I am married.

Lucian after his comparison glanced all over her again, his lips slowly curled up with satisfaction and appreciation.

Scarlet noticing his hawk like gaze on her felt her breathe hitched. Everyone else had said she is looking good including her friend Mario who couldn't hide her excitement but Lucian gaze made her think otherwise.

She would have asked him but —she can't ask her boss how she look since she is not seeking his admiration. Scarlet pulse continuously quickened at each of his gaze from her feet, to her body, her face and hair.

"You look good", he commented effortlessly with a seriousness of one signing a billion dollar contract.

Scarlet's heart somersaulted severally at the compliment, it was as though his compliment had given the final testament like a chief judge in a beauty contest. She sighed in relief and her tensed shoulders relaxed.

Lucian's eyes glistened with mischief as he extended his hand toward her. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice smooth and controlled.

Scarlet hesitated for a split second before giving a small nod. But when she saw his outstretched hand, she instinctively took a step back, shaking her head.

"I can manage," she said softly, her tone firm yet polite.

Lucian arched a brow, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "Afraid to touch me?"

Scarlet's fingers curled slightly at her sides. "Not really but there is need for decorum," she stated, as if that alone explained her reluctance.

She may not have chosen this marriage, but she still believed in maintaining a certain level of respect.

Lucian's smirk deepened, something unreadable flashing across his expression. "Decorum?" he murmured under his breath, barely loud enough for her to hear.

Without another word, he turned and walked ahead toward the sleek black Lamborghini, Scarlet slowly lifted the hem of her dress slightly and followed suit her footsteps measured, her heart beating a little faster than she liked.

Mario, who had been watching the interaction like a live drama, quickly scurried behind them.

She wished to see her girlfriend off, to tell her to seize every opportunity to make the Sterling prince hers but then the imposing aura of Lucian left her grumbling beneath without a place to vent.

As a gentleman, Lucian opened the car door for her, waiting patiently. She hesitated briefly and then stepped inside, and settled herself comfortably on the seat.

Once she was in, Lucian sat in beside her. The door with a smooth, automatic motion, slid shut.

Scarlet's heart skipped a beat at the click of the door. Her posture stiff, her hands resting on her lap as she stared ahead. She could feel his gaze on her, intense and unwavering.

"Why were you talking about decorum back in your home?" he asked feigning ignorance.

"I am married", Scarlet replied unceremoniously. She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze.

There is no need to keep her response vague when he is her boss and will still work with him for a long time.

Lucian chuckled, low and deep. "How interesting."

Lucian Sterling felt his memory refreshed, he didn't expect her to be this dedicated to the marriage she haven't know her fate in.

But then he felt relieved, this proved her excellent sense of responsibility at every situation.

The car pulled away from the curb, and as they drove through the city lights, her gaze lingered on the city with her thought on how her adoptive parents had been since she left.

Lucian's smirk deepened as he leaned back against the seat, one arm draped casually over the side. "When did you get married?" he asked, his tone light but laced with curiosity.

Scarlet stiffened slightly at the question. Her fingers twitched on her lap, but she kept her expression neutral. She had thought he won't ask further.

"I don't see how that's relevant to our trip this evening," she responded calmly, turning her gaze toward the window.

Lucian chuckled lightly, the sound low and knowing. "Oh, but it is," he mused.

"I remember when I was reviewing your employment file the company presented your details to me as a single lady." He smirked.

He tilted his head, watching her closely. "So either you got married very recently… or someone's hiding something."

Scarlet's heart pounded in her chest she did not expect him, but she forced herself to remain composed. She had no idea how to answer without exposing the tangled mess she had found herself in.

She inhaled deeply before speaking. "I don't think my personal life should be a topic of discussion, Mr. Sterling."

Lucian's smirk didn't falter. In fact, it seemed to grow.

"Perhaps," he said, his voice smooth. "But when my personal assistant suddenly claims to be married—when she wasn't just days ago—I can't help but be… intrigued."

Scarlet clenched her jaw, refusing to meet his gaze. The air inside the car grew heavier with tension, but she remained silent, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Lucian, however, seemed thoroughly entertained.

"Miss Winters, as my personal assistant there is a possibility that we might sometimes travel out of the country. Will your husband permit you?" Lucian asked with raised brow and amusement.

Scarlet's fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of her dress as she turned her gaze toward Lucian. His words sounded casual, but thechallenge in them didn't drown on her.

Scarlet sighed deeply "As long as it's work-related, I don't see why that would be a problem," she said evenly.

Scarlet didn't believe she had answered this question with a high degree of confidence when she is not yet sure how her unknown husband will see the matter.

Lucian hummed, his sharp eyes studying her reaction. "I see. That's quite the understanding husband you have," he smirked, tapping his fingers lightly against his knee. "Most men wouldn't be so accommodating."

Scarlet forced a small smile. "My job is important to me, Mr. Sterling. I know how to balance my responsibilities."

Lucian leaned slightly toward her, his presence overpowering in the enclosed space. "And what about your husband? Is he as understanding as you claim?"

Scarlet swallowed, her pulse quickening. She couldn't possibly tell him the truth—not when she was still trying to make sense of it herself.

Instead, she met his gaze head-on. "That's my concern, not yours, sir."

Lucian smirked at her response, his amusement evident. "Fair enough, Miss Scarlet."