If we were going to be a believable couple, we had to play the part well. And as the initiator, I had to give it my best so she could follow through accordingly.

When Tessa called me earlier that day and asked for a wedding ceremony. I quickly thought that the next best thing was to plan a proposal. Something cliche and romantic that would sell it to the public eye that I was a man in love. An intentional man as they would like to speculate.

My personal assistant was efficient. But to be fair, none of this would have been possible on such short notice if I couldn't afford it.

I was clad in one of many designer suits. I had them pick out an oval shaped clean cut ring. There were flower petals and candles lining the path that led to the huge lit up sign that said; "Will you marry me?"

The doors opened and my eyes fell on Tessa. Almost as if she knew this was happening, she was dressed to the nines. Perfect for the occasion.

I had an outfit ready in case she did not look the part but apparently she was more than ready.

I took in the sight of her curves in the dark blue sleeveless silk dress that looked like I could slip it off her body with ease.

Owen, focus. I told myself.

This was not the time to recall the crazy night we had when we first met.

"Mr Carter," she said, cutting through my thoughts. Her voice had a rhythmic melody. She seemed excited and flustered at the same time.

I let my mouth lift up in a soft grin.

"Ms Hayes. You clean up nice."

"You do too."

Our eyes met for a brief second and I felt what resembled a spark of electricity. I knew she felt it too.

But we weren't here to dwell on butterflies and idiocies. There was something to be done.

I took her hand in mine. The softness of her palm against my seemingly rough ones was a beautiful contrast.

Standing in front of the sign, cameras in place, I did not have any words rehearsed, so I went straight to the point as I went down on one knee and took out my ring box.

Once again she gasped at the sight of the glimmering diamond. Of course a woman would easily get carried away by such.

"Ms Hayes, will you marry me?"

I watched her swallow. I saw the hesitation in her eyes. She turned to look at the cameras.

It almost seemed like she was rethinking everything at that moment.

"Yes," she finally said to my utmost relief. I'll marry you, Owen Carter."

I grinned slightly, slipping the ring on to her slender finger. It was a perfect fit.

I got on my feet.

The camera flashes were somewhat blinding.

"Do we have to kiss now?" She asked softly.

"We should. It'll make it more believable."

"Okay,"

Gently, I pulled her closer, leaned in and pressed my lips against her soft ones. It was a slight kiss but deeply satisfying nonetheless. Enough for the media to feast on.

~

We settled down for dinner after the picture buzz died down. The photos would be edited and released by the next day.

I was ready for the aftermath but I needed to know if she was prepared too.

"Are you alright?" I asked Tessa when I noticed she had been very quiet.

"It just dawned on me that we're really doing this."

I smirked. "Yes we are. Having cold feet?"

"Not yet."

"Hmm," I took a sip of my drink. "It's just one year. I'll stay out of your way I promise."

I handed over an envelope. "That's a copy of your contract. Go through it and sign. Then give it to me the next time we meet up." I told her.

She took the envelope and opened it. "It's not as bulky as I anticipated."

"I like to go straight to the point in my dealings."

"Nice."

She looked impressed.

"You have something..." I didn't finish the statement before I used the pad of my thumb to wipe off the food particle by the side of her mouth.

Our eyes met again.

That was when I resolved that for the next one year I'd have to keep my distance from her as much as possible.

~

"What is this?" My brother stormed into my office that morning, wielding his tablet like a weapon as he slid it across my table.

I looked down despite knowing what he was fussing about. It was the headline announcing my engagement to Tessa.

"You can't read?"

He fumed. It was moments like these that I saw the spitting resemblance we stared. The only difference was our hair colors. Despite being a few years younger, Aiden liked to act like he was the older one sometimes. I let him.

"I had no idea you were dating anyone."

"Well I am. And now we're engaged." I said, casually leaning back in my chair.

Aiden took a long look at me. Then his eyes sparked in realization.

"You've lost your mind." He said.

I glared at him. "I know what I'm doing."

"I don't think you do."

"If anyone else catches on to this, we'll all go down for it."

"That's why you should keep your mouth shut and be a nice brother-in-law."

"You didn't even tell mom about this."

"It's a surprise." I shrugged.

"Just so you know, you're in trouble."

"She'll get with the program sooner or later."

I pulled stunts like these all the time. She would surely understand.

Or maybe not.

This new life Owen had given to me barely three weeks after our public proposal felt less like a dream and more like a gilded cage, and we hadn't even gotten married yet.

"The silk you're holding is Italian Tessa. You have to remove it immediately after dinner and have it cleaned overnight. And girl please, try not to stain it."

Sana, my fairy godmother turned personal assistant instructed as she applied makeup to her face over the video call.

I stared at the cloth in my hand, and then slowly to the rack of designer dresses, shoes and coats that cost way more than my annual salary, filling my spare closet.

"This isn't me girl. I'm a marketing manager, I have no idea on how to be a socialite."

"You will be Mrs Carter soon, you've got to learn how to fit in," Sana corrected me sharply.

" Your image is critical to the merger, you have to embrace it."

Tonight I would be meeting Evelyn Carter, Owen's mother who is apparently old money, stern, and very observing.

"I heard she analyses every detail, from your appearance, to your posture, to the placement of your silverware." Sana said as if she read my mind.

A knot tightened in my stomach.

"Am I expected to perform for his mother?"

"You are expected to be the perfect, unsuspecting bride who tamed the untameable CEO.

Be charming, resilient, and girl please..for the love of the Carter legacy do not mention your career pitch unless she asked first."

"Fine."

"That's my girl. Goodluck."

I hung up the call feeling a surge of resentment.

What had I gotten myself into?

I had agreed to this stupid contract because I cornered myself trying to wipe the smug look off Clarissa's face at the cafe when she rubbed her wedding plans with Austin in my face, not to become a puppet for Owen's controlling family.

~~~~~~

Exactly at six, a gleaming black Rolls-Royce pulled up outside my modest apartment building.

Owen himself stepped out, a rare sight that instantly drew the attention of the neighbours around.

He looked impossibly tall and dominant in his dark blue suit, radiating a Carter's aura of untouchable wealth.

"Are you ready for your first test Tessa?"

He asked, his hazel eyes calmly accessing my appearance as I walked down from my porch towards him.

"As ready as I'll ever be to audition for the role of your compliant wife," I retorted meeting his gaze.

He didn't smile, but a slight tension eased around his jaw.

"Defiance suits you. Keep that fire, but I suggest you direct it away from my mother. It's for the cameras and the contract, remember?"

He placed a hand lightly on the small of my back to guide me to the side of the car.

The touch was brief, yet an undeniable spark travelled up my spine. It was the same electric current I remembered from when we first kissed at the club.

"Just stick close to me," he murmured, leaning a little too close to me.

"It's easier for both of us if they think I'm possessive."

As the car pulled away from the front of my apartment, I glanced through the side window.

Owen's hand now firmly placed on my right hand. But every now and then, his thumb moved just slightly, tracing a lazy circle on my skin.

I realized his touch was doing more than just putting on a show, it was a calculated, private claim that had nothing to do with cameras, and it made my heart race.

What was he playing at? I wondered. He was the one who insisted on boundaries.

Soon, we pulled up to the enormous, classical Carter estate.

It was intimidating, freezing, and felt like I had time travelled. As we stepped out, Owen paused, looking down at me with an expression I couldn't decipher.

"Breathe Tessa." He said, his voice filled with amusement.

It was then I realized I had been holding my breath since we got here.

Rolling my eyes, I finally released the air in my lungs. I was anxious, and the night hadn't even started.

"Remember your role," he commanded, raising my chin slightly, his eyes locking mine.

"Don't let them break you."

And with that, he squeezed my hand, pulled me forward, and led me into the lioness's den where the elegant figure of Evelyn Carter was waiting in the foyer.

Noticing our presence, she turned slowly to face us, and for a moment her gaze was chillingly fixed on me.