Chapter 9: The Dress
1404 Words
The next evening arrived faster than expected.
Too fast.
I stood in the center of Adrian’s massive walk-in closet, staring at the endless rows of designer dresses arranged neatly along the walls.
My head spun.
There had to be at least fifty dresses here.
Silk.
Velvet.
Satin.
Some were elegant and simple, while others looked like something a movie star would wear on the red carpet.
And every single one of them probably costs more than my entire wardrobe combined.
I turned slowly.
“This is ridiculous.”
Adrian stood in the doorway, his fans crossed, watching me.
“You don't like them?”
“That's not the problem.”
I gestured helplessly at the dresses.
“I don't even know where to start.”
Adrian stepped into the room.
His eyes scanned the rack for a moment before he pulled out a long black evening gown.
“This one.”
I stared at it.
It was beautiful.
Simple yet elegant, with a smooth satin fabric and a slit that ran along one side.
Still..
“I can't wear that,” I said.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“Why not?”
“It's too expensive.”
He looked genuinely confused.
“That's not a reason.”
“It is for normal people.”
“You're not normal people, he said calmly.
“You're my wife.”
My stomach twisted slightly at those words.
Even though this marriage was fake, hearing him say it still felt strange.
Adrian handed me the dress.
“Try it.”
I hesitated before taking it.
“If I rip it, you are not allowed to be angry.”
“You won’t.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I chose the size.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“You know my size?”
Adrian’s lips curved slightly.
“I’m observant.”
I rolled my eyes and walked into the dressing room. A few minutes later, I carefully stepped back out.
Adrian was adjusting the cuff of his suit when he looked up.
Then he froze.
His eyes slowly moved from my heels to my face.
The silence stretched between us.
“Well?” I asked nervously. “Is it terrible?”
Adrian didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he took a few slow steps toward me.
“You look...”
He paused.
“Perfect.”
My cheeks warmed.
“You’re just saying that.”
“No.”
His voice was calm, but his gaze was intense.
“You really do.”
For some reason, hearing that from Adrian felt different.
More.. genuine.
I quickly looked away.
“Good,” I muttered.
“Because I have no idea how to walk in this.”
Adrian's eyebrow lifted slightly.
“You’ve never worn heels like that?”
“Not heels that cost more than my rent.”
He almost laughed.
Almost.
“Come here.”
I frowned.
“Why?”
“Because you’re about to fall.”
“I am not — “
My foot slipped slightly on the polished floor. Adrian moved instantly.
His arms wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could lose my balance.
Suddenly, I was very aware of how close we were standing.
Too close.
His hand was still on my waist.
His face was only inches from mine.
For a brief moment, neither of us moved.
Then Adrian cleared his throat and stepped back.
“Maybe you should hold onto me tonight,” he said.
“Just in case.”
I tried to ignore the strange flutter in my chest.
“Fine.”
A car horn sounded outside.
Adrian glanced at his watch.
“It’s time.”
My heart immediately started racing again.
“The gala?”
“Yes.”
“Oh no.”
Adrian grabbed his jacket.
“You’ll be fine.”
“You said that yesterday, too.”
“And you were.”
“That was a hospital.”
“This is just a room full of rich people.”
“That’s exactly what scares me.”
Adrian walked toward the door.
“Come on.”
I took a deep breath and followed him.
The ride to the gala was quiet.
Through the window, I watched the city lights flash by.
Adrian sat beside me, focused on something on his phone.
“How many people will be there?” I asked.
“Several hundred .” He replied.
I groaned.
“Great.”
“They’re mostly business partners.”
“Even worse.”
Adrian finally looked at me.
“Relax.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“Why?”
“Because you belong in that world.”
“And you don’t?”
“No.”
Adrian studied me carefully.
“You might be surprised.”
Before I could respond, the car slowed.
Bright lights appeared outside the window.
And then I saw it.
The gala venue was a massive luxury hotel surrounded by cameras and reporters.
People in elegant gowns and expensive suits walked up a long red carpet toward the entrance.
My stomach dropped.
“Oh, my God.”
Adrian glanced outside.
“What?”
“There are cameras.”
“Yes.”
“I can’t walk out there.”
“You can.”
“No, I really can’t.”
“Lena.”
“What,”
“Look at me.”
I turned toward him reluctantly.
“You’re going to walk in there beside me.” He said calmly.
“And everyone in that room will treat you with respect.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you’re Mrs. Wolfe.”
My heart skipped again.
The car stopped.
A driver opened the door.
The sound of cameras clicking filled the air immediately.
Adrian stepped out first before turning back toward me.
He held out his hand. For a moment, I just stared at it.
This was really happening. My life has changed so quickly.
Just days ago, I was struggling to pay bills.
And now,
I was about to walk a red carpet beside one of the most powerful billionaires in the city.
Adrian looked at me patiently.
“Lena.”
I took a deep breath. Then I place my hand on his.
His grip was strong and steady.
Together, we stepped out of the car.
The camera flashes were blinding.
Reporters shouted questions from behind the barricades.
“Mr. Wolfe!”
“Who is the woman with you?”
“Is that your wife?”
Adrian didn’t answer.
Instead, he calmly placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me forward.
The gesture looked natural.
Intimate.
Like we had done this a hundred times before.
My heart was pounding.
Inside the hotel, the noise faded slightly.
The ballroom doors opened.
Music played softly.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above a room filled with the city’s wealthiest and most powerful people.
Conversations filled the air.
But the moment Adrian and I entered, the room seemed to notice.
Whispers spread instantly.
“That's Adrian Wolfe.”
“Is that his wife?”
“I didn't know he was married.”
My face burned.
Adrian leaned slightly toward me.
“Ignore them.”
“I'm trying.”
A tall man approached us almost immediately.
“Adrian!”
Adrian shook his hand.
“Daniel.”
Daniel’s curious gaze moved toward me.
“And this must be the famous Mrs. Wolfe.”
I forced a polite smile.
“Nice to meet you.”
Daniel shucked.
“Well, Adrian, you certainly kept this a secret.”
Adrian’s arm slipped around my waist.
“Yes.”
My breath caught slightly.
“But some things,” he added calmly,” are worth keeping private.”
Daniel laughed again before excusing himself.
As we moved further into the room, more people approached.
Each conversation felt like a test.
Every curious glance made me more nervous.
But Adrian stayed beside me the entire time.
Then suddenly, a woman stepped directly into our path.
Tall.
Beautiful.
And clearly curious.
Her sharp eyes locked onto Adrian.
“Well, she said coldly.
“So the rumors are true.”
Adrian’s expression turned unreadable.
“Hello, Victoria.”
My stomach twisted.
Something about the way he said her name… and the way Adrian looked at her, told me one thing immediately.
This woman wasn't just a stranger.
She was someone from Adrian’s past.
And judging by the fire in her eyes, she definitely wasn't happy to see me.
- Writer
