The Ring
340 Words
The ring was too big.
Lila stared at the 5 carat diamond on her finger as Adrian’s black car sped through the city. It kept slipping. A reminder that none of this was real.
Don’t take it off, Adrian said without looking at her. Not in public. Not in private.
Lila pulled her hand back. Bossy much?
His jaw ticked. Contract clause 4. You obey me in public.
And in private?
Especially in private.
The car stopped at a restaurant. Crystal chandeliers. People in designer clothes. Cameras.
Paparazzi.
Lila froze. I didn’t know there would be.
Adrian was already out, walking around to her side. He opened the door and held out his hand.
The cameras flashed.
Smile, he murmured, so only she could hear. His hand closed around hers. Warm. Possessive.
Mr. Cole! Is this your fiancée?
Who is she?
How long have you been dating?
Adrian didn’t answer. He just pulled Lila closer. His arm around her waist. His thumb brushing over the ring.
Yes, he told the cameras. She’s mine.
The word hit Lila like a punch.
Inside, at the table, he let go. The cold was back.
Good job, he said, cutting his steak. You looked believable.
I am believable, Lila snapped. I’m desperate.
Adrian’s eyes lifted. Dark. Intense. Don’t confuse desperation with defiance, Lila.
How do you know my name?
I know everything about you. He leaned forward. Your debt. Your address. The way you cry at 2 AM because you think no one can hear you.
Lila’s face burned. You’re disgusting.
And yet you signed the contract. He pushed a glass of water toward her. Drink.
She did. Because she had to.
Later that night, alone in the guest room he gave her, Lila looked at the ring again.
10 million dollars.
One year.
His name.
Her phone lit up. A text from an unknown number.
Welcome to the family, Mrs. Cole. - A
Lila dropped the phone. Her heart was racing.
This was fake.
It had to be fake.
Right?
To Be Continued
- Writer
