Let The Game Begin

Aurora leaned back in her chair, watching Theo as he studied the agreement like he had just made a deal with the devil. Maybe he had.

The tension in his jaw, the way his fingers skimmed the paper as if testing its reality—he looked like a man on the edge of something irreversible.

She knew that feeling too well.

Vincent, ever the observer, tapped the laptop shut with a smirk that never quite reached his eyes. "Well, that's settled. Welcome to Everly Elite Enterprise, Mr. Winslow."

Theo didn't respond immediately. His focus remained on the contract, his thumb tracing the embossed lettering as if searching for some hidden clause, something he'd missed before he signed away whatever control he had left.

Aurora knew what he was thinking. The sick realization that he was now tied to her, to this world, with no easy way out…at least for two years.

Finally, he looked up, locking eyes with her. "So, when do I start?"

Aurora tilted her head slightly, pretending to consider it when, in truth, she already knew the answer. "Tomorrow morning. But for now…" She stood, smoothing the fabric of her tailored dress, a calculated movement designed to exude authority. "We need to make an appearance."

Theo frowned. "An appearance?"

Vincent chuckled, clearly enjoying the show. "Your first public outing as Aurora's… what's the word? Arm candy?"

Aurora shot him a glare before shifting her attention back to Theo. "There's a gala tonight. Press, investors, industry leaders. If we're doing this, we need to sell it."

Theo exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I go from being a part-timer to playing the role of a billionaire's boyfriend overnight?"

Aurora smirked. "Try to keep up, Winslow."

>>>

The gala was nothing short of theatrical—a spectacle of money, influence, and quiet wars fought over champagne and strategic handshakes.

The grand ballroom shimmered under the weight of extravagant chandeliers, casting golden light over figures adorned in designer gowns and tailored suits worth more than most people's homes.

Aurora stepped out of the sleek black car first, her entrance commanding. The elegant black gown she wore clung to her like a second skin, whispering power in every step. The moment she emerged, camera flashes erupted in a storm of white blinding lights.

She absorbed it all—the attention, the murmurs, the shift in the air as her presence disrupted conversations. She was used to it. She thrived in it.

Then Theo stepped out beside her.

The effect was immediate.

Gone was the man who had his hands in his hoodie pocket in the convenience store. Gone was Theo the part-timer. In his place stood someone… refined.

Broad-shouldered, sharp-jawed, exuding a reluctant confidence. The black suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating his build in a way that made him look effortlessly commanding.

Aurora barely hid her smirk. Not bad.

She linked her arm through his, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath the polished exterior.

"Relax," she murmured just low enough for him to hear. "You look like you're walking into an execution."

Theo exhaled, his jaw tightening. "I'd rather be."

"Too late for that," she said sweetly, leading him forward.

The moment they entered the grand ballroom, the shift was evident.

Eyes flicked toward them, some discreet, others not. And then, the whispers started.

"Who's he?"

"Have you seen him anywhere?"

"What's his networth?"

"Does he own a company?"

Aurora ignored them, but she felt Theo tense beside her. His grip on her arm tightened—just slightly—but enough for her to notice. Without thinking, she squeezed his arm in return. A silent message.

Don't react.

To her relief, he didn't. Instead, he exhaled slowly, straightening his posture, his expression unreadable.

A familiar voice cut through the crowd, sharp and deliberate.

"Aurora."

She didn't have to turn to know who it was. Her grip on Theo tightened slightly before she faced her father.

He stood near the bar, a drink in hand, his gaze sweeping over Theo with the slow deliberation of a man assessing an investment gone wrong but Theo held his ground.

"Aurora," Mr. Everly called again, his tone deceptively smooth. "I didn't realize you were bringing a… guest."

Aurora smiled, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I thought a little change would be refreshing."

Mr. Everly's eyes flickered toward Theo. "And you are?"

Theo met his gaze without hesitation. "Theo Winslow. Aurora's…" a pause "...boyfriend."

Mr. Everly smirked. "Boyfriend, is it?"

Aurora felt Theo tense beside her again, but she didn't give her father the satisfaction of letting it linger. Instead, she looped her arm more firmly through Theo's. "We should mingle."

Mr. Everly didn't stop them, but as they walked away, she could still feel his gaze on her back.

>>>

Theo let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the invisible chains wrapped around him. "That went well."

Aurora arched a brow. "He hasn't made a move yet."

Theo frowned, glancing back toward where Mr. Everly stood, now engaged in a conversation with one of his associates. "A move?"

She gave him a knowing look. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough."

Minutes later, one of her father's assistants approached. "Miss Everly, your father requests a private word."

Aurora's lips thinned. Of course, he does.

She turned to Theo. "Stay here."

His brows drew together, the hesitation clear. "You sure?"

She didn't miss the shift in his tone—concern, maybe?

"I can handle him."

Theo didn't look convinced, but he nodded.

She followed the assistant through the crowd, every step echoing with anticipation. When she entered the private lounge, her father stood with effortless composure, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"You've done a lot of reckless things, Aurora," Mr. Everly said, swirling the amber liquid. "But this? This might be your most desperate attempt yet."

Aurora crossed her arms, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. "Spare me the dramatics."

"You think parading around with some nobody is going to make me rethink my plans?" He took a slow sip, the ice clinking softly against the glass. "I admire the effort. But you're playing a losing game."

Her jaw clenched. "Theo is more than capable…"

"He's a liability."

Mr. Everly set his drink down with a deliberate clink. "I did my research. A washed-up part-timer. Family in debth. No connections. No power." He stepped closer, his voice dropping into something colder. "Is that what you've been reduced to? A woman so desperate to hold on to control that she drags a nobody into her war?"

Aurora refused to let him see her falter. "I have a right to choose."

Mr. Everly chuckled, slow and knowing. "For now. But let's be clear, Aurora." He leaned in, just enough for his next words to land with precision.

"I will not let you win this battle."

Her fingers curled into fists.

Mr. Everly picked up his glass again, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow tilt of his wrist, he gestured toward the ballroom.

"Enjoy the night." His smirk deepened. "While it lasts."