Chapter 9:
The scent of freshly cut fruit filled the air, but tension clung to the walls like smoke.
Eliot sat in the living room, phone in hand, frowning at the screen. No messages. No calls. Lena hadn't come to help at the shop that morning, and now she wasn't answering him either.
From the kitchen, Paige emerged with a bowl of fruit and a bright smile.
"I still can't believe I used to survive without air conditioning," she said, admiring the new appliance humming softly above. "Look at this house now. If I knew one agreement could change everything, I would've asked for a brand-new house instead. Don't you think?"
Eliot didn't look at her. "How can you laugh when Lena's not answering her phone?"
Paige blinked, apple mid-air. "Kyle said she slept over at Aline's."
"Then why didn't she come help us like always?"
Paige rolled her eyes. "Maybe she had an early shift. Eliot, why are you acting like this?"
He set the phone down slowly, shadows darkening his eyes. "What if she found out about the contract?"
"She didn't," Paige snapped. "No one told her. We're supposed to tell her tomorrow."
Eliot looked unconvinced.
"I'm telling you—it'll be fine." She shoved an apple into his mouth. "Now stop jinxing things."
Later That Night
Lena walked slowly down a quiet street, her bag slung over one shoulder. Her shift had ended late. She glanced at her phone: three missed calls from her dad. And a message from Rowan.
Her chest tightened.
"What if… in this one year, he meets someone else?" she whispered. "What if I lose my chance?"
She ducked into a convenience store, bought a few drinks, and took them back to Aline's apartment. She couldn't go home—not tonight.
Hours later, Aline returned to a mess of empty bottles and Lena curled up on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Whoa. Thank God you got drunk in here," Aline muttered. "But just for this—you're paying half the rent this month."
The Next Morning
Ding-dong.
Aline groaned, half-asleep. "Who rings the bell this early?"
Ding-dong.
"Coming, coming…" she muttered, tying her robe tighter.
She opened the door to a sharply dressed man with glasses and pristine posture.
"Good morning, Miss Holmes. My name is Jin—"
Slam.
Aline yawned. "Too early for marketing."
Ding-dong.
Again.
She opened the door a crack. "Look, you're working hard. Here's twenty bucks. Try the old lady upstairs—she loves being sold stuff."
"I'm not selling anything," Jin replied calmly. "I represent Mr. Will Shade. I'm here for Miss Morisawa."
Aline froze. "Will… Shade?" When he nodded, she slammed the door—this time, to run and wake Lena.
Minutes later, the two women sat stiffly at the kitchen table as Jin calmly resumed his pitch.
"As I was saying," he began, "we need Miss Morisawa to come with us immediately."
"Now?" Lena asked, blinking. "Can't I come later? Also, how did you even find me?"
Jin smiled politely. "You signed a contract. It's in our interest to know where you are. Just in case."
"So… legal stalking."
"A strong word," Jin said with a light cough. "I'll explain everything on the way."
Inside the Car
"A party?!" Lena flipped through the file in her lap. "Tomorrow?!"
"The Beau anniversary celebration," Jin said. "Very high profile. Crucial connection for Mr. Shade."
Lena stared at the packet of information. "And I'm supposed to memorize all of this?"
"Yes. It covers Mr. Shade's preferences, background, speech patterns, and business ties."
She raised an eyebrow. "And does he have a file on me?"
"Oh, he does. We already knew where you were sleeping, remember?"
"Still stalker-ish."
Jin checked his watch. "I'll quiz you every ten minutes."
Several Hours Later
The restaurant was closed to the public. A full etiquette crash course was underway.
Lena was taught how to hold utensils, dab her lips, sit with poise, and smile "just enough."
The etiquette tutor didn't go easy on her.
Neither did Jin.
After the fifth quiz round and one accidental fork drop, Lena slumped in her seat.
"I thought being a lady was easier."
"We'll pause for now," Jin said, glancing at his tablet. "Tomorrow is critical."
The Next Day: A New Lena
At a five-star hotel, Lena was ushered into a luxury dressing suite.
Polished marble. Vanity mirrors rimmed in gold. Rows of glittering gowns.
Jin gestured to the stylists. "You've passed the test. Now look the part."
He turned to go. "And pick any heels you want—we owe you one."
She was washed, brushed, painted, and transformed.
Her dark hair curled and pinned. Her makeup, soft but striking. A red gown with delicate white embroidery hugged her body like it had been made for her. A white purse. Crystal white heels.
She stared at her reflection.
She barely recognized herself.
Meanwhile, at the Beau Estate
Cameras flashed. Music played. Guests laughed beneath hanging chandeliers.
"Have you seen Mr. Shade, chérie?" Madam Beau asked, glancing around.
"No, chérie," her husband replied. "He's never late."
Madam Beau smirked. "Must be the fiancée slowing him down."
Back at the Hotel
"This is exactly why I avoid relationships," Will muttered, checking his watch.
"I'll go check," Jin offered.
A voice rang down the corridor.
"Sorry, I'm late! I lost an earring!"
Both men turned.
Lena descended the staircase, heels clicking on polished floor, her red gown catching the light like liquid silk. Her smile—warm, genuine—lit the room.
Jin straightened, proud. "Sir, may I present Miss Lena Morisawa… soon-to-be Shade."
Even Will froze.
She was stunning.
The flower girl had bloomed.
Lena reached them, laughing softly. "So? What do you think? Honestly, I barely recognize myself either."
For the first time since they met…
Will Shade was speechless.