The first week of Nova's new life under the contract had been a whirlwind of high-profile events, interviews, and meticulously staged appearances.
The city, which once seemed vibrant and full of promise, now felt like a stage set for a performance she was struggling to master.
Dorian's life was a world of precision and control, and Nova found herself constantly adjusting to fit into his carefully curated image.
They had attended charity galas, fashion shows, and excess of social events, each one requiring a performance of their "loving" relationship.
The press, hungry for any glimpse of their personal lives, watching their every move, and Nova was left to jug her dual roles of a wife and a professional photographer.
One morning, as Nova walked into the lavish Sterling's residence, she couldn't help but feel the weight of her new life bearing down on her.
The apartment was a richly display of Dorian's success;sleek furniture, modern art, a center piece made of fine marble and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city.
Nova had been given a small space within the home to call her own, but it felt more like a decorative afterthought than a personal sanctuary.
Dorian was in his office, working on designs, and Nova was left to her own devices.
She wandered through the apartment, feeling increasingly out of place. The solitude allowed her to think, and with each passing day, the growing divide between her real life and this staged charade became more apparent.
She missed the hum of her studio, the smell of paint and chemicals, and the freedom to express herself through her art.
That afternoon, she received a text from Dorian:
"Meeting with the press at 4 p.m. Please be ready to discuss our upcoming charity event. Dress is formal."
Nova sighed, knowing she had little choice but to comply.
She selected a stunning black dress that was both elegant and eye-catching, hoping it would convey the sophisticated image they were meant to project.
As time drew closer to the event, Nova mentally prepared for another performance. She had learned quickly that Dorian's world demanded not just physical presence but an emotional façade.
Their conversations, though polite and sometimes cordial, rarely ventured anything beyond the surface.
She had yet to see the man behind the carefully constructed persona.
The press conference was held in one of Dorian's grand event spaces, filled with flashing cameras and buzzing reporters. Nova and Dorian entered together, hands clasped showing a gesture of unity as they had rehearsed.
The room erupted with flashes as they took their places, smiling for the cameras.
Throughout the event, Dorian was the epitome of charm and charisma, effortlessly fielding questions and steering the conversation with practiced ease. Novabeside him, followed his lead, responding to inquiries with rehearsed answers. They spoke about their "shared vision" for the charity event and their "dedication to making a difference," while the truth of their relationship remained locked behind closed doors.
After the press conference, Dorian pulled Nova aside. "You did well today," he said, his tone neutral but not unkind. "I know this isn't easy, but you're adjusting better than I expected."
Nova raised an eyebrow. "You mean I'm pretending better than you expected?"
Dorian's gaze flickered momentarily, revealing a hint of vulnerability. "This isn't easy for either of us. But if we can keep up the façade, we'll both come out ahead."
Nova nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy. They were both trapped in this charade, each hiding behind their own masks. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan's mask was as much a prison for him as hers was for her.
As the evening drew to a close, Nova went back to her corner of the apartment, her thoughts swirling.
The contrast between her real life and the world she now inhabited seemed more pronounced than ever.
She looked at herself in the mirror, her reflection showing the polished, glamorous exterior she had been forced to adopt. Underneath, she was still the same artist with dreams and fears, struggling to reconcile her true self with the role she was playing.
As she prepared for bed, Nova's phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Lena.
It was a photo of a recent exhibition at a gallery,one that Ava had been longing to visit but had been unable to due to her new commitments.
The image was a stark reminder of the life she once had, and the reality she was living now felt even more disorienting.
That night, Nova laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. The richly appearance of Dorian's apartment, while impressive, felt cold and unwelcoming.
She wondered how long she could keep up this pretense before it consumed her entirely.
With a sigh, she closed her eyes, wishing for a moment of peace amid the chaos. Little did she know, the days ahead would bring more than just challenges.
They would test the boundaries of her heart in ways she could never have anticipated.