"What is this?" Gina asked, her voice laced with curiosity, as she stared at the package on the bed.
"Mr. Hughes had instructed me to prepare you for dinner and wear the outfit" The maid replied. As she unpacked the package, her eyes widened in awe. Inside, she found a stunning silk flowery gown, adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate patterns.
The dress shimmered in the light, its beauty almost mesmerizing. Alongside the gown, she found a set of exquisite jewellery, crafted from real gold, with precious stones that sparkled like diamonds.i
Gina's fingers traced the delicate fabric, feeling the softness and luxury of the dress. The gown seemed to be made for a princess, she couldn't tell why Mark had suggested a dinner date.
As she lifted the dress, it rustled softly, releasing a subtle scent of perfume. Gina's heart raced with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
"No problem, then. It's beautiful" she replied with a fake smile, definitely this was just to please the crowd, and she had no option than to obey.
"I have never seen Mr. Hughes bring a lady over or buy something this expensive for anyone, he must love you so much," the maid whispered excitedly beside her, her eyes shining with curiosity and admiration.
Gina had to force a smile, her heart racing with anxiety. She couldn't reveal the truth, a mere fake fiancée to appease his grandfather. So, she played along, her voice dripping with sweetness.
"He's such a sweet man, isn't he?" She batted her eyelashes, trying to appear coy and loving.
But the maid's words sent a shiver down her spine. They had to keep up the act, even in front of the servants. No one could be trusted, not even the loyal staff who had been with the family for years.
Mark's grandfather might have had anyone as a spy, and they couldn't take any risks. So, they continued the charade, their smiles, and laughter a thin veil for the secrets and lies that lurked beneath.
"He's one of the best men I've met, you know? I've heard people say a lot of bad things about him but when I got to know him…he was the best.
"People just don't seem to know him," Gina said, her voice laced with a hint of mystery, her eyes sparkling with a secret only she and Mark shared.
"But I appreciate being his fiancée, it's the best thing that has happened to me," she added, her smile widening, her cheeks flushing with a subtle blush.
The maid's eyes lit up, her face beaming with excitement, as she nodded eagerly, her hands clasped together in a silent applause.
"Oh, I can see that, ma'am! You two are meant to be! The way he looks at you, the way he cares for you… it's like a fairy tale come true!" She sighed wistfully, her eyes shining with a romantic glow.
Gina's smile faltered for a moment, as she wondered how much of this charade was actually true. Was Mark really the charming, devoted partner he seemed to be, or was it all just an act? But she pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the role she had to play.
"Yes, it's like a dream come true," she echoed, her voice dripping with sweetness, her eyes locked onto the maid's, selling their fake romance with every fibre of her being.
"Come, Ma'am. Let me prepare you for dinner, we can't keep him waiting," the maid said, her voice laced with a hint of urgency, as she gestured towards the dressing table.
I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation, as I followed her to the ornate mirror.
The maid's skilled hands moved deftly, styling my hair into an elegant up do, securing it with delicate pins. She then carefully applied a subtle layer of makeup, enhancing my features without overpowering them.
Next, she helped me into the exquisite silk gown, its soft fabric rustling as it hugged my curves. The maid's fingers worked swiftly, fastening the intricate buttons and adjusting the delicate straps. The dress shimmered in the light, its beauty almost mesmerizing.
As she finished, I gazed into the mirror, barely recognizing the sophisticated woman staring back at me. The maid's hands gave a final flourish, presenting me with a dazzling smile.
"You look stunning, Ma'am. Mr. Hughes won't be able to take his eyes off you."
"You look beautiful," Mark exclaimed, his eyes widening in admiration, as she stepped out of the room and into the opulent hallway.
And it was true, Gina felt like the prettiest woman in the world, her confidence soaring as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The silk gown hugged her curves in all the right places, its delicate embroidery shimmering like diamonds in the light.
But despite her stunning appearance, the pain she felt inside couldn't be masked. The fake smile she wore felt like a heavy burden, a constant reminder of the lies she had to tell, the secrets she had to keep.
"Thank you," she smiled, her voice barely above a whisper, as she took in Mark's dashing appearance. He was breathtaking, the word echoing in her mind like a mantra.
The blue tuxedo he wore seemed to be tailored specifically for him, accentuating his broad shoulders, his chiselled features, and his piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her. Mark opens the car door for her to step in, but she stops on her track.
"Why the dinner? She asked as she glared at him with all curiosity, she just wanted to be clear in something.
"Why the question? Mark asked as he stepped forward to tug the single grand that seemed to slip from her hair behind her ear.
"So that I'll be clear that I'm not falling for you for such a gesture" Gina replied which made Mark burst out laughing.
"Very funny, I just noticed you've been stressed lately so I decided to do something good for you…"
"So you're saying that it's not for public stunt?