A new reality

The ride to the luxurious shopping district was eerily silent, aside from the soft hum of the car's engine. Ava sat stiffly on the plush leather seat, her hands clenched together in her lap. The city blurred past her, the tall glass buildings and neon lights forming a dazzling yet intimidating scenery.

It all felt so surreal.

A few days ago, she was just a struggling woman trying to keep her mother alive. Now, she was on her way to pick out expensive clothes, a wedding gown, and possibly a new life—but at what cost?

Beside her, Damien Cole was as unreadable as ever, his sharp gaze focused on his phone screen. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he looked every bit the billionaire he was—untouchable, arrogant, and in complete control.

Ava let out a slow breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"You should start getting used to this," Damien's voice suddenly broke through the silence.

Ava turned to him, startled. "Used to what?"

"This life. The wealth, the power, the attention." He barely spared her a glance. "The moment we step into that boutique, all eyes will be on us. Every move you make, every word you say, will be judged. I suggest you don't embarrass me."

Ava's jaw tightened. His words were cold, a reminder that she wasn't here because he wanted her to be—she was here because of the contract.

"You're awfully concerned about appearances," she muttered.

Damien finally looked at her, his dark eyes piercing. "Appearances are everything."

"You'll be getting the best," he continued without looking at her. "No wife of mine will be seen in cheap clothes."

Ava flinched at his words, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress. She had picked out her outfit carefully, trying to look presentable, but to Damien, it was nothing more than an eyesore.

She wanted to argue, but what was the point? In his world, perception mattered more than reality.

A Shopping Spree Like No Other

The boutique they arrived at was unlike anything Ava had ever seen. The moment they stepped inside, a soft chime rang, and a group of staff members practically rushed to greet Damien, their faces lighting up as if royalty had arrived.

"Mr. Cole," a well-dressed woman with a clipboard greeted him warmly. "It's always an honor. How can we assist you today?"

Damien's hand rested casually in his pocket. "She needs a new wardrobe. Everything from formal gowns to casual wear."

The woman's eyes flicked to Ava, barely concealing her curiosity. "Of course. Right this way, Miss…?"

"Ava," she replied hesitantly.

She barely had time to process what was happening before she was ushered into a private dressing room.

The stylist gave her a once-over, her professional smile never wavering. "Come with me, Ava. We'll find you something exquisite."

As Ava was led away, she couldn't help but notice the whispers already beginning among the staff.

"Who is she?"

"Mr. Cole never brings women here."

"Is she his mistress?"

Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to walk forward, head held high.

Dress After Dress

The next hour felt like a whirlwind.

Ava stood in front of a three-way mirror, trying on dress after dress while a team of stylists adjusted hems, pinned fabric, and draped her in silks and satins.

Damien sat on a sleek leather chair nearby, sipping his espresso and watching her with a look of detached scrutiny.

"That one's too plain," he commented.

"The cut doesn't suit you."

"Try something with more elegance."

Ava bit her tongue, resisting the urge to glare at him. He rejected nearly every dress, making her feel like a mannequin instead of a person.

Then, she stepped out in a black satin gown with intricate lace detailing. The fabric clung to her curves, the plunging neckline just enough to be daring but not vulgar.

The room fell silent.

The stylist gasped. "Oh… this is stunning."

Even Damien, who had been so critical, went quiet. His dark gaze slowly roamed over her, his expression unreadable.

"That," he finally said, his voice quieter than before, "is perfect."

Ava swallowed hard, unsure why his approval made her heart pound.

A New Home, A New Lie

After shopping, Ava expected Damien to drop her off at home, but instead, he handed her a set of keys.

She frowned. "What's this?"

"A new apartment for your mother," he said casually. "She can't stay in that rundown place anymore."

Ava's breath caught in her throat. "You… you got my mom a new home?"

Tears stung her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. No emotions. No attachments. That was the rule.

"It's part of the deal," he replied simply, as if he hadn't just changed her mother's entire life.

She blinked back tears. "Thank you."

His expression remained unreadable. "I didn't do it for gratitude. Just make sure she stays out of the media."

Facing Her Mother

When Ava arrived at the apartment, her mother was already sitting on the couch, looking around in awe. The place was beautiful—modern furniture, marble countertops, and a view overlooking the city skyline.

Her mother turned to her, eyes wide. "Ava… what is this place?"

Ava forced a smile. "It's yours, Mom."

Her mother's lips parted in shock. "Mine? Ava, how? You were struggling just days ago—"

"I got a better job," Ava interrupted quickly.

Her mother frowned. "What kind of job pays for something like this?"

Panic flared in Ava's chest. "Mom, just trust me, okay?"

Her mother's gaze softened, but there was worry in her eyes. "Ava, you're hiding something."

Ava forced a laugh. "Mom, come on. Can't you just be happy?"

Her mother studied her for a long moment before sighing. "I just want you to be safe."

Ava swallowed the lump in her throat. "I am."

But deep down, she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep the truth hidden.

In a little while, she would be getting married without her mom's blessing.

And when the truth finally came out… it would destroy everything.