The morning of the Bennett family gathering arrived, and Amara stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the elegant dress Noah had picked out for her. She felt out of place in the luxurious fabric, the deep emerald color contrasting with her dark skin in a way that made her feel both powerful and exposed.
"You look beautiful," Noah's voice came from behind her.
Amara turned to see him standing in the doorway of her hotel room, dressed in a tailored suit that made him look even more handsome than usual. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, and for the first time since they had made the deal, Amara felt a flicker of something she couldn't quite name.
"Thanks," she said, her voice softer than she intended.
Noah offered her a small smile as he approached, his eyes warm. "Are you ready for this?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Amara replied, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
They made their way to the Bennett estate in silence, the weight of the day hanging over them. Noah had told her that this gathering was one of the most important events of the year for his family, a time when everyone came together to celebrate their legacy. The thought of being thrust into the middle of such an intimate setting made Amara's nerves flare up.
But she had made a promise, and she wasn't about to back out now.
When they arrived at the estate, Amara's breath caught in her throat. The mansion was even more grandiose than she had imagined, with sprawling gardens and towering columns that seemed to stretch into the sky. It was the kind of place that felt like it belonged in a different world—one far removed from the life she had built for herself.
As they walked through the grand entrance, Amara could feel the eyes of Noah's family on her. She kept her head high, reminding herself that this was just an act, a temporary arrangement. But the intensity of their stares made her feel like she was being judged from the moment she stepped foot inside.
Noah's grandmother was the first to approach them, her sharp eyes assessing Amara with a look that sent a shiver down her spine.
"So, this is the woman who's captured my grandson's heart," she said, her voice smooth and commanding.
Amara forced a smile, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bennett."
The older woman took her hand, her grip firm. "The pleasure is mine, dear. I've heard a great deal about you."
Amara couldn't help but wonder what exactly Noah had told his grandmother. But before she could dwell on it, Noah stepped in, his arm gently wrapping around her waist.
"Amara's been a blessing in my life," he said, his voice steady. "I'm lucky to have her."
Amara's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his words, even though she knew it was all part of the act. But as they continued to mingle with the rest of his family, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this charade than she had originally thought.
And as the evening went on, the lines between pretend and reality began to blur.