CHAPTER ONE:PART ONE: THE GALA REVELATION
The woman staring back at her in the full-length mirror was hardly identifiable to Eliza Chen. The exquisite emerald dress complimented her physique flawlessly, a far cry from the basic attire she had grown used to wearing over the past six months. She would be making her debut in high society this evening after her abrupt marriage, which had upset everyone in her social circle and let down her formerly well-known family.
From the door, a low voice said, "You are gorgeous. "
She could see Marcus in the mirror, his stance purposefully stooped and those absurdly large spectacles sitting atop his nose. The tuxedo he wore didn't fit well and was a few years behind the times, with the shoulders being too broad and the trousers being a little too short. His hair was expertly arranged to appear out of style—a triumph of deliberate mediocrity.
A real smile warmed her face as Eliza turned to face him. Furthermore, you appear precisely as intended.
The shared secret, the excitement of trickery, and the private joke that only they comprehended were all conveyed between them when their gaze met. Free from onlookers to deceive, Marcus now stood in a different posture during these intimate times, showing his full height, square shoulders, and overall changed demeanor.
Are you prepared for this? he said, his voice sounding fuller and deeper than the subdued manner he uses in public. It's still possible to withdraw.
Not to mention miss Victoria's expression when she sees us? Not ever. Eliza moved closer, fixing his purposefully twisted bow tie. Additionally, we had an agreement. After a year of this sham...
And then we renegotiate, Marcus said, his eyes squinting. For a brief period, Eliza saw the true Marcus Wei—32 years old, commanding, intelligent, and worth more than the majority of little nations. The man who had offered her the most bizarre proposal of her life six months earlier.
He said, returning to his hunched position and extending his arm, that the automobile was waiting. Mrs. Wei, should we give them something to discuss?
Eliza put her arm through his, preparing herself for the night to come. Lead the way, Mr. Wei.
The annual Carlyle Foundation Charity Gala was the social event of the season, a unique gathering where Manhattan's elite displayed their riches, authority, and influence under the guise of giving. Since she was 21, Eliza had been a regular attendee, initially as the daughter of renowned investment banker James Chen, and later as a high-achieving junior executive in her own right. But this year was different.
Eliza felt a flutter of anxiety as their little automobile approached the red carpet (Marcus had insisted on leaving his collection of high-end cars at home). As Marcus came out first and gave the keys, he stumbled a little, and the valet looked at each other. The rumors began the moment he assisted Eliza.
Someone whispered, "It's Eliza Chen. " Who she ended up with is really hard to believe.
In that controversy last year, I heard that her family lost everything, another voice answered. She must have made a decision.
With her hand firmly grasped in Marcus's, Eliza raised her head high. Champagne fountains and ice sculptures reflected the light from the crystal chandeliers as they changed the Temple of Dendur's main hall into a dazzling paradise. The pressure of a hundred pairs of eyes weighed down on Eliza as they came in.
Eliza! Sweetheart! Patricia Vandermeer air-kissed both her cheeks while her shrill voice broke through the surrounding conversation, and Eliza spun to see her. We've missed you here at the club. Where have you been hiding?
Hi, Patricia. I've been rather preoccupied with my job and, of course, married life, Eliza said calmly, pointing to Marcus, who was wearing his most uncomfortable smile. This is my spouse, Marcus Wei.
Patricia's gaze swept over Marcus with scarcely disguised dismay. Oh, how nice. Once more, congratulations on your rapid nuptials. I don't think we got an invitation?
Marcus cut in, his voice intentionally louder than his normal baritone, saying it was a private occasion. Only family. Although Eliza deserved better, I'm sorry that my financial constraints were rather strict. Eliza wanted to applaud his performance after he let out a self-deprecating chuckle.
"Patricia responded with a tense grin, "How sensible. And what exactly is it that you do, Mr. Wei?
I work in an office, Marcus said, adjusting his glasses. mainly data input. Unfortunately, it isn't all that thrilling.
Patricia's visage wore an expression of horror that was almost humorous. In conclusion, she advised me to keep welcoming visitors. Have a wonderful evening.
Eliza noticed the smirk on Marcus's face as she turned to leave. Patricia would have known she was dismissing the man who had planned the recent acquisition of her husband's shipping business, a transaction that had left Marcus with an additional $300 million in his bank account while remaining completely unidentified.
Eliza said, "You're enjoying this too much. "
Maybe, Marcus said softly. But you have to concede that it gives you some measure of contentment.
Eliza was unable to disagree. She agreed to this odd arrangement for her own reasons, after all.
Eliza's life had completely fallen apart six months prior. A financial crime that ruined their family's reputation and riches had implicated her father. She went from being a well-respected financial analyst to an outcast overnight, losing her job, her pals, and almost everything else. Her little consulting practice, which barely kept her head above water, was the only thing she was able to save.
While she was in a nearly empty coffee shop, attempting to figure out how to pay her rent by looking at her laptop, a stranger sat down across from her.
With a low yet authoritative tone, the man said, "Ms. Chen, I have a proposal for you. "
When something in his intense gaze stopped her, she had looked up, ready to order him to go. He was good-looking in a low-key manner, with bright, clever eyes and an aura of self-assurance that emanated from him.
"Do I know you? " she inquired.
Not at all, but I'm acquainted with you. I'm known as Marcus Wei. Furthermore, I think we can support one another.
At first, the idea he had presented seemed ridiculous: he required a wife, but not a genuine one. He wanted someone to assist him in keeping up the appearance of an unremarkable, perhaps even pitiful, individual. He would, in exchange, guarantee Eliza's financial stability, and a year later, she would be able to leave with enough money to make a fresh start.
After he had disclosed his real identity, she had questioned, "Why would someone like you need to hide who you are? "
Marcus had a strange grin. I have my reasons. It's easier for me to keep an eye on my competitors when they don't know who I am, some of which are business-related. Some are private. You may trust that all are real.
Despite her better judgement, Eliza was curious. And hopeless. They signed a contract in a week, and in a month, they were married in a modest, intimate ceremony.
Six months into their agreement, Eliza was now shocked to find herself at ease in her position. When they were alone, Marcus had shown himself to be an interesting conversationalist and a thoughtful roommate. Even if their marriage was a business deal, she had come to adore the person behind the mask.
Chen Eliza! Or perhaps I should call her Eliza Wei now?
Eliza was brought back to reality by the sound. When she turned around, she saw Victoria Sun standing in front of her, who was wearing a gorgeous designer dress that must have cost more than the majority of people make in a month. Ethan Park, the heir to Park Industries and one of Manhattan's most eligible bachelors—at least until Victoria had snatched him three months prior—was standing beside her.
