. The ring on my finger caught the light, and I touched it without meaning to.
The elevator ride up to his penthouse was quiet. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of something expensive. When the doors opened, I found myself staring at a living space that seemed too big, too still. Anderson Grey was already there. He stood near the balcony, hands in his pockets, staring at the city below.
He didn't turn when I entered. "You're late," he said quietly.
"I'm on time," I replied, my voice firmer than I felt.
He looked over his shoulder. "By my watch, you are five minutes late." His tone was calm but precise, like stating a fact. "Come closer."
I stepped forward. The sound of my heels was loud against the marble floor. He watched me without moving. His eyes were unreadable.
"This will be our first public appearance together," he said, turning fully toward me. "It matters more than you think."
"I understand, sir."
His lips tightened. "Good. We leave in fifteen minutes."
I nodded and followed his silent lead.
The car was sleek and dark, the interior smelling of leather and something faintly floral. I tried not to look at him. His presence made the air heavier, but I knew that tonight, everything depended on what we were about to do.
The dinner was held in a glass-walled hall on the top floor of a five-star hotel. Crystal chandeliers hung above, reflecting soft light. The air was warm with conversation and the faint clinking of cutlery. I kept my posture straight, my smile measured, as we walked in.
Anderson moved like he owned the room. Heads turned as we entered. I felt eyes on me, whispers trailing in our wake. I adjusted my dress instinctively, aware of how exposed I felt.
We took seats at a long table in front of the company board. Anderson's hand briefly touched mine as he took his seat. It was not warm, but it was deliberate.
The night moved on with speeches and formal toasts. I answered polite questions with the ease of someone who knew their role but not the person they were playing. Anderson said nothing unless spoken to, and when he did, his words were calculated and concise.
At one point, a reporter approached, camera flashing. "Mr. Grey, your fiancée looks stunning. How does it feel to be engaged?"
His reply was short. "It feels necessary."
The way he said it made my stomach knot. Necessary for him. Not for us.
By the end of the evening, I was tired, drained. The ride home was quiet except for the soft hum of the car. Anderson did not speak. When we entered the penthouse, he went straight to the balcony without even removing his jacket.
I followed him quietly. He looked down at the city lights, his profile sharp against the glass.
"You did well tonight," he said without turning.
"Thank you, sir," I whispered.
He finally faced me then. His expression softened for a moment, and I thought I saw something unspoken in his eyes. But it disappeared quickly, replaced by that same guarded calm.
"This isn't a game, Miss Brown," he said quietly. "You will need to remember that every step matters. This is the arrangement we agreed on."
"I know," I said. My voice was steady even though my heart felt unsettled.
He nodded once, then turned back to the window.
I stepped back into the guest room, my heels clicking softly. The room was dim, the curtains drawn. I removed my gown and stood in my robe before the mirror. My reflection showed a woman who was no longer sure if she was making the right choice.
A knock at the door startled me.
"Come in," I called softly.
Claire stepped in quietly. "Mr. Grey said not to disturb you, but he left this for you." She handed me an envelope.
I opened it carefully. Inside was a small card with neat handwriting.
"Remember why you agreed to this. Stay focused."
My chest tightened. The words felt more like a warning than encouragement.
I folded the card and placed it on my bedside table. My phone buzzed again. Another unknown number. I almost ignored it, but curiosity got the better of me.
"Hello?" I said quietly.
A voice came through, low and urgent. "Don't trust him completely. He has reasons he's not telling you."
"Who is this?" I asked, my voice trembling.
There was a pause, then the line went dead.
I stared at my phone for a long time. My thoughts were a tangle of confusion and fear.
Somewhere in the silence of the penthouse, I heard Anderson speaking softly in the other room, but I couldn't make out the words.
I turned off the light and lay down, my heart beating too fast for sleep.
Somewhere deep inside me, I knew this was not the end.
It was only the beginning.
And that thought made me shiver.