Chapter 5: The Dinner Invitation
507 Words
The next morning, I walked into the office with a smile on my face. I couldn’t help it—every time I remembered last night, my heart would flutter. Lucas called me Mia. He drove me home. He looked at me like... like I mattered.
But as I sat at my desk, I reminded myself again: He doesn’t know. He still doesn’t know you are his wife.
Just then, my phone buzzed. A message from my mother:
"Mia, tonight your father and I will visit the mansion. We arranged a dinner with Lucas and his parents. Make sure you are there. And remember—act like a proper wife, not a secretary."
My smile faded. Tonight?
I looked at Lucas’s closed office door. Tonight, I would see him not as my boss, but as my husband. Tonight, we would sit at the same table, in front of our parents, acting like the perfect couple... while during the day, we acted like strangers.
Hours passed. Work went on as usual. Lucas was his usual professional self, giving instructions, checking reports. But every time he passed by my desk, he would pause for a split second, look at me, and then walk away. There was a new tension between us—thick, electric, and full of unspoken feelings.
At 5:00 PM, he came out of his office.
"Everyone, you can leave now," he announced. Then he looked directly at me. "Miss Santos, stay. There are some last-minute documents to finish."
My eyes widened. Documents? Tonight of all nights?
When everyone was gone, he walked closer to my desk, leaning down slightly so only I could hear.
"Actually... there are no documents," he said in a low, smooth voice. "I just wanted to talk to you."
My breath hitched. "About what, Sir?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Lucas. Remember? Call me Lucas."
I bit my lip. "Lucas... why did you make me stay?"
He pulled a chair and sat right next to me. Our knees almost touched.
"Have dinner with me," he said suddenly.
My heart stopped. Dinner? Us two?
"Sir... I mean, Lucas... I can’t. I have plans tonight," I stammered.
He frowned, looking almost disappointed. "Plans? With whom?"
"With... family," I said quickly. It wasn’t a lie. Just... not the whole truth.
He stood up, looking down at me. There was something dark and possessive in his eyes.
"Another time then," he said. Then he added, very quietly, "I like being with you, Mia. More than I should."
He turned around and walked back into his office, leaving me frozen in my chair.
He likes being with me.
I rushed out of the building, my mind racing. I had to go home, change into a beautiful dress, and prepare myself. Because in just a few hours... I would be sitting across from him at the dinner table, wearing my ring, playing the role of his wife... while knowing he was falling in love with the secretary, not the wife.
And the worst part? I loved every second of it.
- Writer
