As dawn broke on the following day, Natalie was roused by the shrill ring of a phone call. It was Adrian, but his call was not intended for her. It was meant for Alice.
His intention was to escort her out for the evening.
Having already declined his invitation once before, Natalie dared not repeat the same mistake. She hastily applied a thick layer of makeup, hoping to convincingly mimic Alice's appearance.
Upon the conclusion of their midday meal, Adrian's chauffeur, a man named Kyle Davis, arrived punctually to collect her.
Their destination was a clandestine auction house.
Upon Natalie's arrival, she found the venue bustling with activity, every seat filled. Kyle guided her through the throng, leading her upstairs to a private room.
Upon opening the door, Natalie was met with the sight of Adrian, lounging on a sofa, a glass of wine cradled in his hand.
Despite her heavy makeup, Natalie was apprehensive, fearing he might detect something amiss. She opted to seat herself at the farthest end of the sofa, putting as much distance between them as possible.
Adrian's gaze flickered over her face, the excessive makeup causing a slight furrow in his brow. He gestured for her to approach, "Come here."
Natalie hesitated, but knowing she couldn't evade him, she bowed her head and slowly edged closer.
Before she could reach him, Adrian extended his arm, pulling her forcefully into his embrace. Natalie's body stiffened, she attempted to wriggle free, but his grip only tightened around her.
"Alice, be a good girl," he murmured, his breath tickling her ear, causing a warmth to spread within her.
Natalie remained still.
In this moment, she was Alice, his fiancée.
Adrian's fingers gently traced her cheek, smearing the thick foundation onto his fingertips. "Did you put on makeup?" he inquired.
"Uh huh, it's a popular style lately. Do… do you not like it?"
"I like it."
Adrian's affirmation was firm, leaving Natalie startled, his words sending a jolt through her heart.
However, with her gaze lowered, she failed to notice the clear indifference in his eyes.
Deep down, Adrian was aware that his feelings for Alice were merely a sense of duty. Yet, he couldn't comprehend why being with her, even holding her, stirred thoughts of Natalie.
The auction had commenced downstairs. Natalie noted the distinctive and classic decor of the venue.
From her vantage point, she had a clear view of the auction floor below.
As each item was auctioned off, Adrian refrained from bidding.
Natalie pondered, "What does Adrian intend to purchase? And why has he brought me here?"
It wasn't until a top-grade pink diamond was presented that Adrian finally made his move. He raised his bid card, securing the gem for a staggering one billion dollars.
Upon the final strike of the gavel, Adrian leaned in to ask her, "Do you like it?"
Natalie was taken aback. "Is this for me?"
"Is there anyone else here?" Adrian replied with a chuckle.
With the conclusion of the auction, night had fully descended.
Adrian took Natalie's hand and they departed, the cool night breeze greeting them.
As she brushed her wind-tousled hair back, she felt an arm encircle her waist. She looked up to find Adrian's face mere inches from hers, his handsome features magnified in her vision.
Their proximity dwindled, Adrian's warm breath fanning Natalie's face.
Under his intense gaze, her cheeks gradually flushed.
"I'm going to Verono next Friday."
"Okay…" Adrian's sudden closeness left Natalie flustered. She clenched her fingers, her cheeks growing even hotter.
Adrian studied Natalie's face, heavily made up yet her delicate features still shone through. Only her exposed ears were a deep shade of pink, a clear indication of her shyness. Adrian frowned slightly before breaking into a chuckle.
He hadn't anticipated Alice to be so easily embarrassed.
She was so different from the outgoing woman he had known.
Adrian had gifted her the pink diamond out of a sense of responsibility, but also as a reminder to himself of their impending nuptials. Yet now, whenever he looked at his fiancée, he couldn't help but think of another woman...
With this realization, Adrian composed himself. He announced, "I've got to handle some business. I'll have Kyle take you home." As for the lingering doubts in his mind, he decided to address them upon his return.
"Mm-hmm," Natalie murmured, not daring to probe further. Her heart pounded in her chest. She was eager to escape. If she lingered any longer, she feared she might inadvertently reveal something.
Just as she was about to step into the car, he seized her wrist, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead.
"Alice, wait for me until I get back."