Chapter One

Lucy Green stood before the grand mirror in her bedroom, smoothing the fabric of her elegant dinner dress. The annual award dinner at her father's company, Green enterprises, was always a significant event, but tonight felt especially important. Her father, Richard Green had hinted that she might get special recognition for her work on the company's latest project. 

"Are you ready Lucy?" Her best friend and colleague, Sarah, poked her head into the room, a bright smile on her face.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Sarah said. "Greg won't be able to take his eyes off you." 

Lucy smiled, though her thoughts were somewhere. Greg paul, her fiancé, had been acting distant lately, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. But tonight wasn't the time to dwell on it.

Tonight was about celebrating her hard work and the success of the company.

As they arrived at the venue, Lucy felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The ballroom was filled with elegantly dressed guests, the sir buzzing with conversation and laughter. 

Lucy spotted Greg across the room, talking animatedly with Judy Mark, the company's secretary. Judy was dressed in a striking red gown, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she laughed at something Greg said.

Lucy frowned. She and Greg had been together for three years, and while she trusted him, she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that Judy was more than just a colleague to him.

"Lucy, come on," Sarah nudged her. "Let's get a drink and find our table."

Lucy nodded, pushing her doubt aside. She couldn't let her insecurities ruin the evening. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and followed Sarah to their table near the front of the room. 

The evening progressed smoothly, with speeches, awards and toasts celebrating the company's achievements. Richard Green took the stage to give his keynote address, his presence commanding the room's attention. 

"As we celebrate another successful year, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our team," Richard said, his gaze sweeping over the audience. "In particular, I want to recognize the best staff of the year, Lucy Green, whose innovative ideas have been instrumental in our recent growth."

"The room erupted in applause, and Lucy felt a surge of pride even if her identity was unknown. She stood to acknowledge the recognition, her eyes meeting her father's across the room. He gave her a proud nod and she smiled in return. 

As Richard continued his speech, Lucy's attention drifted back to Greg and Judy. They were still engrossed in conversation, and Lucy's unease grew. She decided to confront Greg after the dinner, hoping to put her fears into rest. 

When the formal part of the evening concluded, the guest mingled and danced. Lucy found Greg near the bar, his arms casually draped around Judy's. She took a deep breath and approached them. 

"Greg, can we talk?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Greg glanced at her, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "Sure, Lucy. What's up?"

"Alone," Lucy added, her gaze shifting to Judy, who smirked and stepped back. 

"Of course," Judy said, her time dripping with false sweetness. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it."

Lucy led Greg to a quite corner of the room, her heart pounding. "What's going on, Greg? You've been distant lately, and I can't help but notice how close you and Judy have become."

Greg sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lucy there's something I need to tell you."

A sinking feeling settled in Lucy's stomach. "What is that?" 

"I've been seeing Judy," Greg admitted, his eyes avoiding hers. " I think I'm in love with her."

Lucy's world shattered in an instant. The man she thought she would spend her life with had been unfaithful to her, and he was confessing his love for another woman at the most important event of her career.

"You're in love with Judy?" Lucy repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "How long has this been going on?" 

"About six months," Greg said, finally meeting her gaze. "I'm sorry Lucy. I didn't mean for it to happen this way."

Fury and betrayal surged through Lucy. "Six months? And you didn't think to tell me sooner? Why did you even propose to me if you were in love with someone else?"

Greg looked away, his guilt evident. "I thought I could make it work with you, but I can't deny my feelings for Judy."

Lucy felt tears sting her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She wouldn't give Greg the satisfaction of seeing her break down. "You need to leave, Greg, now."

"Lucy, please." 

"Just go," she interrupted, her voice cold and resolute. "It's over."

Greg hesitated for a moment, then nodded and walked away, leaving Lucy standing alone in the corner of the bustling ballroom. She felt like the ground had been pulled out from under her, her carefully constructed life crumbling around her.

Desperate to escape the pitying glances and wishper, Lucy scanned the room for an exit. Her eyes landed on a tall handsome man standing near the entrance. He seemed out of place, his sharp suit and confident demeanor setting him apart from the crowd.

She had seen him around before but had never spoken to him.

In a bold move, driven by a mix of anger and desperation, Lucy walked up to him. "Hi, I'm Lucy," she said, extending her hand. "I need a favor."

The man raised an eyebrow but shook her hand. "Ethan Bennette, what kind of favour?"

Lucy took a deep breath, her hearth racing. "Will you Mary

 me?"

Ethan's eyes widen In surprise. "Excuse me?"

"Just for tonight Lucy clarified. "I need to avoid a massive embarrassment, and you look like someone who can help me with that."

Ethan studied her for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, Lucy, Let's do this."

They linked arms and walked back into the ballroom, where the music and chatter continued. Lucy felt a strange sense of relief wash over her. She didn't know who Ethan Bennette was or why he had to agree to her absurd request, but for now, he was her escape. 

As they danced, Lucy felt the eyes of the crowd on them, whispers spreading like wildfire. She caught sight to Greg and Judy, thier expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. 

Ethan leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Who exactly are we making jealous?"

Lucy smiled despite the chaos in her heart. "My ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend.

Ethan chuckled, "we'll I think we're doing a good Job."

For the first time that night, Lucy felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this unexpected twist would lead to something better. As she danced with Ethan, she couldn't help but wonder who he really was and why he had agreed to her outlandish proposal.