Mask of Desires

Chapter 2

"Chapter 2: The Honeymoon in Paris

The private jet hummed quietly as it cut through the early morning sky, heading toward Paris. The city of lights and romance was a far cry from the darkness Ariella carried within her — but now, on the heels of the wedding, she was trapped in a world she didn’t want to be part of.

Victor sat beside her, his broad frame taking up most of the seat, his eyes fixed on the window as he absentmindedly twirled a gold ring on his finger. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, her heart a battlefield of duty and temptation.

The mask had served its purpose; Victor had accepted her without question. To him, she was Elena Cruz, his beloved fiancée — the woman he had waited for. But every passing moment in his presence felt like a countdown. The mission was clear, but so was the closeness she was starting to feel, something she couldn’t afford.

The jet was luxuriously appointed, the cabin quiet and private, except for the soft clink of champagne glasses. Victor, in a rare moment of ease, poured them both a drink.

“To new beginnings,” he toasted, his gaze lingering on her. The smile on his face was soft, unguarded.

Ariella forced a smile, her fingers gripping the glass tighter than necessary. She met his gaze. “To new beginnings,” she echoed, though the words tasted bitter on her tongue.

As the flight continued, Ariella’s thoughts raced. Paris — the most romantic city in the world. How poetic, how cruel. It was the perfect place for a honeymoon, yet for Ariella, it was nothing but a calculated trap. She had to learn everything, get as close to him as possible, find his secrets — then take him down.

But every time he glanced at her with those smoldering eyes, every time his hand brushed hers, something shifted inside her. His gentleness, the way he looked at her, it was like she was the only person in the world. She had to remind herself that this wasn’t real. It couldn’t be.

“Do you like Paris?” Victor asked, his voice warm, drawing her out of her thoughts.

Ariella blinked, surprised by the sudden question. “I’ve never been,” she said, her voice softer than intended. “But I hear it’s beautiful.”

“Then you’ll see it all,” he replied, leaning in slightly, his gaze almost tender. “I want to show you every corner. We’re starting our life together, Elena. I want you to have everything.”

His words caught her off guard. Starting our life together. A part of her felt a pang of guilt. She was living a lie, and Victor was oblivious to it all. He didn’t deserve this. But she couldn’t let those feelings interfere with the mission.

She nodded, her throat tight. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The jet began its descent, and the Paris skyline came into view, sprawling beneath the fading light of dusk. The city shimmered like a painting, illuminated in soft, golden hues.

As the plane touched down, Victor’s hand found hers, pulling her close. His fingers were warm, strong — and his touch lingered longer than necessary.

“We’re here,” he said, his voice rich with excitement. “I want us to have the perfect honeymoon. No distractions. Just you and me.”

Ariella nodded, but her mind raced. I can’t afford to let him get too close. Not now. Not when I have to kill him.

But as they disembarked the jet and entered the sleek black limo waiting for them on the tarmac, Ariella couldn’t help but feel the weight of what was to come. The tension between them was thick, electric. For the first time, she allowed herself to imagine what it might be like to be someone else — someone not bound by duty, someone who didn’t have to betray the man standing beside her.