Elara was arranging her few clothes into the wardrobe Adrian had cleared for her when a knock came at her door. She turned to find Adrian leaning against the doorframe, a box in his hands.
"We have a party to attend tomorrow evening," he said, his voice calm but firm as always.
"A party?" Elara frowned, caught off guard.
"A welcome party," Adrian explained, walking in and placing the box on her bed. "My childhood friend, Samantha, just returned from abroad. My parents will be there, Helena, Lucas, a few others. Naturally, my wife is expected to stand by my side."
Elara blinked, stunned by his straightforwardness. "And you want me there to… play the role?"
His lips tugged into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Don't misunderstand, Elara. This isn't about us. It's about appearances."
She swallowed, glancing at the box. Inside, nestled carefully, was the most beautiful evening gown she had ever seen. A deep emerald satin dress that shimmered softly in the light, its delicate neckline tracing elegance while its fitted waist flowed gracefully into a soft flare.
Her breath hitched. "You… bought this for me?"
"It's just a dress," Adrian said casually, though his gaze lingered a moment too long. "Don't read into it."
But Elara couldn't help running her fingertips along the smooth fabric, struck by how perfectly it matched her skin tone—as though chosen with more thought than he wanted to admit.
"Be ready tomorrow. Seven sharp," he added before walking out, leaving her with a racing heart.
---
The next evening, when Elara descended the stairs in the emerald gown, the world seemed to pause for a moment.
The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, the soft satin catching every flicker of light. Her hair, styled simply, framed her face and made her eyes shine brighter than usual.
Adrian, waiting by the door in his sharp black suit, lifted his gaze—and for the first time, his mask slipped. His eyes widened slightly, as though he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Elara looked breathtaking… too breathtaking.
But just as quickly, he concealed it. Straightening his shoulders, he slipped back into his usual calm expression. "You clean up well," he murmured, offering his arm as though his pulse hadn't just betrayed him.
Elara flushed, her lips parting at his rare compliment. "Thank you," she whispered, slipping her hand into his.
---
The ballroom glittered under chandeliers, laughter and soft music filling the air. Adrian's parents welcomed them warmly, Helena hugged Elara with sisterly affection, and even Lucas offered a polite smile.
And then came Samantha.
Glamorous, radiant, and full of confidence, she entered the room like she owned it. Laughter followed her as she made her way toward Adrian, her eyes lighting up.
"Adrian!" she exclaimed, rushing to him without hesitation. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, as though years hadn't passed between them.
Elara stiffened at the sight, her fingers tightening on the glass she held.
Adrian gently pulled back, his hand finding Elara's almost instinctively. "Samantha, meet my wife, Elara."
For the first time, Samantha faltered. Her smile froze for just a second before she recovered with a laugh. "Wife? Adrian Cole, you really do know how to keep a secret, don't you?"
Her eyes flickered over Elara, sharp and assessing, before her lips curled into a polished smile. "You're lovely. He always did have good taste."
Though the words were sweet, the weight behind them was unmistakable.
As the night carried on, Samantha made sure Elara felt her presence. She stayed close to Adrian, laughing a little too loudly at his smallest remarks, brushing against his arm, and tossing subtle comments masked as compliments.
"Oh, Elara, you're so lucky," Samantha said at one point, her tone dripping with feigned admiration. "Adrian has always been the type women dreamed about. I can't imagine how it feels to have all that attention on you."
Elara forced a polite smile, her stomach tightening.
---
It was then Samantha's parents arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were an elegant pair, well known in the city for their influence and wealth. They greeted Adrian's parents warmly, almost like family, and when their eyes fell on Adrian, their faces lit up.
"Adrian, it's been far too long," Mrs. Williams said, clasping his hand. "You've grown into quite the man. Just as impressive as always."
But when Adrian introduced Elara, the warmth vanished.
"This is my wife, Elara," Adrian said, his tone steady, protective even.
The Williamses exchanged a glance. Their polite smiles faltered, replaced by looks that dripped with thinly veiled disdain. Mrs. Williams's eyes swept over Elara's dress, her lips tightening as though Elara didn't belong in their circle. Mr. Williams gave a curt nod, muttering a low "Pleasure," that didn't sound like one.
The message was clear: She's not good enough for you.
Elara's chest constricted, but she straightened her shoulders, forcing herself to meet their gaze.
Adrian, however, didn't miss the exchange. His jaw tightened, his arm shifting slightly to draw Elara closer to his side. A silent declaration.
Samantha, standing nearby, smirked knowingly, as if she had been waiting for this moment.
And in that glittering ballroom filled with laughter and champagne, Elara realized this wasn't just a party. It was the first battle she had to fight as Adrian Cole's wife.