Bella's POV
The ballroom was a glistening showcase of riches and power. A golden glow hung from the roof like rivers of light by chandeliers enveloped the sea of elegantly dressed visitors. Under the faint shuffling of fancy shoes, the polished marble floors shined, and the aroma of pricey brands blended with the smell of fresh roses, giving the air an oppressive sweetness. The elaborately carved columns, the towering flower displays, and the faint tones of a live band playing classical music in the corner all shouted wealth.
But behind all the grandeur, I could only feel the boiling tension.
With a fake smile, I stood close to the room's edge, holding a champagne glass as if it were my lifeline. The engagement party, which was meant to officially bring the Rodriguez and Knight families together, was planned for tonight. However, I was taking on the lead part in a role I had never wanted, so it felt more like a performance.
Speaking to a group of business partners from across the room, Lucas had a stiff posture and a look of disinterest on his face. Since my arrival, he has not spoken to me more than a few words. Not that I was hoping for any different result. Our brief meeting earlier had demonstrated to me the extent of the animosity he held.
Not even a look at me this evening. Not even once.
I looked down at my champagne and noticed the slow, sluggish streams of bubbles rising to the surface. Guests laughed and talked around me, totally oblivious to the tempest that was building behind the polite conversation. It felt more like a fairytale evening than a farce as my mother, Sofia, went about meeting people, her flawless smile set on her face. Daniel, my father, and Mrs. Knight, Lucas's mother, stood together as if they had already won in some unseen fight.
This celebration seemed wrong, all of it. Every little facet of the performance was staged, with both families acting as though they were one bond unit when, in fact, we were very much apart.
Trying to gather my thoughts, I looked across the room and noticed Oliver Grant. He was chatting animatedly with a few other guys I didn't know while standing close to the bar. Oliver had been a family friend for as long as I could remember; he was usually there, in the background, during occasions such as these. But there was something odd about his appearance tonight.
I saw him chuckle as he held up his glass to a man on the other side of the room, his eyes sweeping the crowd as though he were examining each person on the chessboard. My skin prickled at something about his face, a sense of power, as if he knew something the rest of us didn't.
Why did he find this so interesting? Not only was he present at the party, but he also looked to be in charge of arrangements, corresponding with my father, Lucas's mother, and even a few employees. It was odd, and I couldn't get rid of the sense that Oliver was more involved in this than I had thought.
Something quiet stopped my thoughts.
"You seem as though you need a breather."
I looked over and saw Sarah, my childhood best friend, standing next to me, her worried smile on her face. Her dark hair was dressed in an attractive bun as she wore a sleek blue gown. However, concern was obvious in her eyes.
"Yes," I said, turning to face Lucas once more. He continued to be lost in his talk, treating me as though I didn't exist.
Sarah softened her look as she followed my eyes. "This isn't exactly being made easy by him, is it?"
A stab of rage shot through me as I shook my head. "I didn't think he would make it any easier."
Sarah reached up to touch my arm. "Bella, you don't have to act fake around me. Everything about this is a mess. What you're going through is beyond me."
I forced a fake smile on my face, "I feel as though I'm stuck in a nightmare."
Sarah groaned and took a soft grip on my arm. "You do realize that I will always be here for you?"
I nodded, admiring her help. As consoling as she might have been, though, it did not change the situation's the reality. The fact that I was meant to marry a man who hated my appearance was beyond my control.
"How about we go outside for a little while?" Sarah whispered, making a suggestion. "You need to take a break from all of this."
I stopped and looked at my parents. With their heads bowed, my father and Lucas's mother were having a private talk that I was unable to hear. With her grin as perfect as ever, my mother continued to work the room.
Silently, I mumbled, "I can't. Not just yet. I have to beat this."
Sarah scowled but did not challenge me. She was the only one who truly understood the pressure I was under. Rather, she nodded encouragingly and brought me a new glass of champagne.
"So together, we'll make it through the night."
I forced a weak smile, but my chest continued to feel constricted.
I tried my best to act like the contented soon-to-be bride as the evening went on. I assumed I wasn't breathing too heavily under the weight of it all, smiled when it was appropriate, and nodded courteously to visitors who complimented me. But every time I saw Lucas, that faraway, frigid look in his eyes, it got harder for me to breathe.
I once found myself lingering by the big bay windows, gazing out at the well-kept garden beyond. It felt heavy within, and I hoped there was a breeze to help me breathe. I let my thoughts to drift while the faint sound of talk and clinking glasses subsided.
And what would I do? Everything in this marriage seemed bad, so how could I continue? Lucas's anger was so heavy that I couldn't even talk to him. Neither of us wanted this marriage more than the other, but we were both stuck in it, unable to back out of the deal.
Then there was Oliver. I turned to face the bar again and watched him laughing with one of the other patrons, his attractiveness obvious. Why had he been involved in the wedding plans so much? Earlier, I had seen him staying near my father, talking in a low voice that I was unable to hear.
My anxiety grew as I gave it more thought. Oliver and my family had always been close, but there was something strange about his participation tonight. He was more than just a visitor; he was planning and making choices that belonged to us.
A voice at my side disturbed the quiet in my thoughts.
"Bella."
Turning, I saw Lucas standing next to me, his face enigmatic as always. His deep blue eyes met mine with the same icy stare I'd grown accustomed to.
I said, "Lucas," sounding more distant than I meant.
He scanned the room, then returned his attention to me. "I thought we were going to behave as though we were getting married."
I scowled. "We are."
"Then smile," he stated in an emotionless tone. "People are observing."
I forced a tight smile as I tightened my teeth. "Is that all that matters to you? What do people believe?"
His eyes squinted a little. "I want to see this deal through to the end. I advise you to follow suit."
I was at a loss for words, but I wanted to say anything. It felt like we were miles apart, even though we were standing next to one another.
"Try to remember Bella, this isn't a real marriage," he said quietly but loudly enough for me to hear. "This is business. Nothing more."
I was killed by the coldness in his tone, but I forced myself not to show it. Rather, I nodded, my smile staying stationary.
I spoke a barely audible "Of course. It's only business"
Lucas shot me one more glance and turned to leave, melting back into the crowd. With every second that went by, my heart grew weaker as I watched him leave.
This was not meant to be the case. Not for Lucas, not for me. But there was no way out of the world we were trapped in.
I looked back toward the bar and once more found myself looking at Oliver. He continued to chat to someone, pointing with his hand while he said something. I squinted as I tried to interpret the uneasiness that was creeping up my back.
What made him so invested?
Though I didn't have an answer, I could feel doubt seeping into my chest as I watched him.
Oliver finally looked over at me, his eyes meeting for a moment before he grinned and lifted his drink. I managed a smile in return, but the fear grew stronger. He was pulling so many strings, why was he here? I was determined to figure out why something wasn't right.