Chapter 5 The agreement

Lillith’s POV

There was a heavy silence in the room for a while as I weighed the consequences of my decision. I had just sold myself to a stranger, but as the image of Ariel’s sick face flashed in my mind, the shame was swallowed by the need to save her.

Jayden did not smile, he only stared at me with an intense look, as if waiting for me to change my mind.

"Good," he said. "We have six hours. My team is already downstairs. They are going to erase Lillith and create Celine. Do exactly as they say."

What? Hearing how he worded that only made my heartbeat increase.

“But what do I do?” I asked, feeling at a loss.

“Nothing, just follow my lead.”

The next few hours were hectic for me. We were transported to a bigger hotel that screamed luxury. While there, makeup artists and some stylists were already waiting for me.

They quickly stripped me of my cheap, wrinkled dress as if it were contaminated. My skin was scrubbed until it reddened, and my hair was treated with oils that smelled expensive. I sat still and watched as they transformed me into a version of myself I didn't know existed.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and couldn’t believe the person that stared back at me. I looked really good, it felt unreal. The wedding dress was made of ivory lace and silk, designed to make one feel like a true princess. It had a plunging neckline that exposed my cleavage a little too much but I couldn’t complain. The dress flowed in waves to my feet, completing the look.

Tears swelled in my eyes when I only felt empty inside. I felt unworthy, knowing I was impersonating someone else.

Someone stepped into the room and from the mirror’s reflection it was Jayden.

He had changed into a tailored black tuxedo that made his shoulders look impossibly broad and his presence even more suffocating. His dark hair was perfectly styled, making his sculpted face look even more handsome.

He stopped just behind me, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror. For a long moment, he was silent. I watched his gaze travel down the length of the dress, lingering on my snatched waist and finally resting on my cleavage. I swallowed hard as I fought the urge to cover myself up.

His pupils dilated, and the cold, calculated look in his eyes was replaced by something raw and hungry that sent my already throbbing heart into overdrive.

"The stylists did their job well," he murmured in a voice that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Is it enough to fool your guests?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the way my heart was hammering against my chest.

"It is enough to fool the world," he replied.

He stepped closer, his chest nearly brushing against my shoulder. I could smell the intoxicating mix of expensive cologne and the faint scent of something earthy. His large hands hovered over my waist for a split second as if he was contemplating and then, he finally made contact.

I gasped, my breath hitching as he pulled me back against him. The friction of his heavy tuxedo against the delicate silk of my gown created a static that made my skin prickle. It vividly reminded me of the dull ache between my legs.

"You are shaking, Lillith," he whispered, leaning down so his lips were just a breath away from the sensitive skin of my neck.

“I’m not, I just have a lot going on in my head,” I lied. I made a move to pull away from him but he didn’t let go.

"I don’t believe you," he countered. “You feel this, don’t you?”

He turned me around in his arms, his movements smooth and possessive. He didn't let go of my waist, he pulled me closer until our bodies were flushed against each other. My hands landed on his chest as I tried not to freak out. My nerves were kicked into overdrive.

His gaze dropped to my lips and his expression darkened with a hunger that made my knees weak. He lowered his head and his lips drew closer to mine as his eyes ravaged my lips.

"Remember the deal," I quickly said as I tried to break free from his arms. What was going on? The man in front of me was a far cry from the cold stranger I woke up in bed with.

My words seemed to break him from the trance he was in. He stiffened and I watched as the cold politician came back into place. He let go of me abruptly, leaving me breathless and aching for his teasing touch.

"The car is waiting, let’s go," now, his voice was cold. "Don't trip on the train, Celine never fumbles."