CHAPTER 6

Syrus?! My mind raced. Of all people, Syrus?! The same Syrus—billionaire, powerful, charismatic, and someone who could have any woman he wanted. Women practically threw themselves at him! Why me? What could he possibly see in me?

I reread the card, trying to make sense of it. Syrus came from a family of wealth and influence, He had never known poverty—never tasted the struggle of making ends meet, of choosing between needs and dreams. Syrus lived in a world so far removed from mine that it felt like stepping onto another planet. I was definitely not from his class, and the thought made my chest tighten. What if he knew the truth? Not the truth my father so carefully crafted for the world to see, but the real truth about my modest background, the truth I worked so hard to keep hidden. If Syrus ever found out, he would undoubtedly despise me. So what do I do? The idea that he would take an interest in me was absurd. And yet, here it was—a personal invitation, hand-delivered with a bouquet of the most exquisite flowers I'd ever seen.

Part of me was flattered, maybe even a little overwhelmed. This was the kind of fairytale moment every girl dreamed of, right? A billionaire noticing her, sending flowers, asking her to dinner. But another part of me felt uneasy. Was this really about me as a person, or was I just some fleeting intrigue for a man used to getting whatever he wanted?

I looked at the bouquet again, its beauty somehow intimidating now. Syrus's boldness left me stunned, but as I stood there holding the card, my thoughts drifted to Max. How would he react if he knew Syrus had sent me this? And more importantly... how did I feel about all of this?

I held the card tightly in my hand, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. Should I accept his invitation? It was just a dinner, after all. There was no harm in it… right? If I refused now, I'd risk coming across as rude or ungrateful. Maybe it would be easier to go, thank him for the flowers, and let the evening pass. When the time felt right, I could let him know—gently but firmly—that I wasn't interested in anything more.

Still, the question lingered: why me? Syrus could have any woman, someone dazzling and sophisticated, someone who belonged in his gilded world. What could he possibly see in me that made him send such a heartfelt gesture?

I tried to steady my nerves as I reasoned with myself. It's just one date. By the end of it, I was certain he'd lose interest in me anyway. People like Syrus didn't hold onto someone like me for long. And maybe, just maybe, this was my chance to understand his motives. To figure out why a man like him, untouchable and unattainable, would choose me.

A lot of people think I come from a wealthy family because of my dad. He's perfected the illusion, flashing what little money he has to the world as if we're swimming in riches. But the truth couldn't be further from that polished facade. My dad's extravagant displays made people assume we were filthy rich, and those close to me—who noticed I couldn't afford the finer things—would chalk it up to me being stingy. After all, why would the daughter of a "wealthy" man not want to spend her money? If only they knew the truth...

But they never will. Instead of revealing the reality of my modest background, I ran away. I moved to a new state, far from the whispers and expectations, where no one knew my father's reputation or the lies that came with it. That's how I landed a job at Mr. Black's company, a place where I thought I could finally live quietly, under the radar.

Yet here I am now, sitting in the back of the sleek black car Syrus sent to pick me up, my heart pounding as my thoughts spiral. How did I end up attracting the attention of him? A man admired and desired by so many. A man who lives in a world I don't belong to.

If Syrus ever learns the truth about me, he'll think I deceived him. He might even believe I orchestrated this entire situation to climb the social ladder. Or worse, that I accepted his invitation because I saw an opportunity to use him. So far, I don't think he knows who I truly am—or who my father is. But maybe that's exactly why he asked me out. Maybe he thinks we're from the same privileged class.

The thought gnawed at me as the car glided smoothly through the city streets. My hands clenched into fists in my lap, my pulse quickening. If he knew the truth, what would he think of me? Could this dinner—this one evening—shatter everything I'd built here? As much as I wanted to turn back, I knew I couldn't. The car was already on its way, and so was I, heading straight toward a night that could either change my life or ruin it.

The driver pulled up in front of the most luxurious restaurant I had ever seen. For a moment, I felt underdressed. I had chosen a long silver, flowing dress that I thought was elegant when I left my apartment, but now it felt too simple. My hair was tied in a neat ponytail, and I'd paired the dress with silver bracelets and a delicate necklace. Would I even fit in here? The thought nagged at me, and a small part of me silently wished the restaurant would be empty. I didn't want to risk anyone recognizing me—anyone who might know my father and unravel the life I'd carefully built.

The driver stepped out and opened the door for me. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out, forcing my nerves to settle. My eyes lifted toward the entrance of the restaurant, and there he was—Syrus.

He was standing tall and composed in an impeccably tailored suit that hugged him perfectly. His presence was commanding, and he looked stunning—like he'd just walked out of a magazine. For a second, I couldn't help but get mesmerized by him. It was almost surreal that I was here, about to walk into one of the most elegant places in town with one of the most sought-after men in the country.

Syrus stepped forward, a charming smile on his face. "Good evening, Carmen," he said smoothly, extending his hand toward me.

"Good evening," I replied softly, placing my hand in his. His touch was warm, and for some reason, it calmed the nerves that had been clawing at me all evening.

Without a word, he led me toward the entrance. The restaurant's golden lights reflected off the glass doors, casting a soft glow on both of us as we walked. The moment felt magical, and yet a small voice in the back of my mind reminded me—this wasn't my world. But tonight, it seemed I was stepping into it, whether I belonged or not.

As we entered, the lavish interior stole my breath. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, soft classical music played in the background, and every corner of the room seemed to scream elegance and wealth. Syrus turned to me and smiled again. "I hope you're hungry. The chef prepared something special for us tonight."

I nodded, my words momentarily lost as I let him guide me deeper into the world of luxury I'd only ever dreamed of.