THE BILLIONAIRE SECRET WIFE

Chapter Six: The Gala

The morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Blackwood Manor.

Amelia stood in the garden with a pair of pruning shears, carefully trimming a row of white roses.

The sweet fragrance reminded her of the flower shop where she had spent years working.

For the first time in a long while, she felt at peace.

"You've transformed the garden."

Amelia turned.

Mrs. Wilson smiled warmly as she admired the freshly arranged flowers.

"I only moved a few plants."

"You've done much more than that."

Mrs. Wilson looked around.

"The garden feels alive again."

Amelia smiled.

"I've always believed flowers can brighten even the saddest places."

Mrs. Wilson's smile softened.

"So did Mrs. Blackwood."

Amelia frowned.

"Adrian's mother?"

Mrs. Wilson nodded.

"She loved these gardens."

Before Amelia could ask another question, Victoria hurried toward them.

"Mrs. Blackwood."

"Good morning."

"Mr. Blackwood would like to see you."

Amelia found Adrian in his home office.

He looked up from a stack of documents.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

He closed the file in front of him.

"I need to ask you something."

She sat opposite him.

"What is it?"

"There's a charity gala tomorrow evening."

"And?"

"I'd like you to attend with me."

She blinked.

"As your wife?"

"Yes."

"I thought our marriage was supposed to remain secret."

"It still is."

"Then why would we appear together?"

"The event is private."

She looked doubtful.

"Only business partners, close friends, and invited guests will be there."

Amelia folded her hands.

"I'm not sure I'll fit in."

"You will."

"I've never been to a gala."

"Then it'll be your first."

She laughed nervously.

"I don't even know what people do at those events."

"They talk."

"And?"

"They pretend to enjoy talking."

She couldn't help laughing.

"You actually made a joke."

"I've been told I'm capable of one every few months."

She smiled.

"I'll come."

A faint look of relief crossed Adrian's face.

"Thank you."

The following afternoon, several assistants arrived carrying elegant boxes.

Victoria opened one.

Inside lay a breathtaking midnight-blue evening gown.

Amelia's eyes widened.

"It's beautiful."

"It was chosen for you."

"There must be a mistake."

"There isn't."

Amelia touched the delicate fabric.

"It's far too expensive."

Victoria smiled.

"Mr. Blackwood doesn't think so."

Another box contained matching shoes.

The third held a diamond necklace.

Amelia immediately shook her head.

"The necklace is too much."

"It belongs to the Blackwood family collection."

"I can't wear something this valuable."

"You'll be perfectly safe."

Amelia wasn't convinced.

That evening, Adrian waited downstairs in a black tuxedo.

When Amelia descended the staircase, he looked up.

For several seconds...

He forgot to breathe.

The blue gown complemented her perfectly.

Her hair rested softly over one shoulder, and she wore only light makeup.

She looked elegant without trying.

"You look..."

He paused.

"Beautiful."

Amelia smiled shyly.

"Thank you."

"You clean up nicely yourself."

He chuckled quietly.

Victoria nearly smiled.

It was rare to hear Adrian laugh.

The ballroom of the Grand Regency Hotel glittered beneath hundreds of crystal chandeliers.

Soft music floated through the air.

Wealthy guests greeted one another with practiced smiles.

As Adrian and Amelia entered together, conversations briefly stopped.

Heads turned.

Whispers spread through the room.

"Who's the woman with Adrian Blackwood?"

"I've never seen her before."

"Is she his girlfriend?"

"No... look at her ring."

Amelia felt dozens of curious eyes following her.

She instinctively reached for Adrian's arm.

Without hesitation, he offered it to her.

"It's alright," he whispered.

"I'm not used to this."

"You'll be fine."

His calm voice eased her nerves.

Throughout the evening, Adrian introduced Amelia to several business associates.

Most were polite.

Some were curious.

A few seemed openly surprised.

Then a glamorous woman in a sparkling silver gown approached them.

She was stunning.

Confident.

Elegant.

Her smile was perfect.

Almost too perfect.

"Adrian."

His expression immediately became unreadable.

"Vanessa."

She kissed his cheek before turning to Amelia.

"And who is this?"

"My wife."

Vanessa's smile froze.

"I'm sorry..."

"My wife," Adrian repeated calmly.

Vanessa looked at Amelia from head to toe.

"You've kept her a secret."

"That was intentional."

She forced another smile.

"Congratulations."

But her eyes told a different story.

There was disappointment.

And jealousy.

"I hope we'll become friends," Vanessa said sweetly.

Amelia smiled politely.

"I hope so too."

Vanessa excused herself, but before leaving, she glanced back at Adrian.

The look didn't escape Amelia.

Neither did Adrian's silence.

A few minutes later, the host invited everyone to the dance floor.

Couples began dancing.

Amelia looked at Adrian.

"You don't have to."

"I know."

"I've never danced at a formal event."

"I'll lead."

Before she could object, he gently held out his hand.

She placed hers in his.

The orchestra began playing a slow waltz.

Adrian guided her carefully.

"Relax."

"I'm trying."

"You're thinking too much."

"And you're not thinking enough."

He smiled.

"I'll let that pass."

As they moved across the dance floor, Amelia slowly forgot about the crowd.

She focused only on Adrian.

His steady hand.

His calm voice.

His warm eyes.

For the first time, she realized he wasn't nearly as cold as everyone believed.

Across the room...

Vanessa watched them dance.

Her fingers tightened around her champagne glass.

"She shouldn't be here," she muttered.

Someone stepped beside her.

A tall man in a dark suit.

"You seem upset."

"I am."

"Because Adrian married someone else?"

Vanessa looked at him sharply.

"Who are you?"

The stranger smiled.

"Someone who also has an interest in Mrs. Blackwood."

Vanessa frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I think she knows less about her husband than she should."

He slipped a small envelope into Vanessa's hand.

"If you're curious..."

He smiled mysteriously.

"...open this when you get home."

Before Vanessa could stop him, the man disappeared into the crowd.

She looked down at the envelope.

No name.

No address.

Only one sentence written across the front.

Ask Adrian about the promise he made fifteen years ago.

Vanessa's heart began to race.

Whatever secret Adrian was hiding...

Someone wanted it exposed.

And Amelia Blackwood was about to find herself caught in the middle.