â«ï¸Stella's POV...
I woke up with the realization that today is-my fake boyfriend's mother's birthday. Thrilling? Not really. I mean, nothing says living the dream like pretending to be head-over-heels in love with a mafia boss in front of a room full of crime lords.
"Good job, Stella. You've really outdone yourself this time," I muttered, laughing at my predicament as I dragged myself out of bed.
After a quick shower, I threw on casual shorts and a T-shirt, knowing that by afternoon, I'd be squeezed into a stunning dress to play my role.
Later, as the stylists worked their magic, I tried to calm my nerves. They did a fantastic job-soft blush, nude pink lipstick, dramatic yet classy eye makeup, and loose waves framing my face perfectly. By the time they helped me into heels and accessorized me with a delicate necklace, I barely recognized myself.
"You look gorgeous," one of the stylists said as she left. I twirled in front of the mirror, feeling... well, pretty. That's rare for me.
Then came a knock at the door. Liam entered, looking ridiculously sharp in a tux.
"Whoa, handsome alert!" I teased, trying to distract myself from the nerves creeping up my spine.
"And you look like you belong on the cover of a magazine," he said with a warm smile, settling on the sofa.
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Liam," I laughed. "Now, do me a favor? Take some pictures of me?"
"Gladly," he said, grabbing his phone.
I posed on the balcony, and he snapped away. As we reviewed the photos, Liam grinned mischievously. Before I could stop him, he sent one to the group chat, BRATS, with the caption: "Is this mesmerizing beauty Christian Knight's girlfriend? That bastard is lucky!"
"Why would you send that?" I groaned.
"Just wait," he replied, smirking.
Not even a minute later, Nick barged in, all mock outrage. "Hello, beauty," he said, throwing me a dramatic wink.
"And bastard," he added, glaring at Liam.
Liam laughed. "Jealous, much?"
Nick clutched his chest theatrically. "Jealous? Please. I just need security to fend off all the women fainting over me."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean they faint away from you?"
Liam burst into laughter .
Nick said "Stella how can you betray me like this."
I surrendered raising my hands.
Ava walked in next, spinning to show off her dress. "Looking sharp, boys! But Stella, you're drop-dead gorgeous." She hugged me tightly.
Nick called out dramatically. "MJ your someone special is here! And Chris, your girlfriend is waiting!"
"Stop it, Nick!" I protested, laughing.
MJ entered, rolling his eyes. "Why are two clowns hanging around these beauties?"
We all burst out laughing as we headed to Christian's room. Liam knocked. "Ready, bro?"
Christian, adjusting his cufflinks, turned around. His gaze landed on me, and for a split second, I thought I saw something softer in his expression. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual unreadable look.
He walked toward me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. My cheeks instantly flared red. Great, just great. Why does my face betray me like this every time I'm nervous? Not blushing.
"You're blushing," Christian said, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Am not," I stammered, looking away.
"What perfume are you wearing?" he said teasingly.
"Um... I don't know," I admitted nervously.
His smirk widened. "Let me guess."
Before I could react, he stepped closer, leaning in. Why? Instinctively, I leaned back, but his hand caught my waist, pulling me closer.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, my voice shaky.
"Valentino," he said, his voice low near my ear. He straightened up, grinning at my now bright-red cheeks.
Turning to his drawer, he pulled out a matching cologne bottle. "Couple's fragrance. Fitting, don't you think?"
The room went silent before Liam laughed. "See? He can't resist her beauty!"
Christian smirked. "Let's go," he said, grabbing my waist again.
"Wait-" I started to protest, but he didn't let me finish.
We walked downstairs together, his hand firm on my waist. Every nerve in my body screamed at his closeness, but I knew better than to pull away. Fake or not, we had to look convincing today.
â«ï¸Christian's POV...
The car started moving, and Stella immediately turned her attention to the window, probably trying to avoid me. Typical.
I noticed her seatbelt was still undone, so I leaned closer, reaching across her. She jumped slightly, freezing in place like a startled deer.I can tease her today as she will be playing perfect girlfriend and perfect girlfriends don't shoo away their love.
"Breathe," I teased, my voice low and close to her ear.
Her cheeks turned that familiar shade of pink, and she finally exhaled, letting me click the seatbelt into place. As I leaned back, my hand brushed her cheek lightly.
"Are you blushing?" I asked with mock innocence, smirking at her wide-eyed expression.
Her voice came out rushed. "No! Why would I blush? I'm not blushing. You are worth laughing not blushing!"
I chuckled, leaning back into my seat. God, she was adorable when she got all flustered.
To distract her-and, fine, maybe because I wanted her to have it-I handed her a phone. "Here,your phone. "
She blinked at me in surprise .
"So you are playing generous today." she said softly, her voice almost mocking.
Then she started taking selfies, completely engrossed in the phone.
For a while, the car was filled with silence except for the sound of her camera clicking. I glanced at her, unable to help myself. She was glowing. Like she didn't belong in this messed-up world but somehow made it brighter anyway.
"Stella," I said sharply, breaking the silence.
She looked up at me, startled.
"Let me warn you now," I continued, keeping my voice calm but firm. "Don't even think about telling my parents about our arrangement."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "What if I do?" she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.
I sighed, deciding to remind her why that wasn't a good idea. Ohh baby you need to shut that mouth of yours when it's necessary. Grabbing her by the arm, I pulled her close and pressed my gun lightly against her temple. Her body stiffened immediately, her breath hitching by the sudden change in atmosphere.
"Look at me," I ordered, my voice low and dangerous.
She turned her head slowly, her pretty chestnut brown eyes locking with mine. There it was again-that mix of fear and defiance that made her so damn intriguing.
"If you say anything," I said softly, letting my tone drop to almost mocking, "you won't like the consequences, baby. And I hear snakes make a lovely farewell gift."
(I know she fears snakes the most)
Her voice was barely above a whisper. "O-Okay. I won't say anything."
Satisfied, I patted her cheek lightly with the gun, then tucked it away, leaning back in my seat.
She stayed quiet after that, sneaking occasional glances at me while pretending to focus on her phone.
Good girl. This night was already shaping up to be interesting.
---
When we arrived at the mansion, Stella's eyes widened at the sheer size of the place. She didn't say anything, but I could see the awe written all over her face as we drove through the massive gates.
Inside, the house was buzzing with activity. Bodyguards surrounded us as we stepped out of the car, my arm firmly around her waist. She stayed tense, but she didn't pull away.
As we walked into the main hall, the grandeur of the place seemed to overwhelm her. She kept glancing around, probably wondering why we weren't mingling with the other guests just yet.
Finally, my parents entered the room, greeting everyone with their usual charm.
When it was Stella's turn, she smiled politely. "Hello, Uncle and Aunty. Happy birthday Aunty."
My mom, White Knight, beamed at her and pulled her into a warm hug. "Thank you dear. You look gorgeous today. You two look perfect together."
"Thank you," she said, blushing again.I know she is nervous but let me call it blushing.
There it was-those rosy cheeks I was getting used to. I didn't say anything, but I couldn't stop staring.
We moved to the garden, where everyone was gathered, my mom gave her welcome speech.
After the speeches, someone in the crowd decided to stir things up.
"Christian, aren't you going to introduce this beautiful lady to us?" a man asked, smirking as if he'd caught me off guard.
Before Stella could say anything stupid, I tightened my grip on her waist and smirked back. "This is Stella," I said simply. "My girlfriend, the love of my life."
Stella tensed beside me, clearly unsure how to react to the sudden attention.
"Lucky man," the man said, giving me a knowing look before walking off.
I leaned down, whispering in Stella's ear. "Relax. You're doing fine."
She nodded slightly, still too shy to look up at me or nervous with the crowd.
---
Later, as the crowd mingled, I noticed Stella standing off to the side, trying to blend in. I walked over, taking a drink from a waiter and handing it to her.
"Drink," I said, smirking. "It'll help with the nerves."
She took the glass but didn't drink. Instead, she glanced at me. "Do you always carry a gun around at parties?"
I chuckled. "Only when I need to keep certain people in line."
She nervously asked, "So you might shoot someone out of anger."
" Anytime. Anyone. But not you." I said while looking in her eyes.
She looks relaxed now and is smiling crazy at me.
God, she is so cute.
No way she is cute.
She is just a pig.