The Announcement

Grand chandeliers glistened in the room, and gentle classical music blended with the buzz of discussion. Cole's steady yet firm touch on the small of my back made my heart race, as though to urge me to do my share.

He leaned closer and whispered, "Calm down." I felt an uncontrollable chill as his breath felt warm against my ear.

Putting a courteous grin on my lips, I said, "Easy for you to say," as another immaculately dressed pair came up to us. "This is something you've done a hundred times."

"And now it's your turn," he said with ease. Aria, you're doing great. Simply maintain your smile.

Pulling through a crowd of polished strangers with judgmental eyes and forced grins made me feel like a puppet. Cole appeared unconcerned and in perfect control, but their looks were making it difficult for me to breathe.

"Thank you for coming tonight, ladies and gentlemen!" Everyone's attention was drawn to the stage as the host's voice boomed through the speakers.

Cole looked at me, confidence shining in his blue eyes. "Time of the show."

He led me to the middle of the room, where cameras were already trained on us before I could reply. As voices sounded through the crowd, my heartbeat accelerated.

Cole said, "Good evening," in a calm yet forceful tone. "I want to express my gratitude to everyone for coming tonight. As you are aware, the purpose of this event is to give back rather than merely celebrate.

He hesitated, looking around the crowd before settling on me. "But there's another reason why tonight is unique."

Oh no.

Cole grabbed for my hand and I held my breath, feeling a shock of electricity travel up my arm.

His voice softened just enough to appear sincere as he remarked, "I'd like to introduce you to someone very important to me." “My fiancée, Aria Blake.”

All I could do for a second was stand there, frozen in the spotlight while the room exploded in gasps and whispers. Cole gently gripped my palm, bringing me back to the present.

With his lips hardly moving, he muttered, "Say something."

My throat was dry, so I forced a smile. I said, shakily but clearly, "It's... an honor to be here." "And to share with all of you this moment."

The audience was unsure of how to react to this abrupt disclosure, as seen by the hurried applause that followed. I hardly believed it myself, so I couldn't hold it against them.

I let out a sigh of relief when the presenter reclaimed the microphone and the focus changed. However, the moment was fleeting.

A recognizable voice, brimming with fake sweetness, murmured, "Congratulations."

Cole's ex-fiance, Kaitlyn, was just a few steps away as I turned around. Her crimson dress fit her shape flawlessly, and her smile stopped short of her piercing green eyes. She was gorgeous.

Cole said, "Kaitlyn," in a bland tone.

She cocked her head and looked at me. And the fortunate woman must be this one. Is it, Aria?

"Yes," I replied, trying to smile politely.

With calculating eyes, she glanced at me. "To have captured Cole's interest so rapidly, you must be something special."

My cheeks were hot, but I was not going to give up. "I guess when it's real, it's easy."

Cole gently warned me by tightening his fingers around my waist. After a brief moment of hesitation, Kaitlyn's smile returned.

"Obviously," she said with ease. "All I can hope is that you are aware of what you are going into. Cole is capable of being... complex.

"I think I'll manage," I answered, maintaining a calm tone of voice despite the whirlpool of emotions roiling within me.

Kaitlyn's smile froze as her eyes shifted to Cole. I won't keep you, though. Have fun with the remainder of the evening.

I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding as she left. "What was that?"

Cole's jaw clenched as he remarked, "Her way of causing trouble."

She doesn't seem like the kind to let things go, I said as I watched her blend into the background.

"She isn't," he acknowledged. "But if we remain focused, she can't touch us."

Concentrated. Correct. However, I was rapidly losing attention.

---

As the evening went on, there were more introductions, more looks, and more phony smiles. I had the impression that I was walking a tightrope and was only one mistake away from tumbling.

Then followed the unexpected turn of events.

A man in a fitted suit interjected, his voice frantic, "Pardon me, Mr. Montgomery." "There is something that needs your attention."

Cole nodded but scowled. "Give me a minute."

His face was unreadable as he turned to face me. "Remain here. I will return shortly.

He vanished into the mob before I could reply, leaving me by myself.

Without him to protect me, I felt vulnerable. I looked about, hoping to find a peaceful spot to hide, but instead, I saw Kaitlyn once more. She wasn't by herself this time.

I didn't recognize the man she was speaking to, but the way they kept looking at me made my stomach turn.

What are they doing?

I attempted to dismiss it, but my curiosity overcame me. I stepped closer, out of sight, listening intently to what they were saying.

"... doesn't add up," Kaitlyn said in a sharp yet hushed voice. "She seems strange in some way."

"You believe she's concealing something?" the man inquired.

"Perhaps," Kaitlyn remarked. Or perhaps he is. In any case, I don't think this engagement is real.

As their words sank in, my heart began to accelerate. Kaitlyn was looking for something, not just suspicious. And everything might come crashing down if she discovered it.

Kaitlyn abruptly turned and met my gaze before I could make up my mind.

"All right," she answered with a cold smile. "Are we eavesdropping?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but nothing came out as my stomach fell.

Kaitlyn took a step forward, staring at me intently. Aria, I hope you're prepared for what's about to happen. Because you're playing this game? Things are about to grow more riskier.

—