The Architect

chapter 7

Lexi sat in her small apartment, staring at the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful diamond solitaire, but it felt like a weight was dragging her down. She had agreed to pretend to be Ethan's fiancée, but the more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt.

Ethan had been dictatorial and controlling, threatening her career if she didn't comply. Lexi wondered what other secrets he might be hiding.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Ethan. "Lexi, we need to discuss the details of our engagement. Meet me at the office at 2 PM."

Lexi hesitated, feeling trapped. But she knew she had to play along. "Fine," she replied. "I'll be there."

As she arrived at the office, Ethan greeted her with a charming smile. "Lexi, darling. You look stunning."

Lexi forced a smile, feeling like a pawn in his game. "Thanks, Ethan."

He led her to a conference room, where a PR specialist was waiting. "This is Karen," Ethan said. "She'll help us craft our engagement story."

Lexi's unease grew as Karen began discussing their "romantic" backstory. This was getting out of hand.

"Ethan and Lexi met at a charity gala in Manhattan, where they were both bidding on the same exclusive art piece. Their eyes locked in a fierce bidding war, but it wasn't until they struck up a conversation that they realized their connection went far beyond art.

"As they sipped champagne and discussed everything from art to music to their shared passion for philanthropy, Ethan was struck by Lexi's intelligence, beauty, and kindness. Lexi, on the other hand, was captivated by Ethan's charm, confidence, and generosity.

"Their whirlwind romance took them from rooftop dinners in New York to sunset strolls in Paris. They bonded over their love of adventure, trying new foods, and exploring hidden gems in the city.

"After a year of dating, Ethan knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Lexi. He planned a surprise proposal at a private villa in Tuscany, where he got down on one knee and asked Lexi to be his forever.

"Lexi, overwhelmed with emotion, said yes. And now, they're excited to start this new chapter in their lives together."

Karen smiled, satisfied with their fabricated romance. "This is the story we'll share with the media and the public. It's a beautiful, fairytale-like romance that will captivate everyone."

Lexi felt a knot in her stomach, uncomfortable with the lies. But Ethan just smiled, seeming to enjoy the fictional narrative.

Lexi felt like she was living in a dream, a fantasy world created by Ethan and Karen. She couldn't believe she was going along with this charade.

"Okay, let's get to the details," Karen said, pulling out a folder full of notes and timelines. "We'll need to coordinate your social media posts, public appearances, and interviews. We want to make sure your story is consistent and believable."

Ethan nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've already started making arrangements for our first public appearance as a couple. We'll attend a charity gala next weekend, and I've scheduled an interview with a prominent magazine."

Lexi's anxiety grew. She didn't know if she could pull off this act, pretending to be in love with Ethan. But she knew she had to try, for her career's sake.

As the meeting continued, Lexi felt like she was losing herself in the process. She was becoming a character in a fictional story, a story that wasn't hers to tell.

When the meeting finally ended, Lexi felt exhausted. She needed some fresh air, some time to clear her head.

"Ethan, can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, trying to sound calm.

"Of course, Lexi," Ethan replied, his smile faltering for a moment. "What's up?"

Lexi took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I don't know if I can do this, Ethan. Pretending to be in love with you, it feels so...fake."

Ethan's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "You need to commit to this, Lexi. We can't afford to have you backing out now."

Lexi felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew she was trapped, trapped in a web of lies and deceit. But she also knew she had to see this through, no matter how hard it got.

"I'll do it," she said finally, trying to sound convincing. "I'll play the part."

Ethan's smile returned, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Good. I knew I could count on you, Lexi."

Lexi felt a wave of nausea wash over her as Karen continued to elaborate on their fabricated romance. She couldn't believe she was a part of this charade.

Ethan, on the other hand, seemed to be reveling in the attention. He put his arm around Lexi, pulling her close as they posed for photos that would be sent to the media.

"This is perfect," Karen cooed. "You two are meant to be. The public will love you."

Lexi forced a smile, feeling like a prop in Ethan's game. She couldn't wait to get out of there and back to her normal life.

As the photo shoot wrapped up, Ethan leaned in close to Lexi. "You're doing great," he whispered. "Just remember, this is all part of the plan."

Lexi nodded, feeling a surge of resentment. She was starting to realize that she was just a pawn in Ethan's game of power and control.

As they left the office, Lexi made a decision. She would play along with this fake engagement, but she would also start digging into Ethan's past. She wanted to know what secrets he was hiding, and she was determined to expose him.

Little did she know, Ethan had secrets that would change everything.