Chapter 3 A Deal with the Devil

Velia gripped the pen, her fingers shaking a little as she gazed at the contract. Her thoughts were racing as the letters on the white sheets blurred together.

Six months.

I pretended to be Lucas Hernandez's fiancée for six months.

Like something from a soap opera, it seemed unreal. She had a steady job a month ago, nothing fancy, but enough to get by. She was now seated across from a billionaire who was offering her a way out, drowning in debt and facing eviction from her flat.

She ought to be relieved. Instead, she felt a knot in her stomach.

Leaning back in his chair, Lucas observed her with a silent chuckle. He was a man whose every action radiated strength, command, and assurance. She felt like a mouse trapped in the lion's den at the moment.

"Having second thoughts, Miss Howell?" The quiet was broken by his deep voice, which was challenging.

Velia clenched her jaw, meeting his gaze. "I just... I need to understand exactly what I'm agreeing to."

Lucas's face was unreadable as he clenched his fingers. "You will act like my fiancée in public-at social events, business meetings, and any other situation where my reputation is at stake. In exchange, I'll pay off your debts, give you a place to stay, and make sure you have enough money at the end of our agreement."

Something inscrutable flared in his eyes. "Of course, I expect professionalism. No emotional entanglements. No complications."

Velia swallowed. "So, we're just pretending?"

"Yes."

She hesitated. "What would happen if I violated the contract?"

Lucas's jaw tensed. "You won't."

The finality in his voice sent a chill down her spine.

"And if you do?" he added, his tone dropping to something colder. "Then everything I've offered you-your debt relief, your security-will be revoked immediately. Do you understand?"

Velia gave a rigid nod. This was an agreement with a man who didn't put up with disobedience; it wasn't just a business arrangement.

She forced herself to breathe. There was nothing else she could do.

She signed her name at the bottom of the document, holding the pen hard.

Lucas removed the document as soon as the ink dried, quickly scanned it, and then put it in a stylish black folder. "Welcome to my world, Miss Howell."

---

The Transformation Begins

Lucas slammed a button on his desk before Velia could even grasp what she had just done. In a matter of seconds, a well-dressed woman entered the office through the open door.

"This is Evelyn Carter," Lucas said. "She will handle your transition into your new role."

Evelyn, who was in her mid-forties, was elegant and composed, and her keen eyes captured Velia's attention at first sight. She smiled professionally and courteously. "Miss Howell, it's nice to meet you. I'll be in charge of your wardrobe, etiquette, and public image. You will not be an exception to Mr. Hernandez's demands for excellence in every area of his life as his fiancée."

Velia blinked. "Wardrobe? Etiquette?"

Lucas's lips twitched slightly. "You didn't think I would let you walk into high society dressed like..." His gaze flickered to her worn-out coat. "That, did you?"

Velia felt the heat surge to her face. It hurt to hear it so directly, even though she knew she didn't fit into his world.

Evelyn stepped forward, ignoring the tension. "Your first fitting is in an hour. We'll need a complete wardrobe overhaul-gowns, casual wear, accessories. You'll also be taking lessons in posture, speech, and behaviour."

Velia frowned. "Lessons?"

Evelyn gave a nod. "Miss Howell, you have to play the part. Your actions and words must be consistent with your role as the future Mrs. Hernandez."

The words felt heavy. Future Mrs. Hernandez.

The whole thing was a lie, she told herself. However, Lucas's observation of her, akin to a hunter examining his prey, caused her to question whether she had entered a far more hazardous situation than she had initially thought.

---

A Taste of His World

The hours that followed flew by. After being driven away in a fancy black sedan to a posh store, Evelyn and a group of stylists measured, nudged, and changed Velia.

She stood in front of a grand mirror, staring at the woman reflected back at her.

Her plain dress had been swapped out for a sophisticated, well-tailored ensemble that exuded wealth. Once a tangled mess, her hair was now combed into gentle waves, and her full lips and high cheekbones were accentuated by the delicate makeup.

She barely recognised herself.

Behind her, Evelyn nodded her consent. "Much better. You'll have to get used to this new look. Stop slouching. The secret is confidence."

Velia swallowed. "I don't feel confident."

"Then pretend," Evelyn said simply.

Playing a part she wasn't convinced she could manage was odd. However, she had consented to this. The contract was signed by her. Now there was no going back.

Lucas was on a call when she got back to his office, looking out at the city skyline with his back to her. Even in stillness, his commanding presence filled the room.

Evelyn cleared her throat. "She's ready, Mr. Hernandez."

Lucas turned, his sharp gaze sweeping over Velia. Something flickered in his eyes-approval? Amusement? She couldn't tell.

"Better," he said simply. "At least now you look the part."

Velia bristled at his detached tone. "Glad to know I passed inspection."

Lucas smirked but said nothing. Instead, he gestured for her to sit.

"Tomorrow," he said, "you'll make your first public appearance with me."

Her stomach tightened. "Where?"

"A charity gala. High society will be there. Investors, the press. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce you as my fiancée."

Velia's hands clenched. A room full of people who would see right through her? Who would know she didn't belong?

Lucas must have noticed her hesitation. "You'll be fine," he said. "Just stay by my side and follow my lead."

She let out a shaky breath. "And if someone asks about our relationship? How we met?"

Lucas's gaze locked onto hers, his grey eyes unreadable.

"Then you lie, Miss Howell."

His voice was smooth, controlled. But there was something in the way he said it that sent a shiver down her spine.

Velia had lied before-to herself, to the world, pretending she was fine when she wasn't. But this was different. She was entering a life that wasn't her own. A world where deceit and truth were indistinguishable.

She had made a deal with the devil.

And the show would start tomorrow.