Chapter 3 - Chapter 3 – A Deal That Changes Everything

Amara stood there for a moment after Adrian spoke, still trying to process what he had just said. Shopping for a dress worthy of his girlfriend. The words sounded strange in her ears, almost unreal. Only a few hours ago she had been rushing through the halls of the company with a tray of coffee, hoping she wouldn't get scolded for being late again. Now the most powerful man in the building was talking about buying her expensive dresses as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "You're serious?" she asked carefully. Adrian looked at her like the answer was obvious. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Amara sighed quietly. "No." Adrian pressed the elevator button and the doors opened almost immediately. He stepped inside and then glanced back at her. "Are you coming?" Amara hesitated for a second before walking into the elevator with him. The doors closed and the elevator began moving down smoothly. The silence between them felt strange. Amara had never stood this close to the CEO before. His suit still smelled faintly of coffee from the accident earlier, mixed with the expensive scent of his cologne. She looked down at her worn shoes and suddenly felt very aware of how different their worlds were. "So," she said slowly, trying to calm the thoughts running through her mind, "let's say I agree to this crazy plan. What exactly are the rules?" Adrian leaned slightly against the elevator wall. "Rules?" "Yes," Amara said. "There have to be rules. I don't want to accidentally ruin whatever plan you have." Adrian thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Fine. First rule: when we are in public, you act like my girlfriend." Amara nodded slowly. "Okay." "Second rule," he continued, "you follow my lead during conversations with my family." Amara frowned slightly. "Meaning?" "Meaning if I say something, you support it." "Even if I don't understand what's happening?" Adrian looked at her calmly. "Yes." Amara sighed. "That sounds dangerous." Adrian ignored the comment. "Third rule: you don't tell anyone the truth about our agreement." Amara nodded again. "That one was obvious." The elevator reached the ground floor and the doors opened into the large company lobby. Employees were walking in different directions, some carrying documents, others talking quietly. When they noticed Adrian, many of them immediately straightened and greeted him respectfully. Amara followed him outside the building. A sleek black luxury car was already waiting at the entrance. The driver quickly stepped out and opened the back door. Amara stopped walking and stared at the car. "You expect me to get in that?" she asked. Adrian looked back at her. "Yes." Amara hesitated. "I've never been inside a car like that before." "Then today will be your first time." She slowly walked toward the car and carefully sat inside. The seats were so soft they felt unreal. Adrian entered from the other side and the driver closed the door before returning to the front seat. The car began moving smoothly through the busy streets of the city. Amara looked out the window, watching people walking along the sidewalks and cars rushing past. Everything felt strange. "This still feels crazy," she admitted. Adrian glanced at her briefly. "You're free to refuse." Amara laughed quietly. "After hearing how much you're paying me? I'd be stupid to refuse." Adrian didn't respond but the corner of his mouth moved slightly as if he found her honesty amusing. They drove for several minutes in silence before Amara spoke again. "Your father… is he really that strict?" Adrian answered without hesitation. "Yes." "And he wants you to marry Sophia?" "Yes." Amara looked at him curiously. "Do you like her?" Adrian's answer came immediately. "No." Amara raised an eyebrow. "That was fast." Adrian looked out the window. "She's ambitious," he said calmly. "But not someone I want to marry." Amara leaned back slightly in her seat, thinking about everything he had said. "So this whole fake girlfriend plan is just to avoid the engagement?" "Exactly." The car turned into a wide street filled with luxury stores. Huge glass windows displayed expensive clothes, jewelry, and shoes that looked like they belonged in fashion magazines. Amara stared at everything with wide eyes. The car finally stopped in front of one of the largest stores on the street. Adrian opened the door and stepped out. Amara followed him slowly, still unsure about everything that was happening. As soon as they entered the store, several employees immediately greeted Adrian politely. "Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwood." Adrian nodded slightly. One of the saleswomen approached them with a warm smile. "How may we assist you today?" Adrian gestured toward Amara. "She needs a dress." The woman looked at Amara for a moment and then smiled kindly. "Of course." She led Amara toward a section filled with beautiful evening gowns. "These dresses are perfect for formal dinners," the woman explained. Amara carefully touched one of the fabrics. It felt unbelievably soft. She glanced at the price tag and her eyes widened. "This costs more than three months of my salary," she whispered. Adrian heard her and simply said, "Pick what you like." Amara shook her head slightly. "I can't wear something this expensive." "You can." "What if I ruin it?" "You won't." Amara looked at him suspiciously. "You sound very confident." Adrian shrugged slightly. "I chose you for a reason." The saleswoman soon returned with several dresses and handed them to Amara. "Why don't you try these?" she suggested. Amara nodded nervously and walked into the fitting room. A few minutes later she stepped out wearing a deep blue evening dress. The dress fit perfectly, flowing smoothly around her as she walked. The saleswoman gasped softly. "You look beautiful." Amara slowly turned toward the mirror and stared at her reflection. For a moment she barely recognized herself. The simple cleaner who had walked into the building that morning was gone. Adrian watched quietly from across the room. For the first time since they met, his expression showed a hint of surprise. "Well?" Amara asked nervously. Adrian studied her for a moment before speaking. "That one." Amara blinked. "Just like that?" "Yes." She looked back at the mirror again. The girl staring back at her looked elegant and confident, like someone who belonged beside a billionaire. And suddenly Amara realized something important. Tomorrow night when she walked into that dinner beside Adrian Blackwood, no one would ever guess that just one day ago she had been cleaning the floors of his office…..