Selena had barely been in Adrian's penthouse for an hour, and already, she felt like she had lost control of her own life.
She stared at the diamond ring on her finger, twisting it slightly, watching how the light reflected off the stone. It was beautiful—too beautiful for something fake. But that was Adrian Wolfe. Even his lies were polished and flawless.
And now, she was about to meet his family.
She turned toward him, arms crossed. "You could've given me a little warning."
Adrian adjusted the cuffs of his shirt, his expression cool. "Would it have changed anything?"
"Yes," she snapped. "I would've had time to prepare! What if they ask questions? What if they figure out this engagement is fake?"
"They won't." He slid his hands into his pockets, stepping closer. "You just have to act like you're madly in love with me."
Her heart did a stupid little jump, but she ignored it. "And if I slip up?"
"You won't." His confidence was infuriating.
Selena huffed, pacing the room. "Your family—they're billionaires, aren't they?"
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly. "They are powerful. That's all that matters."
She stopped pacing, narrowing her eyes. "You don't sound thrilled about seeing them."
He didn't respond right away. Instead, he moved toward the bar, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "My family… is complicated."
That didn't surprise her. She had read about the Wolfe empire—his father, Gregory Wolfe, built the corporation from the ground up, turning it into a global powerhouse. Adrian had taken over five years ago, but rumors of rivalry and tension had always surrounded them.
"Who will be there?" she asked.
Adrian took a sip before answering. "My father, my stepmother, my younger brother, Ethan."
She sensed there was more, but he wasn't going to offer it freely.
"Fine," she muttered. "I'll do my part. But don't blame me if I mess up."
Adrian's lips curved into a smirk. "Then let's make sure you don't."
Before she could ask what he meant, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Bring her something appropriate for tonight."
Selena frowned. "I have clothes."
"Not the kind my father's circle expects," Adrian replied smoothly. "You'll need something… fitting."
Within twenty minutes, a stylist arrived, wheeling in a rack of designer dresses.
Selena stared at the gowns—each one looking absurdly expensive. "You've got to be kidding me."
Adrian leaned back against the wall, watching her. "Pick one."
She scowled at him but begrudgingly browsed through the options. After much internal debate, she settled on a sleek dark emerald dress, elegant but not too extravagant.
She disappeared into the bathroom to change. When she stepped out, Adrian's eyes swept over her. His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his gaze.
"Not bad," he said casually.
Selena rolled her eyes. "That almost sounded like a compliment."
"Let's go," was all he said.
---
The Wolfe estate was everything she had imagined—grand, intimidating, and drowning in wealth.
As their car pulled up to the massive mansion, Selena's hands clenched in her lap.
"Just follow my lead," Adrian murmured beside her.
Before she could respond, the door opened, and a butler escorted them inside.
The moment they stepped into the grand dining hall, all eyes turned to them.
A tall, imposing man sat at the head of the table. His piercing gray eyes were identical to Adrian's, but his presence felt… heavier. Gregory Wolfe.
Beside him, a stunning woman in a designer dress—his stepmother, Lillian Wolfe.
And across from them, a younger man with a smirk that reminded her of trouble—Ethan Wolfe, Adrian's brother.
"Adrian," Gregory said, his voice deep and authoritative. "You're late."
Adrian didn't flinch. "You're early."
Gregory's gaze shifted to Selena. "And you must be the fiancée we've heard so much about."
Selena forced a smile, slipping her hand into Adrian's. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wolfe."
His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to see through her.
Lillian smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "She's lovely, Adrian. A bit unexpected, but lovely."
Unexpected. Because she wasn't the type they pictured for him.
Ethan, on the other hand, leaned forward, grinning. "So, my brother finally decided to settle down. Didn't think you had it in you, Adrian."
Adrian's grip on her hand tightened slightly—a silent warning.
Selena played her role, squeezing his hand gently, tilting her head as she smiled. "He doesn't always show it, but he's a romantic at heart."
Ethan let out a mocking laugh. "Right. That's exactly how I'd describe Adrian."
Gregory's voice cut through the conversation. "How did you two meet?"
Selena's stomach twisted. This was it—the moment where one mistake could shatter their story.
But before she could open her mouth, Adrian spoke. "It was at an art gallery." His voice was smooth, controlled. "Selena was admiring a painting. I was admiring her."
Selena forced herself not to react, nodding as she played along. "It was a piece by Elias Laurent. Abstract, but beautiful. Adrian seemed unimpressed."
Adrian smirked. "Because you wouldn't stop arguing with me about its meaning."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You argued with him?"
Selena shrugged, keeping her smile. "He was being stubborn. I had to change his mind."
Gregory watched them in silence, his gaze calculating. Then, after a moment, he finally said, "Interesting."
Dinner was served, but Selena barely tasted the food. She was too aware of Gregory's eyes on her, Ethan's curiosity, and Adrian's tense posture.
As the meal progressed, Lillian placed a delicate hand on Adrian's arm. "You should have brought her sooner, darling."
Adrian gave her a bland look. "Didn't realize I needed your approval."
She chuckled. "You never do. But it's rare to see you with anyone. You must truly care for her."
Selena felt the weight of the conversation shift onto her. She turned to Adrian, feigning warmth. "He doesn't always show it, but yes… I know he does."
Adrian met her gaze, something undetectable flickering in his eyes.
Gregory suddenly leaned back in his chair. "Marriage isn't a game, Adrian. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Selena held her breath.
Adrian didn't hesitate. "Absolutely."
Gregory studied him before nodding slowly. "Then we should start discussing the prenup."
Selena froze.
She wasn't expecting that.
Neither, it seemed, was Adrian.
His jaw tightened, his usual cold exterior momentarily cracking.
"That won't be necessary," Adrian said evenly.
Gregory smirked. "No? You're that confident in her?"
Selena forced herself to stay composed. This wasn't part of the plan.
She could feel Ethan's amused stare, Lillian's fake smile, and Gregory's silent challenge.
And in that moment, she realized something—this wasn't just a family dinner.
It was a test.
And if she failed, Adrian's entire plan could crumble.