A Game of Appearance

Maximus was leaning against his sleek black car, hands shoved in his pockets, while he waited for Ava. The evening air was nippy with just a hint of the roses blossoming in the garden. He checked the time. She should be coming down any minute.

Just as he turned towards the mansion doors, the click-clacking of high heels on the marble floor reached him. He raised his head then and experienced a thing which eluded him in recent memory - wonder.

Ava was dazzlingly stunning.

She was wearing an exquisitely plain and rich dinner dress of chic midnight blue, clinging to her body so softly. The material glimmered in the dim light and therefore gave poignancy to the frailty of the frame. The Soft waves of hair style made her face perfect; her makeup was there but very subtle to enhance the sharpness of the cheekbones and the deep, alluring tone of her eyes.

Down the stairs she drifted with ease; grace, a product of being sure inside without any misstep or hint at fumbling-a piece of effortless grace.

But credit where due, Maximus was already admiring her features and he was so sure his father will like her.

For a moment, he let the tsunami of gratitude swamp him. Because Ava had just played along. Which meant he'd be proud tonight, when he presented her to his father. And no doubts, no suspicion-just two people nobody knew better but could believe existed.

Finally, Ava made it to him; her eyes locked with his. "Are you going to stare at me some more or should we be on our way?

Maximus grinned and quivered his lips. "I was just admiring my wife," he teased.

Ava threw him a scowl for the tease but said nothing. She slid into the car, and Maximus followed her inside, commanding the driver toward the Blackwell estate.

The Blackwell mansion was larger than anything Ava could have ever imagined-acres long, its extension presenting a grandeur that was barely contained. They were welcomed right at the entrance of the great banquet hall done in gold and crystal, the chandeliers above them aglow warmly above ornate tables set tastefully.

There were already guests, mostly high-profile businessmen with family and influential people in the Blackwell circle, but one face caught Ava's attention almost upon entering.

Sophia.

Standing near the entrance, the older woman was in deep red, her features schooled into something neutral-but not before Ava caught the flash of disappointment in her eyes.

But Maximus didn't bat an eye in the direction of his stepmother. His gaze was held by only one man.

And not a bit like Sophia, either, his father wasn't disappointed.

Then there was Victor Blackwell, towering over any who happened to be in the vicinity. Smiling-joy Ava had not expected-strands of gray entwined into black curling hair gave way to sharp, bright blue eyes; he sure did look like a man who had conquered the world.

"Ah, Maximus, my boy!" boomed his voice across the room as his hand reached out toward his son. Then he turned to Ava, and for one small, fleeting second, there was a flicker of softness in his eyes. "And this must be the woman who finally tamed you."

Ava gave him a politic smile and her hand. "Ava Sinclair, Mr. Blackwell."

"Victor, please." He returned the firm handshake with one of his own. "Welcome to the family, my dear."

The dinner seemed to go great: utensils clinked, a low hum of conversations; yet, that was not precisely it-Victor was anxious to find out more about Ava.

"So, Ava," he started, his fingers playing with his wineglass, "tell me-how did you come across my son?

Ava stiffened a bit before releasing herself. She knew she had to play nice. "It was unexpected," she ventured carefully, digging some reassurance into Maximus' eyes. "Our paths crossed through business in the first place, but then we spent more time with each other; we realized there was something deeper."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "And what was that?

Ava only took a moment longer before she smiled wryly. "That behind the cold exterior, he can be quite charming when he wishes to be, actually."

A chuckle erupted around the table. Victor almost looked pleased with her answer, but Maximus just smirked and shook his head.

"She's right, father. You just never gave me enough credit," Maximus filled in, continuing the teasing.

Victor leaned forward, eyes glinting with humor. "And tell me, Ava… how did you capture my son's heart?"

Ava choked on her wine. Really, this was not at all what she had expected. Yes, she knew Maximus' father was observant and didn't miss much, but not to this extent-that forthright.

Quick thinking slanted her head, and a small, almost knowing smile played upon her lips. "I didn't capture it," she said smoothly. "I just gave him the space to realize that was mine all along."

Victor erupted into hard laughter, very much enjoying this exchange between the two of 'em. "Well, well. It looks like my son finally met his match."

She wordlessly held her breath and thought, It's working-I am convincing them. But suddenly as this went further, Maximus' father gave one more to blow

"When the baby will arrive", Victor suddenly told after having listened calmly in his sharp yet warm firm tone,"I want you to name that baby after my name."

There Maximus stiffened, bending beside her; Ava wasn't sure if he was annoyed or maybe it was a shock.

"Father, that's a bit early to discuss," Maximus said calmly.

"Nonsense!" Victor shoed with his hand. "This child is the future of the Blackwell family. What better way to honor that than to carry my name?"

Ava forced a smile, her heart pounding. "We… certainly consider it," she said carefully.

Victor nodded and turned back to the rest of the table, but as the dinner progressed, Ava could feel the weight of Maximus's eyes upon her.

She did not dare turn in his direction.

Because she knew exactly what was going on in his head.

Th

is arrangement had just got a lot more complicated than either of them bargained for.