Behind Closed Doors 1
530 Words
Behind Closed Doors (Part 1)
Ava's POV:
The flashes from the cameras were blinding.
"Miss Bennett! Over here!"
"Mr. Blackwood! Look this way!"
Questions came from every direction.
"When is the wedding?"
"Is it true you've been secretly dating?"
"Who proposed?"
I forced a smile.
Every answer was a lie before it even left anyone's mouth.
Damien stepped beside me.
Without warning, his hand settled lightly against the small of my back.
My entire body stiffened.
To everyone watching, it looked affectionate.
To me...
It felt like another reminder that this engagement wasn't real.
"Smile," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
"I'd rather not."
"You don't have a choice."
"There you go again."
His jaw tightened, but his expression remained perfectly composed for the cameras.
"Argue with me later."
"I'd rather argue now."
The corners of his mouth almost twitched.
Almost.
Then the moment vanished.
Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers glittered overhead.
New York's elite had gathered.
Business leaders.
Fashion icons.
Politicians.
Everyone wanted a glimpse of the city's newest power couple.
I hated that phrase.
Power couple.
If only they knew.
A woman in an emerald-green gown approached with a bright smile.
"Ava Bennett! It's wonderful to finally meet you."
I smiled politely.
"It's nice to meet you too."
She leaned closer.
"You've done what so many women dreamed of."
I frowned.
"I'm sorry?"
"Marrying Damien Blackwood."
She laughed softly.
"I hope you know how lucky you are."
Lucky?
If only she knew I'd been given a contract instead of a proposal.
Across the room, Damien spoke with investors.
His expression was unreadable.
Professional.
Controlled.
Untouchable.
Ethan walked over.
"You're watching him."
"I am not."
"You've looked in his direction five times in the last minute."
"I was checking the exits."
He grinned.
"Of course you were."
I rolled my eyes.
"I don't even like him."
Ethan chuckled.
"I didn't say you did."
Before I could reply, Damien looked up.
For a brief second...
Our eyes met across the crowded ballroom.
Then he looked away first.
From the balcony above, someone watched them.
A camera lens focused on Ava.
Click.
Another photo.
Click.
A quiet voice spoke into a phone.
"They're here."
A pause.
"No."
Another click.
"They're not acting like a couple."
A slow smile appeared.
"This will be easier than we thought."
The charity auction began.
The host stepped onto the stage with a broad smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to welcome Mr. Damien Blackwood and his fiancée, Miss Ava Bennett."
Applause filled the ballroom.
My stomach tightened.
Damien extended his arm toward me.
I stared at it.
He raised an eyebrow.
"For appearances."
I hesitated.
Then, reluctantly, I slipped my hand through his arm.
The applause grew louder.
To everyone else, we looked perfect.
Elegant.
Sophisticated.
Completely in love.
If only they could hear what I whispered through my smile.
"I still don't like you."
Without looking at me, he replied just as quietly,
"The feeling is mutual."
Both of us kept smiling for the cameras.
Neither of us noticed the waiter standing near the stage.
The uniform was convincing.
The tray wasn't.
He wasn't there to serve champagne.
He was there for one reason.
- Writer
