Chapter four:"Tomorrow starts the real work,".
954 Words
Lily's POV
I had moved into the penthouse Tuesday.
The team packed my flat in two hours, it wasn't much anyway. Private elevator to the top. Penthouse level.
Doors opened, windows everywhere and Manchester below. The marble floors, and art worth millions.
Marcus appeared. "East wing is yours."
I followed him, the kitchen is bigger than my flat, the living room with insane views.
Down a hall and double doors.
"Your space."
The bedroom? It's massive, the bathroom is like a spa, the closet is huge.
"Tomorrow we will prepare." Marcus checked his tablet. "Wardrobe nine AM. Etiquette at noon. Media training three. Hair five."
"All one day?"
"Three days total, I'm all around trying so hard to be suitable for the fitting, the rehearsal and at the gala."
He left, I put Dad's photo on the nightstand.
This was home now, a beautiful one but now he is dead yet he lives in me.
At seven PM, Lucas came home. From the way he sounded and acted I knew he was tired, suited.
"You're settled." He muttered
"Yeah."
"Dinner's coming, Italian okay?"
"Fine."
He changed, came back more human.
Ate across from each other. Awkward.
"Tomorrow starts the real work," he said. "The gala's important. Everyone is watching and we need to make it the perfect type."
"Including Julian, so it has to look real that no one can suspect, please take this seriously."
My jaw tightened. "Especially Julian."
Silence ranges through the house, if a pin could have fallen down the sound would be loud enough.
"We need to look comfortable together," Lucas said. "Tomorrow includes rehearsal. How to touch. Sell it and also everything necessary"
"Alessia will be there," he added. "She'll try getting under your skin. So, ignore her."
We finished eating.
"I'm going to bed."
"Lily." He stopped me. "You're strong. You'll handle it tomorrow."
First compliment.
DAY TWO
For the wardrobe fitting, I spent two hours trying on dresses. They talked about me like furniture.
I ended up picking deep blue,
It was perfect.
Noon, etiquette coaching. Patricia. Mean.
I walked with books on my head. I learned how to sit. Stand. What not to say.
"These people are sharks. Trust no one."
Three PM. Media training.
Practiced answering without answering.
"How did you meet?"
"Through friends. Natural."
Lies came easy.
Five PM. Hair and makeup.
Two hours later I didn't recognize myself.
Lucas walked in. Stopped. Stared.
"Perfect," the stylist said.
"She looks perfect." His voice was weird.
Our eyes met. Something there. Gone.
DAY THREE
Rehearsal.
Marcus positioned us. "Hand on her back. Lean in."
Did it. It felt weird.
"Look at each other."
We did.
"You look terrified. Again."
I practiced for hours. Walking. Touching. Dancing.
Every touch burned.
"One more thing. The kiss."
"What kiss?"
"For photos. Brief. Has to look real."
Lucas's face went blank. "Necessary?"
"Yes."
"On three."
He leaned in. Hand cupped my face. Lips touched mine.
Brief. Soft.
The world stopped.
Pulled back. Both breathing weird.
Went to the terrace. Hands shaking.
Just business.
So why did it feel real?
NIGHT - GALA
Car at Grosvenor. Cameras everywhere.
"Ready?"
No. "Yes."
Stepped out. Flashes blinding.
Lucas's hand on my back. Steady.
Inside is worse. Everyone is staring.
"Breathe," he whispered.
Found our table.
"Lucas Hayes."
Julian Blackwood. Shark smile.
"Julian."
"And this must be Lily Bennett. My condolences about your father."
My father. Who he killed.
"Thank you."
"Marriage though. So sudden. Makes one wonder."
"Wonder what?" Lucas went cold.
"Interesting timing. Bennett collapsing. Then this. Almost like a rescue."
"Jealous?" Lucas leaned back.
Julian's smile slipped. "Just concerned. Business arrangements get messy."
He knew.
"This isn't business," I said. "This is love."
Met his eyes.
He studied me. Laughed. "Congratulations."
Left.
Lucas squeezed my hand. "Well played."
Powder room later.
Alessia Bianchi walked in.
Beautiful. Red dress. Knife eyes.
"So you're the replacement."
"Excuse me?"
"I know what you are. A transaction."
"You don't know anything."
"I know him. I loved him. He's using you." She checked her lipstick. "You're temporary. Ask him about your father. About the acquisition before Orton died."
Blood went cold. "What acquisition?"
She smiled. "Ask your husband."
Left.
What acquisition?
The rest of the gala blurred.
Car home. Silent.
Penthouse. Lucas headed for his wing.
"Wait."
He stopped.
"What aren't you telling me about my father?"
My face went blank. "What?"
"Alessia mentioned an acquisition. What was it?"
"Alessia lies."
"What were you planning with my father?"
"The contract doesn't include my past dealings."
The heat rose. "You promised the truth."
"This conversation is over."
"No. You're hiding something—"
"You want the truth?" Eyes blazing. "Your father contacted me. Wanted to sell Bennett Holdings. Before Julian destroyed him. I was considering it. Then he died. Too late."
The world tilted. "You were going to buy his company?"
"I was considering it. Business."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"Not relevant."
"Not relevant? My father wanted out and you—"
"I did nothing wrong!" First time yelling. "I was overseas. By the time I got back he was dead. Couldn't save him."
Something broke in his voice, both breathing hard.
"I need to know everything."
"I promised to investigate Julian, but my history with your father is mine." Headed for his wing. "Goodnight."
The door was closed, then locked.
I stood there alone with confusion.
Lucas knew Dad, maybe he could've helped. But he didn't.
Went to my wing, slammed the door and sat on the floor.
It's been eighteen months of secrets, Julian at that gala. Winning.
Alessia warned me, Lucas is hiding things and tomorrow I'll find out the truth.
Day three down, I could do this, and I had to.
- Writer
