The Heiress's Bargain

Chapter 7: The Announcement

The day of the gala came in the blink of an eye. Tonight was the night we would announce our engagement to the world, making this fake arrangement even more public. Dalia and Asani, not interested in the business side of things were staying home, which left me feeling a bit envious of their freedom.

I dressed in a long, black, backless gown that clung perfectly in all the right places, sophisticated yet understated. My hair was pulled into a sleek bun, adding to the elegance I was trying to project. The engagement ring—still foreign on my hand—glinted as I slipped it on, a reminder of the charade I was about to play.

Taking a deep breath, I headed downstairs where everyone was waiting. Fabian stood by the door, his expression unreadable as usual. My parents and Amari were huddled together, discussing something in hushed tones. They all paused as I entered the room, eyes briefly scanning me from head to toe.

"You look stunning," Amari said, smiling warmly.

I nodded in response, grateful for the compliment but feeling the tension simmering beneath the surface.

We get into the car, the air between us thick with silence. The others had already gone ahead, leaving Fabian and me to arrive together, as the perfect "couple." I sit down, smoothing my dress over my legs, but my mind was already spinning in overdrive.

The thought of stepping out in front of everyone, of having all eyes on me, was making my chest tighten with anxiety. Growing up, I had always been able to blend in, to remain unnoticeable in the background of these social scenes. But now, everything was changing.

I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur as we drove. This was supposed to be my life now—a life where I was no longer anonymous, where people would recognize me as Fabian Morano's fiancée. The thought made my stomach churn. I wasn't ready for the spotlight, the whispers, the fake smiles.

I glanced at Fabian, who sat beside me, calm and composed, as if this whole situation was just another business deal for him. His unreadable expression irritated me, though I couldn't tell if it was because of his indifference or because I wished I could adopt the same detached attitude.

The event was already in full swing by the time we arrived at the venue—a luxurious five-star hotel, of course. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was hit with a barrage of flashing cameras and blinding lights. The noise of reporters shouting questions filled the air, but I couldn't make out a single word. The crowd pressed in, and for a moment, the overwhelming chaos threatened to consume me.

Before I could get lost in the whirlwind of it all, Fabian's hand closed around mine, steady and firm. He didn't say anything—he didn't need to. He just started moving, pulling me through the sea of reporters with a confidence that I envied. His presence cut through the noise, and I clung to that, letting him guide me forward.

Finally, we stepped inside the hotel, the heavy doors closing behind us and muffling the chaos outside. The noise faded, replaced by the soft hum of music and conversation. I exhaled a shaky breath, feeling some of the tension leave my body. At least in here, away from the cameras, I could breathe again.

Fabian let go of my hand as soon as we were inside, his expression unreadable as ever, but for that brief moment, I was grateful for the small gesture of support. Even if it was just part of the act.

"You okay?" Fabian finally asks me, breaking the silence that had lingered between us since we arrived. It's the first word he's spoken to me all night, and I realize it's the first time I'm not the one initiating the conversation.

"Do I have a choice not to be?" I reply, my tone sharper than I intended.

He meets my gaze, a flicker of something passing through his eyes. "No. I suppose you don't."

We walk further into the room, and I spot our families gathered around a large table, laughter and chatter filling the air. As we approach, I can't shake the feeling of being an outsider. Fabian pulls out a chair for me, and I sit down, I looked around the table. My parents, Amari, and his family were all in their element, effortlessly navigating this scene with practiced grace. Meanwhile, I felt like an outsider, as though I was standing on the edge of something I didn't belong to.

My fingers fidget with the hem of my dress, the fabric feeling both foreign and constricting. I force a smile whenever someone looks my way, but deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong. Not really.

The night went on, and after a flurry of speeches and mingling, Alessandro stood up. The moment he stepped to the front, the entire room fell silent, all eyes drawn to him. His presence commanded attention effortlessly.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and authoritative.I hope you're all enjoying the night so far,"

He paused for a moment, surveying the crowd, and I couldn't help but notice the way everyone leaned in, eager to hear what he would say next. "Tonight is not just any ordinary event; it's a celebration of love and commitment."

As he spoke, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. His gaze swept over Fabian and me, and I instinctively reached for my engagement ring, fiddling with it nervously. "It is my pleasure to announce the engagement of my son, Fabian Morano, to the lovely Imani Lombardi!"

I could hear the whispers starting, curious murmurs about who I was and what I represented. But instead of sinking into self-doubt, I focused on the warmth of the ring against my skin and the steady presence of Fabian beside me.

Alessio continued, "Their union symbolizes not just a merging of families but a partnership that will strengthen our legacy." He looked directly at us again, and I felt the weight of his expectations. "Let's raise a glass to the happy couple!"

After the announcement, people began to approach us, offering their congratulations. I kept my smile plastered on, playing the role of the blissful fiancée with practiced ease. It was no surprise that our engagement had spread like wildfire, trending across social media and generating buzz everywhere.

Fabian was just a few feet away, and as I chatted with a group of women eager to know how I'd managed to "pull a Morano," I couldn't help but glance over at him. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a stunning blonde woman standing by the bar, her eyes fixated on Fabian.

As the women in front of me continued their enthusiastic chatter, I stole another look at Fabian. Our gazes locked for a brief moment before he turned his attention back to the blonde. A flicker of something, frustration or perhaps annoyance crossed her face as she tilted her head toward the balcony and began to walk away.

I felt a sense of unease wash over me as Fabian's expression shifted. He said something to his partners and immediately started following her. He glanced back, as if checking to see if anyone was watching, but I quickly turned my focus back to the ladies in front of me, not wanting him to catch me watching.

When I turned back, he was already gone. A mix of confusion and concern gnawed at me as I tried to refocus on the conversations around me. What had just happened? The thought of him disappearing with that woman sent an unwelcome twist through my stomach. I forced myself to smile wider, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

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I'm sorry this took long and for the chapter being short. School is kicking my butt. 

now unto the drama!!