The sun had not yet risen over the Volkov Estate, but Aria was already awake. Actually, she hadn't slept at all. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the red blinking light of the camera and the man standing next to her father's hospital bed. She felt like a prisoner waiting for the executioner's footstep.
Suddenly, the lock on her door clicked. Aria sat up straight, clutching the silk sheets to her chest. A team of four women in identical grey uniforms marched in, pushing racks of designer clothes and carrying velvet boxes that shimmered even in the dim light.
Good morning, Ms. Evans," the woman at the front said. She didn't smile. "Mr. Volkov expects you downstairs in exactly one hour. You are to be dressed for a press conference."
"A press conference? Now?" Aria asked, her voice raspy.
The world is waiting to meet the woman who tamed the wolf of Wall Street," the woman replied, pulling out a dress that looked like it was woven from liquid moonlight. "And Mr. Volkov does not like to keep the world waiting."
One hour later, Aria stood before the full-length mirror. The transformation was haunting. The girl from Brooklyn was gone. In her place was a vision in a high-necked, ivory silk dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. Around her neck sat a diamond choker that felt more like a collar than jewelry. Her hair was swept up in a sophisticated bun, leaving her pale neck exposed.
"You look... acceptable," a voice vibrated from the doorway.
Aria turned. Liam was leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a midnight-blue suit. He looked at her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. He walked toward her, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. When he reached her, he didn't stop until his chest was inches from her face.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. It was a blue diamond, so large it looked like a drop of the ocean. He took her hand the one with the pricked finger from last night and slid the ring on.
Wear it with pride, Aria," he murmured, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "Today, you tell the world you love me. If your voice trembles, if your eyes show fear, the man in the hospital room makes his move. Do you understand?
I hate you," Aria whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.
Liam leaned down, his lips ghosting over her forehead. Hate is a very passionate emotion, Aria. I can work with hate. It's much better than indifference.
The drive to the Volkov International headquarters was a blur of flashing lights and black SUVs. When they arrived, the roar of the paparazzi was deafening. Liam stepped out first, then reached back to take Aria's hand. His grip was firm, a silent reminder of the invisible leash he held.
As they walked onto the stage of the crowded auditorium, hundreds of camera flashes went off at once. Aria felt blinded, dizzy. She felt Liam's arm slide around her waist, pulling her close to his side. To the cameras, it looked like a protective embrace. To Aria, it felt like the bars of a cage.
Mr. Volkov! Over here!" a reporter shouted. "Is it true? An artist from Brooklyn? How did you meet?"
Liam leaned into the microphone, his voice smooth and commanding. "True beauty is hard to find in a world of greed. I found Aria, and I realized that my collection was incomplete without its creator. We are engaged, and the wedding will be held within the month."
The room erupted in whispers. Within the month?
Suddenly, a man stood up in the back of the room. He wasn't a reporter. He was wearing a tattered jacket, and his face was twisted in rage. You liar Volkov, you stole her Aria, look at me.
Aria's heart stopped. She knew that voice. "Veer?" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
Veer was her childhood friend, the only person who knew the truth about her father's debt. He tried to rush the stage, but Liam's security team tackled him to the ground before he could get close.
Aria Don't let him do this! He's a monster Veer screamed as he was dragged out of the hall.
The room went silent. Every camera was now fixed on Aria's pale face. Liam didn't flinch. He didn't even look at the door where Veer had been taken. Instead, he turned Aria to face him, his hand cupping her cheek with a tenderness that didn't match the cold fire in his eyes.
Darling, Liam said, his voice loud enough for the microphones to catch. "Is that the man you told me about? The one who has been harassing you?
Aria looked into Liam's eyes. She saw the threat. If she defended Veer, Liam would hurt him. If she didn't, she would destroy her only friend.
Yes, Aria choked out, the lie burning her throat. He... he doesn't know what he's saying. He's just obsessed.
Liam smiled a cold, triumphant smile. He leaned in and kissed her in front of the whole world. It was a hard, possessive kiss that tasted like iron and power.
When he pulled back, he whispered in her ear so only she could hear: Good girl, Aria. Because of that lie, your friend gets to live another day. But don't ever test me like that again.
As they walked off the stage, Aria felt a vibration in her silk clutch bag. She pulled out the phone Liam had given her. It was a picture of Veer, slumped in the back of a black van, a gun pointed at his head.
Below the picture was a message from an unknown number One wrong word, and the artist loses her muse... and her friend.
Cliffhanger:
Just as they reached the private elevator, Liam's assistant hurried over, looking panicked. "Sir, your grandfather has arrived at the estate. He heard the news. He's demanding to see the bride-to-be... and he's brought the family lawyer to discuss the inheritance clauses.
Liam's grip on Aria's waist tightened until it hurt. "Change of plans, Aria. You're not just meeting a grandfather. You're going to survive a trial by fire."