carrying the billionaire secrets

Chapter 5- First Dinner

The dining room is too large for two people. The table stretches long and polished under soft lights. Theo sits at the far end. I sit at the other. A single place setting waits for each of us.

The housekeeper serves the first course and leaves without a word. Silence settles between us like another guest.

I pick up my fork. The food looks perfect. I barely taste it.

Theo eats with quiet precision. He does not look at me for the first several minutes. When he finally does, his gaze is steady and unreadable.

“You will need a new wardrobe,” he says. “Public appearances start next week. My assistant will arrange fittings.”

I nod. “All right.”

“You will also need to learn basic facts about me. Family. Company history. Enough to answer simple questions without hesitation.”

“I can do that.”

He studies me for a moment longer. “You are quieter than I expected.”

I keep my eyes on my plate. “I am still adjusting.”

“Adjust quickly. This arrangement only works if it looks real.”

The next course arrives. I force myself to eat a few bites. My stomach feels tight. The baby is the size of a plum now. I read that this morning while waiting for the car. A plum that is already changing the shape of my life.

Theo sets his fork down. “Is the room acceptable?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“If you need anything, tell the housekeeper. Do not come to my study after nine. I work late.”

I nod again. The rules are clear. Stay in my space. Play the part in public. Keep quiet in private.

We finish the meal in silence. When the last plate is cleared, Theo stands.

“Good night, Nora.”

It is the first time he has said my name since the signing. The sound of it in his voice sends an unexpected shiver down my spine.

“Good night,” I answer.

He leaves the room. His footsteps fade down the hallway.

I sit alone at the long table and press one hand lightly against my stomach. The house feels too still. Too perfect. Too empty of anything warm.

I rise and walk back upstairs. In the guest suite I change into soft clothes and stand at the window. The garden below is lit with small lights. Beyond the walls the city glows in the distance.

Somewhere in this house the man who fathered my child is working late, completely unaware.

I climb into bed and stare at the ceiling.

Tomorrow the fittings begin. Tomorrow I will wear clothes chosen for Mrs. Winslow. Tomorrow I will practice smiling beside him in public.

But tonight the secret still belongs only to me.

And I already know it will not stay that way forever.