Chapter 5 - Rules Of The Fake Engagement
Ten minutes later, a sharp knock sounded at my bedroom door before it swung open to reveal Ricardo standing in the doorway.
He had removed his suit jacket, rolling up his crisp white sleeves to reveal lean, corded forearms covered in faint, jagged scars.
“We need to establish our public narrative before the society gala on Friday night,” Ricardo stated, walking into the room with measured steps.
“What narrative?” I asked, standing up from the edge of the mattress and trying to keep my voice from trembling.
“You are Savannah Vance, the daughter of a deceased Chicago shipping magnate whom I rescued from a hostile corporate buyout,” he said smoothly.
“A complete fabrication,” I noted, crossing my arms defensively over my chest.
“In our world, the truth is a luxury only the dead can afford,” Ricardo replied coldly, stopping just inches away from where I stood.
“And what about the ring?” I asked, looking down at the heavy diamond band resting on my left ring finger like iron shackles.
“It stays on your finger twenty-four hours a day, in public and in private, so my enemies believe every word of this lie,” he said.
“And if I refuse to play my part?” I challenged, holding my ground despite the overwhelming intimidation radiating from his frame.
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Ricardo leaned down slightly, his dark eyes locking onto mine with a terrifying intensity that made my breath catch in my throat.
“You won’t refuse, Savannah, because the moment you step outside these gates, my rivals will skin you alive for knowing I care,” he whispered.
