Pretending To Be His

Aria Hart strode through the glass doors of Stone Enterprises with the kind of confidence she had learned to wear like armour. The term "fake it until you make it" had become her mantra, a shield she carried with her into every meeting, every pitch. Sure, from the outside it looked like she had already made it—a rising star in the world of architecture, securing high-profile clients and thriving in a competitive industry, but no one saw the doubt gnawing away at her confidence, the imposter syndrome she couldn’t quite seem to shake no matter how many deals she secured. Even now, wearing her favourite ‘boss b***h’ pantsuit, she couldn’t stop the churning of her stomach as she recalled everything that was on the line. She glanced down at the sleek black portfolio clutched in her hand. Inside were the plans she had spent weeks perfecting and they were good. No—perfect, yet the client she was meeting wasn’t someone who would be easily impressed. Her phone buzzed in her hand, pulling her back to reality as she stood in the lobby of Stone Enterprises. The place was exactly as she imagined it would be: floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the city skyline, allowing streams of natural light to pour into the vast space that reflected off the pristine marble floors. The black chrome reception desk sat beneath an oversized chandelier that hung like a modern art piece from the vaulted ceiling, the pretty young woman stood behind it watching her with polite interest. Mr Stone's private secretary. She could only wonder how many nervous potential clients this woman had seen pass through this lobby. Sliding her phone from her pocket, Aria quickly scanned the email she had just got. It was from her boss, Marcus, and the subject line alone made her pulse quicken: “Final Quarter Reminder: End-of-Year Bonus.” Great, she thought. Just what I needed right before this meeting. She opened the email, her eyes darting over the words. Team, Just a quick reminder that the end-of-year bonus competition is closing in three months. High-value contracts will be the key to winning this year and we’re expecting big results. Keep pushing—this last quarter is crucial. Remember, the highest revenue brought in from a single client will take the top prize. Let’s finish strong! She sighed. This bonus was the reason she was aiming for this contract, one she normally wouldn’t have set her sights on. Difficult clients weren’t usually her forte—she preferred collaborative partnerships, ones where she could nurture ideas and get mutual buy-in, but with the deadline approaching she couldn’t afford to pick and choose who she aimed for anymore. She had to go after the big fish, even if it meant diving into shark-infested waters. Sliding her phone back into her pocket, she glanced at the young receptionist still watching her with that same polite, neutral expression. Aria offered a tentative smile, trying to shake off the nerves as she squared her shoulders and approached the desk. “Hi! I’m here for a 2 o’clock with Grayson Stone.” She said, keeping her voice light. The receptionist's fingers dancing across the keyboard. “Of course, Ms. Hart.” She replied smoothly, glancing up with a practiced warmth. “Mr. Stone is expecting you. Please, take a seat and I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.” Aria offered a quick nod of thanks and turned toward the seating area. The stakes were high and Grayson Stone wasn’t known for making things easy but if she wanted that bonus—and by God, she did want it—she had no choice but to play the game. She sat down on the polished leather chair, crossing her legs and resting the portfolio on her lap, fingers drumming lightly against its edge. All the preparation, all the sleepless nights, everything led to this moment. Failure wasn’t an option. “Ms. Hart?” The receptionist’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Mr. Stone is ready to see you now. Through the doors to the left.” Aria’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly pushed herself to her feet, smoothing her hands over her jacket. “Thank you!” She replied, her voice brighter than she felt. With a final breath to steady her nerves, she clutched the portfolio tightly and made her way toward the imposing double doors. This was it. The moment she’d been preparing for. Time to face Grayson Stone and show him she was exactly the kind of architect he needed—even if he didn’t know it yet. The doors to the office were as imposing as the man himself, dark wood with sleek chrome handles. Squaring her shoulders, Aria pushed them open, forcing herself to exude the confidence she didn't entirely feel. I am capable, she told herself firmly. I’ve got this. The office was vast with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of the city below. A minimalist desk sat near the far end, dominated by neat stacks of papers and a single laptop and behind it, with his back to her as he surveyed the skyline, was the man himself: Grayson Stone. "Mr. Stone?" Aria’s voice came out steady, though her pulse quickened as he turned around. The man who faced her was every bit as imposing as his reputation suggested. He was tall, broad-shouldered and impossibly handsome in that cold, aloof way most of the elite seemed to possess with sharp black eyes that took her in with a single glance, as if he could assess her worth in mere seconds. Which, if rumours were to be true, he could. He didn’t offer a smile—just a brief, curt nod, his expression betraying nothing of his initial assessment of her. “Ms. Hart.” Aria swallowed the lump in her throat at the way her surname alone sounded in his voice and stepped forward, her heart unexpectedly skipping a beat. He was even more handsome to look at up close, those chiselled features that belonged on the cover of a magazine in full HD. His sharp jawline, the intensity in his dark eyes and the way his suit fit him perfectly all made it hard not to stare. For a moment, she found herself captivated by the sheer magnetism he exuded. His presence was overwhelming, a strange combination of effortless power and elegance that caused a faint flutter of attraction in her chest. Wow, she thought, almost letting herself swoon at the sight of him. Being in his presence made it easy to understand why the media was so obsessed with him. She quickly snapped back to reality, forcing herself to keep her composure despite the nerves buzzing beneath her skin and extended her hand, reminding herself that no matter how attractive he was, she wasn’t here to be swept away by his looks. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.” Grayson’s handshake was firm, his grip just bordering on the edge of too strong and his eyes, still as sharp and calculating as when she first entered, flickered briefly to the portfolio in her other hand before returning to her face. “Let’s get to it, shall we?” Aria nodded, moving to the chair in front of his desk. Her throat was dry, but she wouldn’t let it show as she placed the portfolio carefully on the desk’s surface, feeling the weight of his gaze on her the entire time. The air between them felt thick, heavy, and she was unsure if it was just nerves or the general intensity of the man that was making her hands sweat. This is business, she reminded herself firmly. She had to hold her ground, even if being in his presence made it difficult to think clearly. “I’ve reviewed the brief you provided and believe I have developed a concept that not only meets your expectations but also captures your vision.” Aria began her practiced speech, opening the portfolio to show the detailed plans and renderings she had spent countless nights perfecting. Grayson leaned back slightly in his chair, eyes briefly scanning the documents before flicking back to her face. He didn’t react, didn’t give any sign of approval or disapproval and the silence stretched on for a moment too long, making her nerves prickle. Did she say something wrong? Or not say enough? Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, she offered what she hoped was a confident smile and decided to press on. “My design incorporates innovative features that maximize both aesthetic appeal and functionality. I've taken into consideration—” “I’ve seen the designs.” Grayson interrupted, his voice cutting through her words like a knife. “I'm not interested.” Aria’s heart sank, but she kept her face neutral. “I’d be happy to make any adjustments—” “I don’t think you understand.” Grayson said, cutting her off again, voice colder now. “There’s no room for ‘adjustments’ or second chances in the real world. You’re not close to what I’m looking for. In fact…” He paused, letting his eyes sweep over her, lingering just long enough to make her feel exposed. “Maybe you should brush up on your skills before pitching to someone of my calibre.” Her breath caught, the sting of his words hitting harder than she’d anticipated. She had braced herself for a difficult meeting, but this—this was something else entirely. His eyes swept over her with calculated indifference, making her feel small, inadequate. Unworthy. Still, she forced herself to stay calm, her fingers tightening around the portfolio in her lap to try and ground her, her sweaty skin sliding across the smooth surface and no doubt leaving streaks. Grayson's eyes glinting as they travelled from her face to her outfit, making her skin crawl, almost as though he was enjoying her discomfort. “This whole...” His waved a hand dismissively over her plain, functional pantsuit. “Budget look you've got going on doesn’t exactly scream success, does it?” The air in the room grew colder, if that was even possible. Grayson’s words sliced through her confidence like a blade and though she fought to keep her expression composed, heat rose in her cheeks, her pulse quickening with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. Aria wasn’t naive—she knew her suit wasn’t the latest designer label like the ones worn by most of her colleagues, especially in a place like this. But it was practical, well-fitted and professional—everything she needed it to be. More than that, it was all she could afford right now. Every piece of clothing in her closet had been carefully chosen with her tight budget in mind and she’d never been ashamed of that. She refused to let him see how deeply his words affected her. Not here. Not now. “I appreciate your feedback, Mr. Stone. I’ll take it on board.” She said slowly, voice steady despite the anger boiling beneath the surface. “Good.” He replied, tone dripping with condescension. “Appearances matter just as much as competence in the world of business. Remember that.” She could feel his eyes on her, taking in every detail, silently evaluating her in ways that went beyond her design proposal. It wasn’t just about the work she had presented—it was about whether she was worthy in his eyes, something which apparently, she wasn’t. The thought made her bristle, but she forced herself to maintain her professional facade. He doesn’t get to make me feel small, she reminded herself, even as the sting of his judgment lingered. Not when I’ve worked this hard to get here. With her head held high, she met Grayson’s gaze head on, refusing to let her insecurity show. She had faced bigger challenges than a rich man’s condescension and she wasn’t about to let a few cutting remarks about her appearance shake her. Standing abruptly, Aria clutched her portfolio tightly and offered him a final nod. “Thank you for your time.” She didn’t wait for a response before turning on her heel and walking toward the door. Each step away from him felt like a small victory in itself—keeping her head held high despite the blistering humiliation tinged with red hot anger simmering inside her. As the door clicked shut behind her, Aria exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding and closed her eyes, fighting back the heat rising in her throat. “Bastard.” She hissed under her breath, the word slipping out before she could stop it. “Ms. Hart?” The receptionist’s voice cut through the moment, tone polite but curious. Aria’s eyes snapped open and she forced a smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “...Yes?” The receptionist gestured toward the elevator with a friendly, but dismissive, nod. “Have a great rest of your day.” Offering a quick, tight-lipped smile in response, Aria made her way to the elevator, heart pounding as the sting of Grayson Stone’s words lingered like a fresh bruise. Yet she refused to show it, her back straight and her head held high. He might have shot her down. He might have tried to tear her apart with his cruel, mocking jabs but she wasn’t about to let his arrogance break her. Not now. Not ever.