Chapter 4 – The Public Reveal
686 Words
Aira had faced tough crowds before— demanding clients, snobby socialites, even furious bridezillas. But nothing prepared her for the swarm of flashing cameras, whispered gasps, and curious stares that met her at the grand gala.
This was Elian Navarro’s world.
And now, she was stepping into it… as his wife.
“Elian!” someone called as they stepped out of the sleek black car.
Paparazzi surged forward. Elian’s hand slipped effortlessly into hers—firm, grounding.
Aira tried to smile, but her nerves were a storm beneath her skin.
“Just walk,” Elian murmured without looking at her. “Chin up. Eyes forward.”
It wasn’t exactly romantic, but somehow it helped. She squared her shoulders and followed him through the chaos and into the grand ballroom.
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Inside, everything shimmered. Chandeliers sparkled above tables dressed in white and gold. The elite of the city turned to stare as the two entered.
“Elian never brings dates,” whispered someone near the bar.
“Is that… his wife?” another gasped.
The words sent a strange thrill through Aira.
Wife.
Fake or not, that title now belonged to her.
They made their way through the crowd, Elian politely greeting associates, CEOs, politicians—each one sizing Aira up like she was part of a corporate acquisition.
“You’re drawing attention,” Elian said lowly.
“I’m wearing five-inch heels and an overpriced dress. I better be,” she quipped.
His lip twitched. “You’re doing fine.”
It was the closest thing to praise she’d gotten from him.
Then a voice interrupted them—smug, feminine, laced with venom.
“Elian, darling. I didn’t know you’d married… again.”
Aira turned to face a tall woman in a deep red gown. Her features were sharp, and her smile was all teeth.
“Cassandra,” Elian greeted flatly.
Cassandra Vale. Aira recognized her instantly. Heiress. Model. Elian’s rumored ex.
“And this must be the new wife,” Cassandra said, extending her hand to Aira. “How… unexpected.”
Aira smiled sweetly. “It was a surprise to me, too. But then again, the best things in life usually are.”
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she recovered quickly. “Well, enjoy your moment, dear. Elian tends to lose interest fast.”
Aira’s smile never wavered. “Lucky for me, I’m not here to hold his interest—I’m here to keep up with him.”
Cassandra blinked, momentarily silenced.
Elian’s fingers tightened around Aira’s waist—approval? Amusement? It was hard to tell.
As Cassandra walked away, Aira exhaled slowly.
“Not bad,” Elian murmured.
“Not bad?” she said. “That was award-worthy diplomacy.”
He looked down at her. “You’re more capable than I expected.”
“Try underestimating me again. It’s fun proving you wrong.”
Something shifted in his expression. For a second—just a second—his cold mask cracked.
But before she could read into it, the host called Elian’s name. He stepped forward to speak on stage, leaving Aira momentarily alone.
She scanned the room. The glamour, the politics, the whispers. It wasn’t her world. Not even close.
And yet… she wasn’t drowning.
Not yet.
As Elian took the mic, the crowd fell silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his deep voice echoing through the room, “thank you for joining us tonight. Before we begin, I’d like to share something personal.”
Aira blinked, confused.
“This is my wife, Aira,” he said, gesturing to her. “We were married recently. And though our union may seem sudden, I assure you—it’s very real.”
Aira’s heart stopped.
Very real?
She met his eyes—and for a second, there was a softness there. A flicker. A lie told so beautifully, even she almost believed it.
The crowd erupted into applause.
And just like that, the world knew:
Mrs. Aira Navarro was no longer invisible.
But with the spotlight came something far more dangerous than whispers—expectation.
And secrets were much harder to hide in the light.
- Writer
