Couple's wear? or Coincidence?

"Fair enough, Miss Scarlet." Lucian felt amused at her response.

He is yet to see a man so accommodating to let his wife go on a business trip with his Boss, spend weeks and days.

If there is such a man then he Lucian Sterling isn't one of such men. He wouldn't dare let his wife work under another man let alone going on a business trip.

But then this is an issue to be addressed in the later days.

He leaned back against the seat, but the glint in his eyes told her that he wasn't done and might still raise another thrilling question.

She needs to calm her fraying nerves, Scarlet closed her eyes and rested her head on the leather headrest of the vehicle.

Her mind racing as she tried to piecing together fragments of her scattered thoughts in the bid to find answers.

She needed answers— urgent and fast. Who exactly was her husband? What type of man is he? It told in stories that men who are ruthless are usually henpecked husband who loves and pampers their wives, will Boss be such a person?

But no matter how she tried to get her answers it is not forth coming rather she felt a splitting headache.

Her fist clenched lightly at a hidden spot on her laps as she resolved to check her marriage certificate first thing tomorrow morning.

The quiet hum of the car came to a gradual stop, pulling her out from her thoughts.

Her eyes fluttered open. A magnificent building came to her line of sight. It's door widely open, golden chandeliers positioned in various strategic spots illuminated the whole area.

Various types and models of luxury cars lined up the entrance as the guests well-dressed and flamboyant stepping out of the cars in twos and three's exuding wealth, power and ability.

Lucian turned to her, his gaze gentle and s smile twirling his lips. "We're here."he called out to her.

Scarlet inhaled sharply, steadying herself. "Alright." She chimed. Whatever awaited her inside, she will meet as it came.

Lucian stepped out first, then walked around to her side and slowly opened the door for her.

Such gesture left Scarlet stumped, he glanced around and that seems to be the norm "Socialites and etiquette" she chimed, her voice barely above whisper but the keen ear of Lucian captured it and he smiled.

"She really has no pretense" he smirked inwardly.

This time, he didn't offer his hand. Instead, he simply stood there, waiting for her to step out.

Scarlet adjusted her dress, squared her shoulders, and stepped out.

The moment she did, all eyes seemed to shift in their direction and a hush fell over the entrance of the grand venue. Whispers, curiosity, inquisitiveness filled the air.

Lucian Sterling—one of the most powerful men in the upper echelon—was never seen with a woman by his side. It was an unspoken rule among the elite. The media had long speculated about his love life, yet he had once made it clear in an interview:

"The only woman I will ever make a public appearance with is my wife. Not a fiancée. Not a girlfriend. Only my wife."

That statement had fueled endless rumors over the years.

Some believed he was secretly married; others thought he simply had no interest in relationships while some thought he might be into men.

But tonight, he had arrived with a woman—a woman no one recognized.

Scarlet felt the weight of countless eyes on her, their gazes scrutinizing her every move.

She had always heard her colleagues say, their boss is a social flower constantly attracting butterflies but this is the first time she had witnessed such an occurence.

The murmurs grew louder as she stood beside Lucian, her sapphire gown shimmering under the golden lights. They were a rare sight to behold.

Some persons with Keen sight noticed the matching colour of Lucian suit to Scarlet's gown.

"Who is she?" someone whispered.

"Whose family daughter is she?" Another queried.

"I have not seen this face before in any social group", another whispered

"Could it be… his wife?" another voice murmured in disbelief.

"They are donning a matching colour, couples wear" another shrieked.

Lucian, as composed as ever, placed a hand lightly on Scarlet's lower back, guiding her forward with effortless authority.

His touch sent a shiver up her spine that she stiffened, not from warmth, but from the sheer intensity of the moment.

Scarlet forced herself to keep her expression neutral. She knew it tonight, she had just become the center of attention—whether she wanted it or not.

Scarlet would have asked Lucian to remove his hand from her waist, but under the weight of countless stares, glares, and whispers, she found herself frozen and lightheaded.

At this moment, she needed an anchor, a shoulder to lean on and a pillar to steady herself—not just physically, but emotionally.

So, rather than pulling away, she let herself lean ever so slightly into his touch, drawing strength from the unwavering presence.

Lucian, had always been perceptive and with his hand on her waist, he felt the momentary stiffness in her body. A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Was she nervous? Flustered? Amused, he loosened his grip just a little, but he didn't remove his hand.

If she needed support, then he would let her have it.

"Relax, Scarlet," he murmured. "You're doing just fine."

The onlookers continued to murmur among themselves, to the point of Scarlet hearing them. Some queried her audacity, some her identity, some her purpose and motive while another group hammered on the couple's wear. "Couple's wear?" Scarlet queried internally.

But Lucian remained composed, as if none of this fazed him. With a slight tilt of his head, he leaned in, his voice low and teasing, just for her ears.

"Don't bother seeing them but you can look at me?" He smirked.

His words, though meant to comfort her had only succeeded in sending another wave of unease through her. Looking at his suit and pants with the same colour of her gown, her breathe hitched. "Something isn't right." She thought but she can't question that now.

She clenched her fists discreetly, determined to get through this night unscathed and by tomorrow get the answers she needed.