Ethan Caldwell adjusted his cufflinks, the polished silver glinting under the chandelier's glow. The Grand Meridian Hotel's ballroom buzzed with the city's elite—investors, socialites, and vultures disguised as both. Tonight was a test, not just for him but for Lila Harper, the woman he'd gambled his company's future on. The contract she'd signed yesterday bound her to him for six months, a fake wife to silence the board's doubts and fend off Victoria Langston's takeover bid. But as he scanned the crowd, his pulse ticked up. Lila was late, and in his world, timing was everything.
He sipped his champagne, the bubbles sharp against his tongue, and checked his watch. 7:12 p.m. Vanessa had assured him Lila was prepped—dress, hair, makeup, all tailored to make her look like she belonged. But Ethan knew better than to underestimate the scrutiny she'd face. These people didn't just judge; they dissected. One wrong move, and the headlines would shred their carefully crafted lie.
"Mr. Caldwell," a voice purred, too close. Victoria Langston glided toward him, her red gown clinging to her like a second skin. Her blonde hair was swept up, diamonds sparkling at her throat, but her smile was a blade. "No date tonight? Or is your new… acquisition running late?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. Victoria's presence was a calculated move, her family's company circling his like a shark. "She'll be here," he said, his tone cool. "Not everyone feels the need to make an entrance."
Victoria's laugh was sharp, cutting through the string quartet's melody. "Oh, Ethan. You always did like a challenge. But a baker? Really? The board's desperate, but they're not that gullible."
He met her gaze, unflinching. "You'd be surprised what people believe when they see something real."
Her eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Ethan turned, and his breath caught. Lila stood at the ballroom's entrance, framed by the arched doorway. The emerald gown Vanessa had chosen hugged her curves, its silk shimmering under the lights. Her dark curls cascaded over one shoulder, and those hazel eyes—sharp, defiant—scanned the room like she was sizing up a battlefield. The diamond ring he'd sent last night gleamed on her finger, a silent claim. She was stunning, and for a moment, Ethan forgot the game they were playing.
"Speak of the devil," Victoria muttered, her tone laced with venom. She drifted away, but Ethan felt her gaze linger, a promise of trouble.
Lila approached, her steps steady despite the heels she clearly wasn't used to. The crowd parted, whispers trailing her like smoke. Ethan met her halfway, offering his arm. "You're late," he said, low enough for only her to hear.
"Blame your stylist," she shot back, her voice a mix of nerves and defiance. "Apparently, I needed 'contouring.' Whatever that is."
He suppressed a smile, guiding her toward the center of the room. Her arm was warm against his, her vanilla-sugar scent a stark contrast to the room's sterile opulence. "You look the part," he said, his eyes flicking over her. "More than the part."
Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. "Good. Because I'm not here to embarrass you."
"You won't," he said, surprised by his own certainty. "Just follow my lead."
The gala was a charity auction, a glittering facade for power plays and deal-making. Ethan steered Lila through the crowd, introducing her as "Lila Harper, my fiancée." The lie rolled off his tongue easily, but each time he said it, her grip on his arm tightened, a silent reminder of her unease. She played along, though, her smile warm enough to charm the investors he needed on his side. Her quick wit disarmed a skeptical board member, and her laugh—genuine, unpolished—drew curious glances. She was good. Too good, maybe.
"Mr. Caldwell!" Henry Grayson, a key investor, clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "Didn't expect you to settle down. Where'd you find this one?"
Lila answered before Ethan could. "At a bakery," she said, her tone light but sharp. "He couldn't resist my scones."
Grayson laughed, clearly charmed. "A woman with talent and beauty. You're a lucky man, Ethan."
Ethan's chest tightened, an unfamiliar warmth spreading. "I am," he said, the words slipping out too easily. Lila's eyes flicked to his, a question in them, but he looked away, focusing on Grayson. "We're keeping things quiet for now. You know how the press can be."
"Smart," Grayson said, nodding. "Stability looks good on you. The board's been… concerned."
Ethan forced a smile. "No need for concern. Lila's my anchor."
The words felt heavier than they should, and Lila's fingers tensed on his arm. He led her toward the auction stage, needing a moment to regroup. The room was a minefield—Victoria's allies whispering in corners, reporters circling like hawks. He couldn't afford a misstep, not with the emergency board meeting looming. Victoria's push for a vote could strip him of control, and Lila was his only shield.
"You're doing well," he murmured as they reached a quieter corner near the bar. "Better than I expected."
Lila raised an eyebrow, sipping the champagne he'd handed her. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. Any other tips, or am I just supposed to smile and nod?"
"Don't oversell it," he said, his voice low. "They'll smell desperation. Be yourself—just… polished."
Her lips twitched, almost a smile. "Polished. Right. So, no talking about flour ratios or how I burned a batch of cookies last week?"
He chuckled, the sound surprising him. "Save that for me. I might like it."
Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, the air between them crackled. She looked away, her fingers brushing the diamond ring. "This thing's heavy," she said, her voice softer. "Feels like it's weighing me down."
"It's just a prop," he said, but the words felt hollow. The ring had been his mother's, a detail he hadn't shared. Why had he chosen it? He pushed the thought aside. "Keep it on. It sells the story."
Lila nodded, but her expression was guarded. "What's the deal with that woman in red? She was staring daggers at me."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Victoria Langston. My ex. She's… complicated."
"Complicated how?" Lila pressed, her tone sharp. "If I'm playing your wife, I need to know who's gunning for me."
He hesitated. The contract forbade personal questions, but she deserved some truth. "She's trying to take my company. Her family's pushing a merger, and she's got enough board members in her pocket to make it a fight. You're here to tip the scales."
Lila's eyes narrowed. "So I'm your human shield. Great."
"You're more than that," he said, the words slipping out before he could stop them. Her gaze snapped to his, searching, but he covered with a brisk tone. "You're convincing. That's what matters."
Before she could respond, the auctioneer's voice boomed, calling for bids. Ethan guided Lila to a reserved table near the stage, his hand brushing the small of her back. She stiffened but didn't pull away, and the contact sent a jolt through him, sharp and unsettling. Focus, he told himself. This was business, nothing more.
The auction proceeded, Ethan bidding strategically on a few items to keep up appearances. Lila watched, her silence thoughtful rather than nervous. When a vintage necklace came up—a delicate emerald pendant that matched her dress—he raised his paddle, ignoring her sharp intake of breath.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, leaning close. Her breath grazed his ear, sending an unwelcome shiver down his spine.
"Making a statement," he said, keeping his eyes on the auctioneer. "Trust me."
The bidding climbed, but Ethan didn't back down, securing the necklace for a sum that made Lila's eyes widen. "You didn't have to do that," she said as the crowd applauded.
"It's for the role," he said, but his voice was rougher than he intended. "You'll wear it next time."
Her lips parted, but before she could argue, a shadow fell over their table. Victoria stood there, her smile cold as ice. "Charming display," she said, her eyes flicking to Lila. "But jewelry doesn't make a marriage, darling. You're out of your depth."
Lila's spine straightened, her gaze locking onto Victoria's. "Funny," she said, her voice steady. "I'm here with Ethan. Where's your date?"
Victoria's smile faltered, and Ethan bit back a grin. Lila had nerve, he'd give her that. But Victoria recovered quickly, leaning closer. "Enjoy your moment, baker girl. It won't last."
She swept away, leaving a chill in her wake. Ethan's hand tightened on his glass, anger simmering. Victoria's words weren't just a jab at Lila—they were a warning. She was planning something, and the board meeting tomorrow would be her battleground.
"You okay?" he asked Lila, his voice low.
She nodded, but her eyes were distant, her fingers twisting the ring. "She's trouble, isn't she?"
"More than you know," he said. "But we'll handle her. Together."
Lila met his gaze, a flicker of trust—or maybe defiance—in her eyes. "Together," she echoed, but her tone held a question, like she wasn't sure what that meant.
Before he could respond, a reporter approached, camera flashing. "Mr. Caldwell, Miss Harper! A photo for the society page?"
Ethan stood, pulling Lila with him. "Smile," he murmured, his arm sliding around her waist. She tensed but leaned into him, her warmth seeping through his suit. The camera clicked, capturing them as the perfect couple. But as the reporter moved on, Ethan's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his blood running cold.
An anonymous text: *"She's not what you think. Check the bakery's records."*
His grip on Lila tightened, instinctive, protective. She looked up, her brow furrowing. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he lied, slipping the phone away. But the message gnawed at him, a shadow of doubt. Victoria's work, or something else? He needed answers, but as he looked at Lila—her strength, her fire—he wondered if the real risk wasn't the board, or Victoria, but the woman standing beside him, threatening to unravel the walls he'd built around his heart.