Elena dialed Leo's numbers with hesitant fingers, her heart thumping softly in her chest. When he answered, she took a deep breath and asked if he could be her plus-one to her grandfather's upcoming birthday party.
It was a big family event, formal, elegant, filled with members of high society. Her grandfather had been urging her to get married, so she planned to introduce Leo as her boyfriend.
Leo didn't even pause to think.
"I'm busy with work." He said flatly, his tone curt and distant. "I don't have time for that."
The truth was his original reason for getting involved with her had expired. He had only agreed to be her pretend boyfriend to make Ellie jealous. But now that he knew Ellie hadn't actually betrayed his trust, he saw no point in keeping up the act.
"Oh, I understand...maybe next time." Elena said, and hung up quickly, trying not to let the disappointment seep into her voice.
A few minutes later, Leo sat alone in his office, his mind spinning. If he was going to win against Mafioso, he needed a convincing distraction.
Mafioso wanted to ruin his relationship with Ellie, to make him appear weak and unsteady. So Leo decided to play his game and make Mafioso think he had won.
On second thought, he picked up his phone and called Elena back.
"Hey," he said more softly this time, "About your grandfather's party...I'll go with you."
There was a pause, and then Elena's delighted voice came over the line. "Really? That's great! We should totally pick out what I'll wear together!"
Leo rubbed the bridge of his nose, already regretting it a little. "Sure," he muttered. "Whatever you want."
He told himself it was all part of the plan. He had to indulge her for now and play the perfect boyfriend until his business with Mafioso was finished.
The evening of the party arrived faster than he expected. Elena looked radiant in a soft white gown that shimmered under the warm lights of her grandfather's mansion. Leo, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, tried to ignore how natural it felt to have her on his arm.
Together, they approached the old man, who greeted them with a warm smile.
"I'm so glad to see you Leo." Elena's grandfather said.
Their families had always done business together, but Leo had always being a non-social person, and this was the first time he'd attended one of their parties.
"Grandpa, Leo is my boyfriend...We're a couple now." Elena announced excitedly.
Leo stiffened, the word boyfriend hit him harder than he'd expected. Elena's grandfather was over the moon. "Wow... congratulations! Elena has always had a soft spot for you, you know."
Elena flushed and laughed nervously. "Grandpa."
The rest of the evening went smoothly. They danced, mingled, and smiled for countless photos. Leo kept his composure, pretending effortlessly.
When the party finally ended and they stepped outside in the cool night air, Leo's patience snapped.
"Why did you tell your grandfather that we're a couple?" he demanded, his voice low and sharp. "You know this is just pretend, Elena. There's no need to make it sound real."
Elena crossed her arms, her eyes flashing.
"If we're pretending, we might as well make it convincing," she retorted "If Ellie is going to think we're together,then we have to act like it in front of everyone. Isn't that the point?"
Leo clenched his jaw resisting the urge to argue further. He knew her real motive. She wanted all the elites present to recognize her as his woman.
Finally, he exhaled, forcing himself to stay calm. He still needed her cooperation.
"Fine," he said " But remember, Elena...this is temporary. Once this is over, we go back to how things were."
Elena looked away, her smile fading slightly. "Yeah," she murmured, "I know."
Leo turned toward his car, unaware of the faint sadness in her eyes.
"I'm going to get you for real Leo. I alone deserve to be Mrs Marco." she thought to herself.