New World

Claire awoke the next morning to the soft light filtering through the curtains. She reached out lazily, expecting to feel her phone beside her; which she did. She picked it up and checked the time.

7:28 A.M.

She had barely slept, her mind buzzing with the tasks that lay ahead. The briefcase incident and Anton's betrayal were still fresh in her memory, but there was no time to dwell on them now. Today marked the beginning of her transformation.

Claire looked around her new bedroom. It was the complete opposite of her old one. The room was enormous and magnificent, with ceilings so high, she felt she needed binoculars to see the top. The windows were massive, letting the golden sunlight pour through.

The walls were painted a soft, creamy color and ornamented with exquisite artwork that reflected refinement and class.

A king-sized bed, complete with a mountain of soft pillows. The dresser was so ornate it probably had its own backstory, covered with delicate perfume bottles and jewelry boxes that Claire was sure she'd never afford on her own.

In one corner, a pair of velvet armchairs surrounded a small marble table, ideal for sipping coffee and pretending she belonged there. The crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling glittered.

As Claire took it all in, she couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Well, if I have to play the part, at least I get a room fit for a queen," she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.

A sharp knock at the door startled her out of her thoughts. She opened it to find a poised woman dressed in a stylish black suit, a notepad in her hand.

"Miss Claire, I am Natalia, your etiquette coach. Your training is scheduled to begin in about an hour."

Claire nodded sheepishly. "Mmkay," she said, indicating she was following.

Natalia continued, "Before then, breakfast is served. Would you like it brought up to you or you'd rather have it downstairs in the dining hall?"

Claire thought for a moment. "The dining hall would be great."

"Alright perfect, see you then." With that, Natalia retreated into the long hallway.

Claire shut the door and took in a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

She hurriedly showered and changed into a black dress that had been prepared for her; it was simple but gorgeous.

As she made her way down the enormous stairs, the sheer splendor of her surroundings continued to astonish her.

Every detail of the mansion radiated wealth and power.

'Don Lucas' she thought with a smile, coming to the conclusion that he had to be a billionaire.

'Where is he by the way?'

Claire realized she had not seen him since she was brought here; again by the hefty man in the black Rolls Royce. But she didn't let his absence bother her. She was going to live in the moment.

The mansion's dining hall was as stunning as the rest of it. Nearly the entire length of the room was a long, polished table, covered with fine china and shining silverware.

A breakfast spread fit for royalty awaited her, with fresh fruit, pastries, and steaming hot coffee.

Claire half-expected a butler to pop up and announce, "Your majesty, breakfast is served!"

She chuckled at the thought.

Claire took a seat and started eating, savoring the wonderful food. As she sipped her coffee, her thoughts turned back to Anton. She still couldn't believe what had happened, but she tried to put those feelings aside. There was no room for distractions now.

"Good morning Claire."

The sound of the familiar voice from behind almost made Claire choke on her food. She turned, nearly spilling her coffee.

Standing in the doorway was Lucas, impeccably dressed and effortlessly handsome.

"Good morning Luke" Claire replied, trying to hide her surprise. She realized she did a bad job with that.

Luke walked over to her in slow, confident strides. He took a seat across from her and poured himself a cup of coffee. "I believe you've found everything pleasing?"

"Yes, it's all... amazing," Claire said, her voice tinged with awe.

"Good," Luke replied with a smile. "It's going to be a busy day Claire. It's less than a month away, so I want you to put in your best effort. But no pressure," he emphasized, his tone light, but his eyes serious.

Claire knew it was more than just another movie role.

Just then, a maid ran in, apologizing fervently as she did. She walked over to Lucas, leaned in and whispered something in his ear. Lucas just nodded, not saying a word. Then the maid left, the same way she came in.

"They're here," Luke declared as he rose from his seat.

"Who's here?" Claire inquired.

"You'll know. Soon." He walked over and stood directly above her, reminiscent of when stood over her at the first meeting. His presence loomed over her, emanating power and appeal, making her heart race.

Claire stared up at him, her breath quickening. The strong force he emitted was evident and she felt a strange combination of intimidation and attraction.

Her heart raced as his passionate stare met hers, and wordless words passed between them.

Luke reached down and gently lifted her chin with his finger, his touch forceful yet soft. This made Claire melt in desire. "You need to trust me," he whispered, his voice low and smooth. "Can you do that?"

Claire gulped hard, feeling the weight of his words and the undeniable hold he had on her. "Yes," she muttered, barely audible.

A satisfied smile curved Lucas' lips as he straightened up, his eyes still locked on hers. "Welcome to my home," he said, his voice returning to its usual calm authority. "We have much to prepare for, but I have business now. I believe you've met Natalia."

She nodded, still overwhelmed by his commanding presence.

"Good. She'll take good care of you. And if you need anything, let her know."

All of a sudden, two loud gunshot sounds pierced the air, immediately causing Claire to jump out of her seat and cling tightly onto the rather calm Lucas, her fingers digging into his broad shoulders.

"Relax darling," he said gently, unwrapping her hands from his neck, the hard touch of his hands sending thrills through her body. "It's just a shooting training the boys are going through. You're safe. Okay?"

Claire nodded, her heart still racing.

With that, he disappeared through the grand double doors, immediately followed by the two hefty bodyguards that stood by it the whole time.

Claire couldn't shake the feeling that she had just stepped into a world where every move was a dangerous game.

Maybe it was.