Chapter 7
836 Words
Khloe allowed herself to be guided through the process, feeling slightly like a mannequin being prepared for display.
By the time evening arrived, she stood in front of the tall mirror inside her room.
She could hardly recognize herself.
The deep Red dress hugged her figure softly, elegant without being overly dramatic. The fabric shimmered slightly when she moved.
Her hair had been styled into loose waves that rested over her shoulders.
Even her makeup was different, subtle but refined.
Khloe studied her reflection quietly.
For the first time since arriving at the mansion, she felt nervous.
Not about the contract.
About the world she was about to step into.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” she called.
The door opened slowly.
Adrian stepped inside.
For a moment he didn’t say anything.
He simply stood there, his eyes resting on her.
His suit was perfectly tailored, the dark fabric sharp against the crisp white shirt beneath it. Everything about his appearance was controlled and effortless.
Yet his attention was clearly focused on her.
Khloe shifted slightly under his gaze.
“Well?” she asked, trying to sound casual even though her heart had begun beating faster. “Do I look convincing enough to pretend to marry a billionaire?”
Adrian studied her for another second.
Then he nodded.
“Yes.”
That was all he said.
Just one word.
“Are you ready?, we’ll be leaving soon” he said and turned around to leave
When he closed the door, the other women left aswell leaving only her in the room
She turned and looked at her reflection in the mirror once more.
They left for the event shortly after.
The Car Arrived in front of a big grand hall, when a polished looking man opened the door for Adrain and Khloe
The gala took place in a grand hotel ballroom.
The space was filled with polished marble floors, towering chandeliers, and soft golden lighting that reflected across the room like scattered stars.
Men in expensive suits stood in small groups discussing business. Women in elegant dresses moved gracefully through the crowd.
Some holding a glass of wine while some talking and laughing elegantly
Khloe felt Adrian’s hand rest lightly against the middle of her back as they entered the room.
They walked slowly reading every detail in the hall
The sudden contact startled her for a moment.
But then she understood why.
They were Cameras everywhere.
Several photographers stood near the entrance waiting.
The moment they stepped inside, flashes of light filled the room.
People turned.
Whispers spread quietly through the crowd.
Khloe suddenly became stiff although not so noticeable but Adrian noticed immediately
Adrian leaned slightly toward her.
“Relax,” he murmured. “Just smile.”
Khloe forced herself to take a slow breath.
Then she smiled.
The cameras flashed again.
To everyone watching, they must have looked perfect.
The powerful billionaire.
The elegant fiancée.
Adrian moved easily through the room, greeting investors and business partners with quiet confidence. Khloe stayed close beside him, listening as conversations shifted between business deals and polite social remarks.
Occasionally someone turned to her.
“So how did you two meet?”
Khloe delivered the prepared story with calm precision.
A charity project.
“Unexpected connection”. She simply said and smiled
Every time she told it, the lie felt slightly more believable.
Yet despite the crowded room and endless conversations, Khloe remained strangely aware of Adrian’s presence beside her.
The way his hand occasionally returned to her back.
The quiet way he checked if she needed a break when conversations grew too long.
The subtle shift of his body when someone stood too close to her.
She noticed all the little details but she didn’t think too much of it
He did more things that made the act feel almost natural.
After much chattering and discussions. A good looking young man suddenly climbed on stage and announced their engagement
Of course everyone knew and that’s the main reason they were there
The crowd facing the stage applauded and some people congratulated them
Men shook Adrian, women hugged Khloe even though she didn’t know anyone there
After more celebrations and chatters
They were finally done. Khloe leg started hurting from the heels she wore as they stood throughout the event. Adrian noticed and called his driver for them to start heading back home
In the car they were both exhausted but Adrian was used to it while he told Khloe
“Get used to this, more are coming” Khloe looked at him but didn’t say a word
By the time they returned to the mansion that night, Khloe felt exhausted.
Her feet ached from standing for hours.
The quiet hallway of the mansion felt almost comforting after the noise of the event.
“Did I do okay?” she asked softly as they walked toward the staircase.
Adrian loosened his tie slightly.
“You did well.”
Khloe smiled faintly.
- Writer
