Illusion of Love

Quinn walked into Langston Group's towering headquarters, her steps determined and her expression unreadable. Employees greeted her with polite smiles as she made her way to the executive floor. Once she reached Leo's office, she didn't bother knocking. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Leo seated behind his desk, reviewing documents. 

He looked up, startled by her sudden entrance. "Quinn? What are you doing here?" 

She closed the door firmly behind her, crossed her arms, and said, "I agree." 

Leo raised an eyebrow, his confusion evident. "Agree to what?" 

Quinn took a deep breath, her voice steady but cold. "For the open marriage. As long as we don't interfere in each other's lives, I'll play my part." 

For a moment, Leo was silent, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "You're serious?" 

"Completely," she replied, her tone devoid of emotion. 

A flicker of something crossed his face, surprise, maybe even regret, but it disappeared just as quickly. "Fine," he said curtly, leaning back in his chair. "As long as you remember the rules: appearances for our families and the public, but no crossing into each other's personal lives." 

"Agreed," Quinn said sharply. 

Without another word, she turned on her heel and left his office, her head held high. As the door closed behind her, Leo stared at the spot where she had stood, an inexplicable weight settling in his chest. 

Later that evening, Quinn returned to the mansion. The house felt as cold and distant as ever, but this time, she was determined to carve out a space for herself. 

As soon as she stepped inside, she called for the maids. 

"Move my things to the second room on the second floor," she instructed, her voice calm but firm. 

The maids exchanged hesitant glances before nodding and heading upstairs. 

Leo appeared at the top of the staircase, his hands resting on the railing. "What are you doing?" he asked, his tone laced with irritation. 

Quinn didn't look up as she replied, "Following the agreement. We're married for appearances, Leo. Nothing more. I need my own space." 

Leo's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. After a long pause, he turned and walked away, leaving her to handle the arrangement. 

The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Langston mansion as Quinn stood in front of her vanity, her expression calm but unreadable. Today was the day of the so-called "shopping trip." Leo had requested or rather ordered it as part of his attempt to clean up the rumors about him and Sofia. Quinn knew the trip wasn't about her; it was about damage control. 

Still, if she was going to participate in this charade, she would do it on her terms. 

She selected a cream-colored silk blouse with delicate lace detailing at the cuffs and neckline. The fabric shimmered subtly in the light, paired perfectly with a high-waisted caramel midi skirt that flared slightly at the hem. A thin, gold belt cinched her waist, emphasizing her figure without being overly showy. For shoes, she chose nude Louboutin heels with a red sole that added a touch of elegance. Her accessories were minimal but striking—a pair of gold teardrop earrings and a matching bracelet that caught the light with every movement. 

Her hair was styled into loose waves that framed her face, cascading down her back in a soft, effortless look. To complete the ensemble, she opted for natural makeup—a hint of blush, a swipe of nude lipstick, and eyeliner that subtly accentuated her hazel eyes. 

When she descended the grand staircase, she found Leo waiting by the door. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored navy blue suit with a crisp white shirt and no tie, leaving the top two buttons undone for a casual yet polished appearance. His black leather shoes gleamed, and his gold cufflinks added a touch of understated luxury. 

Leo glanced up as she approached, his expression unreadable. "You're ready," he said simply. 

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Is that a question or a statement?" 

His lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smirk. "Let's go." 

The car ride to the mall was silent, save for the occasional hum of traffic outside. When they arrived at Quinn's Mall, city's most exclusive shopping center, their entrance was nothing short of grand. Two black SUVs filled with bodyguards followed their car, and a valet rushed forward to open the doors as they stepped out. 

The mall was a gleaming monument to luxury, with polished marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and rows of high-end boutiques showcasing the latest in fashion, jewelry, and technology. As they walked inside, the chatter of shoppers quieted, and heads turned. 

Leo extended his hand, and Quinn hesitated for a fraction of a second before slipping hers into his. The gesture felt foreign, but she reminded herself that this was all part of the act. 

"Remember," Leo whispered as they strolled past the onlookers, "act like we're the perfect couple. Enjoy it while it lasts." 

Quinn forced a smile, nodding slightly. "Lead the way, dear husband," she replied, her voice laced with subtle sarcasm. 

Their first stop was a boutique specializing in haute couture dresses. The store manager greeted them with a bow, clearly recognizing Leo. 

"Mrs. Langston," the manager said warmly, addressing Quinn, "it's an honor to have you here. Please, let me show you our latest collection." 

Quinn followed the manager through the store, her fingers brushing over the delicate fabrics. She picked out a floor-length pink gown with intricate beading and held it up. 

"This one's stunning," she murmured, admiring the craftsmanship. 

Before she could say anything else, Leo stepped forward. "Pack it," he instructed the manager, then glanced back at the rack. "In fact, pack every gown in this collection." 

Quinn turned to him, startled. "Leo, that's not necessary" 

He cut her off smoothly. "It's what I want." 

The manager nodded eagerly, snapping his fingers for the staff to begin packing. 

Quinn sighed, deciding not to argue. She picked up another gown, a sleek black number with a thigh-high slit and glanced at Leo. 

"Is this one acceptable, too?" she asked, her tone half-teasing. 

He smirked. "It's perfect. Add it to the collection." 

Their next stop was a high-end jewelry store. The glass cases glittered with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, each piece more breathtaking than the last. 

"Mrs. Langston," the jeweler greeted her with a bow, "please allow me to show you our finest pieces." 

Quinn tried on a diamond bracelet, its brilliance dazzling under the showroom lights. She admired it on her wrist, but before she could say anything, Leo spoke up. 

"We'll take it," he said. Then he gestured toward the case. "And the matching necklace and earrings. Actually, pack the entire collection." 

Quinn's eyes widened. "Leo, that's too much." 

He glanced at her, his expression calm but firm. "It's not about what's too much. It's about what looks good on you." 

She didn't reply, instead watching as the jeweler carefully packed the pieces into velvet boxes. 

Next, they visited a boutique filled with designer shoes. Quinn's gaze settled on a pair of sleek red stilettos, and she reached for them. 

"They're gorgeous," she said softly. 

Leo stepped forward, taking the shoe from her hands. "Pack every color in this style," he instructed the sales assistant. 

The assistant nodded quickly, scurrying to gather the shoes. 

Quinn let out a soft laugh. "You do realize I can't wear all of these, right?" 

"Then give them away," Leo replied, his tone indifferent. "It doesn't matter." 

After hours of shopping, they stopped at the mall's rooftop café for lunch. The staff had prepared a private table overlooking the city skyline, and Leo pulled out Quinn's chair for her. 

She sat down gracefully, eyeing him suspiciously. "You're unusually polite today." 

"It's for the cameras," he said bluntly, gesturing subtly toward the discreet photographers in the distance. "Smile. Enjoy the moment." 

Quinn took a sip of her sparkling water, her lips curving into a practiced smile. "I am enjoying it," she replied, her tone layered with irony. 

By the time they returned home, Quinn was physically and emotionally drained. The bodyguards carried in countless bags, each one filled with items she hadn't even had time to properly look at. 

Leo retreated to his study without a word, leaving her alone once again. 

The shopping trip had been a spectacle, a carefully orchestrated performance for the public. While Quinn appreciated the brief reprieve from their usual coldness, she knew it was all a facade. 

As she lay in bed that night, surrounded by luxury and silence, she wondered how much longer she could play her role in this charade.