It was a bright, sunny day, and the city pulsed with energy, but for Claire, the brightness only deepened her gloom. She sat in the corner of a small café, opposite Aaron Yu, who seemed more interested in his cigarette than the conversation at hand.
The silence between them stretched heavy, broken only by the distant hum of conversations around them.
Aaron finally exhaled a cloud of smoke, his piercing grey eyes flickering to her. "Ahh... refreshing. Want one?" His voice was cool, laced with detached amusement.
Claire shook her head quickly, keeping her gaze fixed on the table. His smirk widened, as though her discomfort was a game he enjoyed playing. "Let's get to the point, then," he said, leaning back casually.
His words spilled out with chilling laziness "My dear brother Leon is under pressure from our father to marry and silence the rumors that he's gay. So," he said, dragging out the word, "I figured I'd help him out."
Claire stiffened, her stomach twisting. Aaron's plan was as ruthless as it was precise: she was to meet Leon by 'accident,' create enough of a scandal to force him into marriage, and then 'capture his heart.' It sounded absurd, and yet the steel in Aaron's gaze told her he wasn't joking.
The weight of her task pressed down on her. Every instinct screamed at her to walk away, but the truth was, she couldn't. Her mother had been moved to a VIP hospital ward earlier that day, receiving top-tier care—all courtesy of Aaron. It wasn't just a gift; it was a chain, binding her to him.
Aaron reached into his pocket and slid a black-and-gold invitation across the table. "There's a gala tonight. My entire family will be there. I'll send the dress. Be ready."
He stood and left without another word, leaving Claire alone with the card. Her hands trembled as she picked it up, the elegant card mocking her with its promise of glitz and glamour.
---
The cold water from the shower did little to wash away Claire's nerves. She sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop open as she scrolled through countless articles about the Yu family.
Her eyes lingered on a headline: "Leon Yu: The Scion of Innovation." The article was filled with glowing praise for Leon's sharp business wits. After inheriting his father's company, he had transformed it into a global powerhouse in record time. His name was synonymous with brilliance, strategy, and control.
A photograph accompanied the article. Claire's breath hitched as she stared at his striking features—ink-black hair that framed a chiseled jawline, stormy grey eyes that seemed to pierce through the screen, and an expression that exuded cool detachment.
The article mentioned his elusive personal life, fueling speculation that he was gay. There was a single quote from him addressing the rumors: "People will believe what they want. My focus is on my work."
Claire leaned back, exhaling shakily. How could anyone think this man was gay? His commanding presence, his sharp mind—everything about him radiated power. And now, she was expected to infiltrate his life and manipulate his heart?
Her laptop screen blurred as tears welled in her eyes. She wasn't a seductress. She was barely holding her life together. But as her thoughts drifted to her mother, her resolve hardened. This wasn't about her. This was survival.
---
The gown arrived in the afternoon—a masterpiece of black silk and shimmering stones. The slit along one side hinted at allure, while the elegant cut clung to her figure in all the right places. As she slipped it on, Claire barely recognized herself in the mirror. She looked stunning, but the reflection felt like a stranger.
Aaron's car waited outside her building. As she stepped out, his eyes briefly widened in surprise before his usual smirk returned. "Ms. Kim, you clean up well," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Claire forced a tight smile. "Are you coming too?" she asked, noticing his sharp suit.
"Of course," Aaron said, sliding into the driver's seat.
"Did you forget? I own one of the largest tech companies in the country." His tone was casual, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes. "Besides I wouldn't miss the show. My brother's reaction to meeting my 'gift' will be... priceless."
The word gift made her skin crawl, but she stayed silent, focusing on the passing lights outside.
The ballroom was a spectacle of wealth and power, the air filled with the clinking of crystal glasses and the low hum of conversation. Claire stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. The scent of expensive perfume mingled with the faint aroma of champagne, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.
She moved through the crowd, scanning for Leon, her heart pounding against her ribs. She felt like an imposter among the polished elites, her every step shadowed by doubt.
Her thoughts scattered as she collided with someone. Strong hands gripped her arms, steadying her before she could fall.
"I'm so sorry—" she began, but her words faltered as she looked up into piercing grey eyes.
Leon Yu.
Her breath caught. Up close, he was even more striking. His gaze lingered on her, sharp and unreadable, before he spoke in a smooth, controlled voice. "Are you alright?"
Claire nodded, too stunned to form words.
For a moment, neither of them moved, the noise of the ballroom fading into the background. Then, Leon released her, his expression impassive. "Be careful," he said before turning away.
Claire's hands trembled as she watched him disappear into the crowd. This was the man she was supposed to deceive, the man she was meant to ensnare. But as his words replayed in her mind, she wondered if she had the strength—or the heart—to carry out Aaron's plan.