ts of sleep, her mind immediately returning to the reality she now faced. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to linge

r it, half expecting another message from Dominic, but instead, it was a calendar not

ld fabric shimmering in the morning light. It was beautiful, of course, but like everything else in her

the door interru

ecting to see Clara or one of t

She carried herself with an air of efficiency, her dark hair pulled into

rofessional tone. "I'm Evelyn, Mr. Westwood's assista

it belonged to someone else. Lila forced a

lyn. What's the

e have appointments scheduled for hair, makeup, and styling. I've also arranged for a priv

the gala, the less time she had to dwell on her marriage-or the man she'd married. She didn't

tylists worked tirelessly to transform her. They fussed over every detail, ensuring that every strand of hair was perfectly p

ht, she would be on the other side, the one in front of the cameras, standing by Dominic's side as his wife. The thought mad

e full-length mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back at her. The gown clung to her curves, its delicate fabric shimmering with every mo

it. She felt like a stranger, someone play

a black tuxedo, every inch the powerful billionaire. His eyes swept over her, and for a moment, there was

e," Dominic said, his

intense gaze, but she forced herse

moved with the same quiet confidence that had always unnerved her, as

ke. "There will be media, important people watching

n from the start that this marriage was more about appearanc

r for a moment longer before

at the entrance, sleek and black, just like everything else in Dominic's world. As they climbed inside, Lila couldn't

eyes on the passing city lights, trying to calm the nervous flutter in her stoma

as they stepped out of the car, the crowd pressing forward to get a glimpse of them. Lila's hand

breath warm against her ear. "Re

rough the crowd with ease, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back. He exuded confide

s hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden light over the room. The sound of laughter and cli

Dominic, about their marriage, about the mystery surrounding her. People were curious, specula

ght to the center of the room, where they were greeted by t

said, clapping Dominic on the shoulde

king the man's hand. "It'

with a wink. "Dominic, you've certain

smile never faltering. "She's more than beau

knew better. They were just another part of the act, a

ight moments, engaging in polite conversation with the other guests. But all the while, she

, his lips brushing her ear as h

ing dangerous about him, something that both frightened and intrigued her. She had no idea what lay beneath the surfa