Chapter 3 The perfect lie
The dress arrived before sunrise. Aria found it laid carefully across the chaise in her room, wrapped in tissue paper like something fragile. Ivory silk, simple cut. Elegant without trying too hard.
A note rested on top,breakfast at eight.
Public appearance at ten.
She read it twice, no signature needed she knew who it was from.
The car ride was quiet. Luca sat beside her in the back seat, his attention on his phone.
Aria kept her hands folded in her lap, watching the city blur past the window.
Smile when you step out, he said without looking at her.
You don’t need to speak unless asked.
I know how to pretend, Aria replied.
He glanced at her then, that wasn’t meant as an insult.
She nodded. I know.
The building they stopped in front of was buzzing with people. Cameras, reporters, voices calling his name.
Luca stepped out first and turned back toward her.
Remember, he said quietly, offering his hand, this is not about us.
Aria took it, his grip was firm and warm. The doors closed behind them, and suddenly the noise swallowed her whole,cameras flashed.
Mr moretti!
Who is she?
Is this the wife?
Luca’s arm settled around her waist like it belonged there.
This is my wife, Aria, he said smoothly.
The word wife hit her harder than she expected.
She smiled, It felt like wearing someone else’s face. The event was a charity gala, all white marble and soft music.
People approached them in turns, offering congratulations, compliments, curiosity dressed as kindness.
You’re stunning, a woman said, eyes sharp. You must feel very lucky.
Aria smiled again, I do.
Luca’s fingers tightened slightly at her side.
They played their roles perfectly, too perfectly. At one point, Luca leaned down and whispered, You’re doing well.
Am I? she murmured back.
Yes.
Something about the approval unsettled her more than criticism would have. Later, while Luca was pulled into a conversation with investors, Aria stood near the balcony, breathing in cool air.
Enjoying the view?
She turned,a man stood behind her, older, with sharp eyes and an assessing smile.
I suppose,she said carefully.
I’m Marcus, he said. Family advisor.
Her stomach tightened.
You must be Aria.
I am.
He studied her face openly, too openly.
You look familiar, he said.
Her smile faltered, do I?
Yes, he replied, amused. Very.
Before she could respond, Luca appeared at her side.
Is there a problem? he asked.
Marcus raised his hands lightly. No problem at all, just admiring your choice.
Luca’s jaw hardened.
Excuse us, he said, steering Aria away. They didn’t stop walking until they reached a quieter corridor.
Stay close to me, Luca said under his breath.
Why? she asked.
Because you’re not just my wife, he said. You’re my liability.
That word hurt more than it should have,they returned home in silence.
The moment the doors closed behind them, luca removed his jacket like he was shedding a skin.
You didn’t tell me people would recognize me, Aria said.
No one recognized you, he replied.
That man did, he paused.What did he say to you?
That I looked familiar.
Luca turned slowly, did he mention a name?
No,the tension between them thickened.
You’re hiding something, Aria said.
Yes, he admitted.
Her chest tightened. About me?
His silence was answer enough. Before she could press him further, Helena appeared at the end of the hall.
Mr Moretti, she said, her tone careful, there’s something you should see.
She handed him a file. Luca opened it, his face drained of color.
Aria stepped closer. What is it?
He snapped the file shut.
You’re not ready for that.
I’m your wife, she said sharply.
You’re part of a contract, he corrected. Don’t forget that.
The words cut deep.
Helena cleared her throat. The press is asking questions, sir. Luca exhaled slowly prepare a statement, he said. Then to Aria, go to your room.
No, she said. Not until you tell me why everyone keeps acting like I’m a replacement.
His eyes darkened. Because, he said quietly, you resemble someone who should have never disappeared.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
Who? she whispered.
Luca looked at her like he’d already said too much. Go to your room, he repeated.
Aria turned away, her hands shaking. Behind her, she heard him add softly, and pray you never find her story.
