Chapter Six: Trouble in the Family

The first test of their arrangement came sooner than Mia expected. Ethan's mother,

Margaret Cole, wasted no time organizing a dinner to "welcome Mia to the family."

Mia stood in front of the mirror in the penthouse bedroom, smoothing the soft emerald fabric of the dress Ethan had purchased for her. It was stunning—far more elegant than anything she'd ever owned—but it felt like wearing someone else's life.

"You look perfect," Ethan said as he appeared in the doorway, adjusting his

cufflinks. His gray suit was tailored to perfection, complementing his sharp

features.

"I feel like I'm going into battle," Mia muttered.

"You are," Ethan replied, his tone half-serious. "My family is...demanding. Just stick to the story we agreed on, and you'll be fine."

When they arrived at the Cole estate, Mia understood what he meant.

Margaret Cole was the picture of elegance, her silver hair swept into a chignon and her

piercing blue eyes scanning Mia with thinly veiled skepticism. Ethan's father, Richard, was quieter but no less intimidating. Lily, Ethan's younger sister, wore a sly grin that suggested she was already plotting ways to test Mia.

"You must be Mia," Margaret said, her tone cool as she extended a hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cole," Mia replied, forcing a smile.

"Please, call me Margaret," she said, though her eyes remained sharp.

Dinner was an interrogation disguised as polite conversation. Margaret asked about Mia's "background," her "interests," and how she and Ethan had met.

"We met at a little café," Ethan interjected smoothly before Mia could answer.

"She was working there, and we struck up a conversation. I found her honesty refreshing."

"How romantic," Margaret said, though her tone was anything but.

Mia forced a laugh, her hands tightening on the edge of her napkin. She could feel Margaret's eyes drilling into her, searching for cracks in her façade.