Nova sat at her desk, staring blankly at the editing software on her laptop. Her studio was untouched, her camera gear neatly packed in the corner of her new apartment in Dorian's sleek penthouse.
She had been too busy keeping up appearances as Mrs. Sterling to do any real work.
Between the charity events, gallery openings, and countless dinner parties, her photography had been relegated to the sidelines, a painful reminder of the life she was losing control of.
Dorian as always, was meticulous in maintaining their public façade. He would arrive at each event with Nova by his side, a perfect smile on his face, whispering instructions on what to say and how to act as they stepped out of the car.
At first she had resisted, feeling like a puppet in a designer gown, but now it was almost second nature.
Tonight, they had been invited to a private cocktail party hosted by one of Dorian's most important clients, a French investor Mr.Templeton who was considering backing his new line.
The event was being held at a swanky rooftop bar in Manhattan, and as Nova slipped into the emerald silk dress Dorian's stylist had sent over earlier in the day, she wondered how much longer she could keep up the charade.
She glanced at her phone, seeing a text from her best friend Lena: *"How's the fairy tale marriage going? Any actual sparks yet, or just fireworks for show?"*
Nova sighed, typing back, *"Definitely more of the latter,don't let the tabloids fool you."*
Just as she hit send, Dorian appeared in the doorway of her bedroom, his sharp eyes scanning her dress. "You look perfect," he said, his voice neutral, but Nova caught the brief flash of approval.
"Thanks" she replied, smoothing the fabric over her hips. "So, what's the story tonight? Are we madly in love, or just quietly content?"
Dorian smiled faintly, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. "Let's go with madly in love. It plays better with investors."
Dorian couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her. "Of course. I'll do my best to look suitably enchanted."
They transended into the private elevator in Dorian's apartment, the ride down filled with the usual silence.
Nova had grown to understand that Dorian wasn't one for idle conversation,he spoke only necessary, always keeping their exchanges professional and focused on the task at hand.
She had once thought she could get used to it, but now the silence between them felt heavier and more oppressive, as if something was missing that she couldn't put a finger on.
The rooftop bar was as glamorous as Nova had expected,glittering lights, stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a crowd of people dressed to impress.
As they stepped onto the terrace, Dorian slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close in a move that had become almost automatic and giving her peak on her checks.
She leaned into him, smiling as the cameras flashed, their fake affection convincing to anyone who didn't know the truth.
The evening went on , with Dorian seamlessly gliding between conversations, charming investors and clients alike.
Nova stayed by his side, nodding and smiling when required but her mind wandered, thinking about the life she had set aside for this arrangement.
Midway through the evening, Nova excused herself to step outside for a moment of air. She found a quiet corner of the terrace and stared out at the city below. The lights of New York twinkled like stars, but they felt distant, out of reach.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear Dorian approach until he was standing beside her. "You're quiet tonight" he observed, his tone softer than usual.
Nova shrugged, not bothering to hide her frustration. "Just thinking about how different my life has become in such a short time. I barely recognize it anymore."
Dorian's gaze shifted to the skyline, his face unreadable. "It's only temporary."
"Right," Nova said, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Temporary. Just another six months of playing this role."
He turned to her, something almost vulnerable flickering in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. "I didn't think this arrangement would be easy for either of us. But we're getting what we both wanted, aren't we?"
Nova looked at him, her frustration mounting. "Are we, Dorian? Because right now, it feels like I'm losing myself in all of this.
I'm not a model, or some trophy wife for investors to gawk at. I'm a photographer, but I haven't even touched my camera in weeks."she said with emotions building up in her eyes.
Dorian's jaw tightened, but he didn't immediately respond. For a long moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them thickening.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "I didn't mean for you to feel that way. I know this isn't ideal, but we both have our reasons for being here. You'll have your studio back. You'll get your freedom."
"But at what cost?" Nova whispered, more to herself than to him.
Before Dorian could answer, they were interrupted by a waiter offering champagne. Dorian accepted a glass for each of them, the moment broken, and Nova slipped back into the role she was playing.
But as the night went on , the cracks in their façade grew harder to ignore.