The Valentine's Proposal

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: A Web of Lies

(Violet’s POV)

I stare at the luxurious building in front of me, feeling like a fraud. Silver’s penthouse is as opulent as the man himself—glass walls, sleek furniture, and a view of the city that feels almost too perfect. For a moment, I wonder if I’ve made a mistake.

“Welcome home,” Silver says, his voice smooth and inviting as he steps inside. He pushes the door open wider, and I reluctantly follow.

I’ve been in the city for years, but nothing has ever felt like this. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive cologne fills the air. I glance around at the modern artwork on the walls, the sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the grand piano in the corner. It’s a far cry from the modest apartment I’ve been living in.

“This is…” I begin, but my words fall short. It’s breathtaking, in an intimidating way.

“Too much?” Silver asks, his voice low and teasing. He’s already shed his jacket, rolling up his sleeves to reveal muscular forearms.

“No,” I reply quickly. “It’s just… different.”

He smiles knowingly. “You’ll get used to it.”

I try not to look too overwhelmed as he leads me deeper into the apartment. We pass a long dining table, set with crystal glasses, and I can’t help but feel small in a place like this. It’s not just the size of the apartment—it’s the life that comes with it.

Silver stops in front of a bar area, offering me a drink. “Scotch, wine, or something stronger?”

“Nothing strong for me,” I say, my voice a little shaky. “I’m not really a drinker.”

“Smart choice,” he says, pouring himself a glass of scotch. He takes a sip, then looks at me over the rim of his glass. “You still look like you’re in shock.”

I try to laugh it off. “Maybe I am. This whole thing is… strange.”

His eyes soften slightly, a hint of understanding in his gaze. “I get it. But I think you’ll adjust.”

I don’t reply. My mind is still spinning from everything that’s happened. From the moment I saw Boris with Kara to shoving a ring on a stranger’s finger, and now, here I am, playing the part of Silver’s fiancée.

“So, what now?” I ask, my voice more uncertain than I’d like it to sound.

Silver’s smile widens. “Now, we make this look real. We need to keep up the charade, for your sake and mine. I’ve already called my mother and told her about the engagement.”

My heart skips a beat. “You did what?”

“Relax,” he says, a hint of amusement in his tone. “She’s expecting us to meet for dinner tomorrow. It’s all part of the plan.”

I don’t like the idea of meeting his mother already. I can barely wrap my head around the fact that I’m engaged to a man I barely know.

“And Boris?” I ask, my voice a little quieter.

“He’ll find out soon enough,” Silver replies, his tone darkening slightly. “But we’ll make sure it’s on our terms. You want to make him jealous, right?”

I nod, even though the thought of using Silver to get back at Boris doesn’t sit well with me. But I can’t deny that a part of me wants to see Boris suffer. He deserves it for what he did.

Silver watches me closely, his eyes calculating. “I’ll do my part. But remember, Violet, this is a business transaction. Nothing more.”

I swallow hard. I don’t know why, but the way he says it makes my stomach twist. It feels… final.

“So, what do you need me to do?” I ask, trying to push away the uneasy feeling settling in my chest.

Silver leans back against the bar, his gaze thoughtful. “I’ll arrange for us to make a public appearance tomorrow. A dinner date, just you and me. After that, we’ll need to keep up the act—social media posts, casual meetings in public places, nothing too dramatic. You’ve got to convince everyone that we’re in love.”

I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around it. “This feels wrong.”

“Maybe,” he says, his voice softer now. “But think of it as your revenge on Boris. You wanted to hurt him, right? Make him regret what he did?”

I hesitate, my thoughts conflicting. The idea of making Boris feel what I’ve felt is tempting. But something about Silver’s cold, calculated demeanor makes me question everything.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone,” I say finally. “I just want to move on.”

Silver’s expression shifts slightly, his eyes narrowing. “And this isn’t moving on? Don’t lie to me, Violet. You want to see him suffer, just like I want to see my mother’s face when she realizes I’m actually serious about this engagement.”

I don’t reply. I can feel the tension between us, the weight of our unspoken deal. The thought of playing this game with Silver unsettles me, but at the same time, the thought of getting back at Boris is too satisfying to ignore.

He takes a step toward me, closing the distance between us. “We’re in this together now. So let’s make it count.”

For a moment, I forget to breathe. He’s so close, his presence overwhelming. I glance at his lips, wondering what would happen if I just kissed him. But then I remind myself that this is all a game. It’s fake.

Silver seems to sense my hesitation and steps back, his gaze lingering on me for just a second longer than necessary. “You’ll get used to it,” he says quietly. “We’re partners now.”

I try to convince myself that this is just a temporary arrangement, that it doesn’t mean anything. But there’s a part of me that wonders if it could be more.

---

The next day, the nerves hit me like a freight train. Silver insists we meet at an upscale restaurant in the city, one that’s known for its exclusivity. As I step out of the car and into the grand entrance, I can’t help but feel like I’m walking into a trap.

Silver is already inside, sitting at a private table in the corner. His eyes scan the room as I approach, and when he spots me, he gives me a small smile.

“Violet,” he says smoothly, standing to pull out the chair for me. “I’m glad you could make it.”

I sit down, trying not to feel like a deer caught in headlights. “This is… a bit much, don’t you think?”

He chuckles softly. “You’ll get used to it. Besides, it’s all part of the act.”

I glance around the restaurant, noting the way people are staring. I can feel their eyes on us, the whispered speculation in the air. This is exactly what Silver wants—to make it seem real.

“So, what now?” I ask, trying to focus on the menu.

“We eat,” Silver says, his tone playful. “We smile. We laugh. And we make it look like we’re madly in love.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Of course, you can,” he says, leaning in slightly. “You’re already doing it. Just look at me, Violet. You’re doing great.”

I don’t respond, but I can feel the tension building between us. I know this is all a game to him, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m starting to lose control.