Jeff's eyes widened in disbelief. "You—You are what?" Leo stood tall, arms crossed.
"I think you heard me clearly. "To whom? And why?! "Come on, bro, you're only twenty-three!" Leo shrugged, unfazed. "And she's twenty-one."
"Seriously?"
Relax. It's a fake marriage," Leo said flatly.
Jeff blinked. Wait… what? Now this is getting interesting." I had to do it. Dad thinks it's real, but it's all staged just a deal between the two of us."
Jeff let out a half-laugh. "So, the issue now is introducing her to the family? This is going to be epic. I can already see the drama. "Just shut up and let's get going."
A Little Earlier…
"Have you guys arrived?" "Yes, Sir."
"Let her in. Wait in the car for my signal," Leo instructed before hanging up with a sigh.
Inside the grand Hart Mansion, the Wilsons and Harts were seated majestically around a long, glass-topped table adorned with exotic dishes and desserts an extravagant feast that easily cost half a million. This was how the elite dined. Luxury, excess, and elegance flowed effortlessly.
Lisa's radiant smile shone like a chandelier. She had always dreamed of hosting massive family dinners like this, and seeing it come to life made her heart flutter with joy. Leo cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention.
"Ahem…"
Go on. We're listening," Jeff said playfully.
Leo shot him a sharp look that wiped the grin clean off his face. "The reason I called this beautiful family dinner is… well, I have something important to announce."
He hesitated, every eye in the room locked on him.
"I'm… I'm married."
"Excuse me, what?" Lisa blinked, stunned. "Please repeat that." You don't say…"Kira and Alice chimed in with wide grins. And why wasn't I invited?" Mrs. Wilson huffed indignantly.
Leo ignored the chorus of reactions and called out, "You may enter!"
Alicia's POV
Oh man… how am I supposed to face his family? Calm down, Alicia. Just breathe. How do you expect me to calm down, Daisy?"
Madam, you may enter. This way, please."
"What—Now?!" "Yes, now. And hey, chill! No need to yell like that."
Alicia rolled her eyes and stepped out, Daisy trailing behind like a shadow. Her mouth fell open as she took in the sheer beauty of the mansion it felt like stepping into a royal palace. She had never imagined she'd ever be in a place so grand. "Daisy…" she whispered. "Is this… where I'm going to live now?" Of course, girl."
"I can't believe this. It's like a dream. I feel like a princess." "That's because you are one now," Daisy beamed.
Back Inside
"Alicia," Leo called out. She turned and nearly lost her breath. There he was Leon . Handsome didn't even begin to describe him. How can one man be this infuriating and beautiful at the same time? He marched toward her and grabbed her arm not gently.
"Ouch!"
"Why didn't you wear the outfit I gave you?"
"Because I told you, I'm not comfortable in rich clothes. "Well, get used to it. You can't dress like this when we're in public. And urgh, that perfume—"
Alicia cut him off. "I'm not going to stand here and be insulted. You're the one who needs my help, remember? Maybe act a little humble." Leo arched a brow.
"So, you've got a loud mouth too. Great. Just shut up we'll continue this later. My family's waiting." "Daisy, join us please," he called without looking back. Of course!" Daisy chirped.
Leo and Alicia walked hand in hand toward the dining room. Leo leaned down and whispered, I never knew you were such a good actress. Look at you, holding my hand like you're head over heels. We could pass for Romeo and Juliet."
Alicia smirked.
"Sweetheart, that's what I'm being paid for."
They entered the dining room, silence dropping like a curtain. Everyone had a different reaction.
Lisa and Stacy looked utterly disgusted.
Alice and Kira wore mischievous grins.
Jeff? He couldn't take his eyes off Daisy he was completely taken. And Peter… expressionless. As always.