Ellie stood in front of the floor-length mirror, her fingers nervously smoothing the fabric of the deep emerald gown draped over her body. She barely recognized herself. The sleek design of the dress hugged her figure perfectly, its subtle shimmer catching the light. Her auburn hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup—done by a professional, no less—highlighted her hazel eyes. She looked glamorous, confident, and... not like herself at all.

"Stop fidgeting," Adrian said as he appeared in the doorway of her room, already dressed in a classic black tuxedo. His presence was magnetic, commanding. It wasn't fair, she thought bitterly, how effortlessly perfect he looked.

"You make it sound easy," Ellie muttered, tugging at her dress. "I feel like I'm about to trip and humiliate us both."

"You won't," Adrian said with a small, reassuring smile. "You'll do fine. Just remember the basics: smile, stay by my side, and let me handle the questions."

"Questions?" Her voice rose slightly. "You didn't say anything about questions!"

"It's a charity gala," Adrian explained, straightening his cufflinks. "There will be press, socialites, and investors. People will be curious about you—about us."

Ellie's stomach flipped. She wasn't prepared for this. She wasn't some polished debutante who knew how to navigate high society.

Adrian stepped closer, his expression softening as he noticed her panic. "Ellie, you've got this. No one expects perfection. Just be yourself, but... maybe dial down the sarcasm."

She shot him a look, but the corner of her mouth twitched in reluctant amusement. "I'll try."

The Blackwell Foundation's annual charity gala was held at the Met, the grand venue transformed into a shimmering wonderland of lights and luxury. As the car pulled up to the red carpet, Ellie's nerves hit an all-time high. She could see the flashes of cameras, hear the hum of conversation, and feel the weight of expectation pressing down on her.

"Ready?" Adrian asked, his voice calm and steady.

"No," she admitted honestly.

"Good," he said with a slight smirk. "That means you care. Let's go."

Adrian stepped out first, extending his hand to her. Ellie hesitated for a brief moment before placing her hand in his. The warmth of his grip grounded her, and as he helped her out of the car, she forced herself to smile.

The cameras erupted in a frenzy the moment they appeared together.

"Mr. Blackwell! Over here!"
"Adrian! Who's the mystery woman?"
"Is this your new girlfriend?"

Ellie's heart raced, but Adrian remained composed, offering a polite smile as he guided her down the red carpet. His arm rested lightly on her waist, a gesture that was both possessive and protective.

"Just smile and keep walking," he murmured under his breath.

Ellie obeyed, though every step felt like walking a tightrope. Her cheeks hurt from smiling by the time they entered the grand hall, the sound of soft classical music replacing the chaotic noise outside.

Inside, the room was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the soft murmur of conversations filled the space. Waiters weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Ellie clung to Adrian's side like a lifeline, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to take it all in.

"Adrian, darling!"

A glamorous dark hair woman in a sequined gown approached them, her smile radiant but sharp. Ellie instantly recognized her as Victoria Elise Langston, a renowned socialite and an ex  fiancé of Adrian, if the tabloids were to be believed.

Victoria's eyes flickered to Ellie, her smile faltering slightly. "And who is this?"

Adrian tightened his arm around Ellie's waist. "Victoria, this is my wife, Eleanor."

Ellie almost choked. The word wife felt so foreign, so surreal. But she managed to plaster on a polite smile and extend her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Victoria's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she shook Ellie's hand. "Wife? Well, Adrian, you certainly move quickly. I hadn't heard a word about a wedding."

"It was a small, private ceremony," Adrian said smoothly, his tone leaving no room for further questioning.

"How romantic," Victoria said, though her tone dripped with insincerity. Her gaze lingered on Ellie for a moment longer before she smiled brightly. "Well, welcome to the fold, Eleanor. You'll find we're a tight-knit community."

"Thank you," Ellie replied, forcing herself to maintain the polite facade.

As Victoria sauntered off, Ellie let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Is she always like that?"

"Always," Adrian said, his tone flat. "Don't let her get under your skin."

Ellie glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. "She seemed... surprised about the whole wife thing."

Adrian's jaw tightened slightly. "She's not important. Focus on the people who matter."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of introductions, handshakes, and carefully constructed smiles. Adrian was a master at working the room, seamlessly shifting between charming billionaire and shrewd businessman. Ellie did her best to follow his lead, nodding and smiling at the right moments, though she couldn't shake the feeling of being out of her depth.

By the time they returned to the penthouse, she was utterly drained.

"I survived," she said, kicking off her heels and collapsing onto the couch.

"You did more than survive," Adrian said, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "You were perfect."

Ellie snorted. "Perfectly awkward, maybe."

Adrian chuckled, taking a seat across from her. "You did well. Better than I expected."

"Wow, high praise," she teased, but there was a hint of genuine gratitude in her voice.

Adrian studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Get some rest. There's more to come."

Ellie groaned. "More? I thought this was a one-time thing."

"Welcome to my world," Adrian said with a faint smile before heading to his room.

As Ellie sank back into the couch, she couldn't help but wonder what she'd gotten herself into. Adrian's world was dazzling, yes, but it was also filled with hidden dangers—and she had a sinking feeling that she was only beginning to uncover them.

To be continued...