I moved back into the bedroom, feeling Hailey follow closely behind. Twenty minutes later, I descended the stairs carefully, wearing a simple red short flare dress and black heels. My hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail.
As I entered the living room, Theo was already waiting, a fake smile plastered on his face. “Doesn’t my girlfriend look gorgeous?” he said smoothly.
I gave a weak smile in return. It was an act—a performance—and I played my part, knowing it was meaningless.
Beside him, Mrs. Rodriguez beamed, her eyes softening. “She really is,” she said gently, her voice filled with genuine warmth.
A moment later, one of Theo’s men stepped forward. “The car is ready, sir,” he said, his tone calm and professional.
As Mrs. Rodriguez and I began to step out, Theo’s voice interrupte
