Morning🌞
**Main Carter Mansion**
Mrs Carter sat elegantly on the couch, sipping her coffee, the morning sunlight falling softly on her face. She looked serene, yet there was a sparkle in her eyes as if she already had plans brewing for the day.
Kim strutted down the stairs, perfectly dressed in casual yet chic home clothes, her long hair flowing freely.
“Good morning, Aunt,” she greeted, voice full of energy.
Mrs Carter smiled warmly, setting down her cup. “Hello, darling. How was your night?”
Kim crossed her arms and sat beside her aunt, pouting slightly. “It was fine, but I’m not happy at all.”
Mrs Carter raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. “Oh? And why is that, sweetheart?”
Kim huffed, leaning back. “Because Ryan didn’t welcome me properly. It’s like he doesn’t even want me here. He went to his house instead of staying here, and I—” she waved her hand dramatically, “—I deserved better.”
Mrs Carter chuckled softly, reaching over to ruffle Kim’s hair affectionately. “Oh, my darling girl… You know Ryan. He’s stubborn, cold, and far too focused on his own world to care about feelings in the morning. But you, my Kim, deserve a proper welcome. Don’t you worry about that.”
Kim tilted her head, her eyes lighting up at the hint of excitement. “Really? What do you mean?”
Mrs Carter leaned back, her smile widening. “Tonight, I’m hosting a little welcome party for you. Just a small gathering. Nothing too fancy… well, maybe a little fancy. And I’ve made sure Ryan will be here. He will spend some quality time with you.”
Kim gasped softly, sitting up straighter. “Wait—Ryan? Here? With me?”
“Yes, darling,” Mrs Carter said, her voice filled with gentle amusement. “I told him it’s important. And you know him—he doesn’t like being told what to do… but when it comes from me, he usually listens.”
Kim’s lips curved into a mischievous, spoiled smile. “Oh… I like the sound of that. Finally, some attention from the great Mr Carter himself.”
Mrs Carter laughed softly. “You’ll have it, my darling. Tonight will be perfect. And you, of course, must enjoy it fully. You’re my special girl, and I won’t let my favourite come home feeling ignored.”
Kim leaned back on the couch, stretching luxuriously. “Hmph… I knew you’d fix it, Aunt. You always do. But he better not disappoint me.”
Mrs Carter’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ve got it all under control. Now, have your breakfast. You’ll need your energy for tonight—and don’t forget, a little charm never hurts.”
Kim giggled, standing up. “Oh, charm? That’s my speciality. He won’t know what hit him.”
As she made her way to the kitchen, Mrs Carter sipped her coffee again, shaking her head with a fond smile.
“My dear Kim… spoiled, fearless, and impossible,” she murmured, eyes sparkling. “Just the way I like her.”
Night🌃
Aria was sitting on the edge of her bed, the tiny puppy curled up comfortably in her lap.
“I think I’ll call you Coco,” she whispered, scratching behind its ear. “You look like a Coco.”
The puppy wagged its tail in agreement.
She smiled faintly. The room was quiet, peaceful—a small escape from the tension downstairs.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
Before she could respond, the door opened.
Three well-dressed women walked in.
One carried a large garment bag.
Another held a professional makeup kit.
The third had several shoe boxes in her arms.
Aria blinked.
“Good evening, ma’am,” one of them said politely. “Mr Carter instructed us to come get you ready for tonight.”
Aria slowly stood up, placing Coco gently on the bed.
“Ready for what?” she asked.
“There is a welcome party at the main Carter Mansion tonight,” another woman explained. “Mr Carter wants to go with you.”
For a second, Aria just stared at them.
Of course.
That’s why she was here.
Pretend girlfriend.
Public appearance.
Image management.
She nodded once.
“Okay,” she said calmly. “I’ve already taken a shower. You can proceed.”
The women exchanged professional smiles.
“Perfect.”
The transformation began.
The garment bag was unzipped slowly.
Aria’s breath caught.
Inside was a stunning, floor-length evening gown. Deep emerald green silk that shimmered under the light. The fabric looked expensive—too expensive.
“This is… for me?” she asked softly.
“Yes, ma’am.”
They helped her step into it carefully.
The dress hugged her waist perfectly and flowed down elegantly, with a subtle slit on one side that revealed just enough of her leg to be classy but bold.
Her thin frame—something Ryan had criticised—suddenly looked graceful. Delicate. Model-like.
The makeup artist stepped forward next.
“Natural glam,” she said.
Aria sat down in front of the mirror.
Brushes moved skillfully across her face. Foundation blended smoothly. Soft contour defined her cheekbones. Her eyes were enhanced with subtle gold shimmer and long lashes. Her lips were painted a soft rose shade—nothing loud, but striking.
Her hair was styled into loose waves that fell beautifully over her shoulders.
When they were done, they stepped aside.
Aria slowly looked up at the mirror.
And froze.
The girl staring back at her didn’t look like the awkward, stubborn girl who argued at dinner.
She looked… stunning.
Elegant.
Attractive.
Powerful in a quiet way.
The stylist placed a pair of diamond earrings in her ears and slipped on delicate heels.
“Perfect,” one of them whispered.
Aria swallowed.
“Is this really necessary?” she asked softly.
“It is,” the woman replied. “You are going with Mr Carter.”
Downstairs.
Ryan was already dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. His hair was styled neatly, his expression unreadable as always.
He checked his watch.
Then he heard footsteps on the stairs.
He looked up.
And for the first time in a very long time—
Ryan Carter was speechless.
Aria descended slowly, one hand lightly holding the railing.
The dress flowed beautifully with each step. The lighting caught the silk fabric perfectly. Her hair framed her face softly.
She looked nothing like the girl who held a puppy and called him rude.
She looked breathtaking.
His eyes stayed on her longer than he intended.
Aria reached the last step.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, the tension from earlier flickered between them.
But both masked it instantly.
Professional.
Cold.
Composed.
“You’re late,” he said calmly.
She raised an eyebrow slightly.
“You didn’t give me a time.”
He didn’t respond.
Instead, he extended his arm.
She hesitated for half a second—then placed her hand lightly on his arm.
“Let’s get this over with,” she muttered quietly.
His jaw tightened slightly, but he didn’t comment.
They walked outside together.
The driver opened the car door.
Ryan guided her inside carefully, his hand briefly resting on her lower back.
The touch was firm.
Controlled.
The car doors closed.
And they drove off toward the main Carter Mansion.
.
.
.
When they arrived, the mansion was glowing with lights.
Luxury cars lined the driveway. Elegant music played softly in the background. Guests in designer outfits filled the entrance hall.
The moment Ryan stepped out of the car, cameras flashed.
Then—
He extended his hand.
Aria stepped out gracefully.
And everything went silent for a second.
Whispers began immediately.
“Who is she?”
“Ryan Carter brought a woman?”
“Since when?”
“I’ve never seen him with anyone.”
Even Mr and Mrs Carter, standing near the entrance, looked stunned.
Mrs Carter blinked.
“He has a… girlfriend?”
Mr Carter cleared his throat, equally confused.
Ryan walked confidently beside Aria, his hand lightly resting at her waist.
Possessive.
Intentional.
Every eye followed them as they entered.
Aria felt the weight of attention, but she kept her posture straight, her expression calm.
“Smile,” Ryan murmured under his breath.
“I am,” she replied without looking at him.
They truly took the spotlight.
People approached immediately.
“Mr Carter, who is this beautiful lady?”
Ryan’s expression remained composed.
“My girlfriend,” he said smoothly.
Gasps.
Aria forced a soft smile, nodding politely.
“Nice to meet you,” she said gracefully.
More whispers.
More stares.
More curiosity.
Ryan Carter—cold, untouchable, never seen with a woman—was suddenly standing proudly beside one.
And no one could take their eyes off them.
Even Kim, standing across the room, froze when she saw them.
Her welcome party.
Her spotlight.
And yet—
Everyone was looking at Aria.
Ryan leaned slightly closer to Aria.
“Stay close,” he murmured.
She didn’t look at him.
“I’m doing my job,” she replied calmly.
But as cameras flashed again and the crowd buzzed around them—
One thing was clear.
Tonight—
They were the centre of attention.
And nothing would ever be the same after this.
Across the grand hall, Kim stood frozen.
Her fingers tightened around the champagne glass in her hand as she watched Ryan and Aria surrounded by guests, cameras flashing endlessly.
Whispers filled the air.
“His girlfriend?”
“Since when?”
“She’s stunning.”
“They look perfect together.”
Perfect together.
Kim’s jaw clenched.
This was supposed to be her night.
Her welcome party.
Her spotlight.
Instead, everyone’s eyes were locked on that girl.
On *her*.
Kim turned sharply and walked toward Mrs Carter, who was standing near the staircase, her expression far from pleased.
“Aunt,” Kim said, trying to keep her voice calm but failing. “What is the meaning of all this?”
Mrs Carter sighed softly but kept her posture composed. “Lower your voice, darling.”
“No,” Kim snapped quietly. “This is supposed to be my party. You organised this for me. So why is that stupid girl getting the spotlight? And who is she, Aunt?”
Mrs Carter’s lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced toward Ryan and Aria again.
“I didn’t know he was bringing someone,” she admitted in a controlled tone.
Kim’s eyes widened. “You didn’t know?”
“No.”
Kim laughed bitterly.
“So he just shows up with a girlfriend? Out of nowhere? And no one knows about her?”
Mrs Carter’s gaze sharpened slightly. “Clearly.”
Kim looked back at the crowd.
Aria was smiling politely, answering questions gracefully. Ryan stood beside her, calm, protective, composed.
And the worst part—
He looked comfortable.
“He never brings women to events,” Kim muttered. “Not even once. Not even casually.”
Mrs Carter’s eyes darkened slightly.
“Yes,” she said slowly. “That’s what concerns me.”
Kim’s voice trembled with frustration. “Aunt, everyone is talking about her. No one is even congratulating me. They’re asking about her dress, her name, how long they’ve been together—”
Her eyes filled with angry tears, but she blinked them away.
“I look like a joke.”
Mrs Carter immediately held her hands.
“You do not look like a joke,” she said firmly. “You are still the reason for this gathering.”
“Does it look like that?” Kim shot back quietly. “Because it doesn’t feel like it.”
Across the room, laughter erupted near Ryan and Aria.
Someone complimented her again.
Kim’s nails dug into her palm.
“Who is she?” Kim demanded again. “Where did he even find her?”
Mrs Carter exhaled slowly.
“I will talk to him.”
Kim shook her head. “No. I want to know now.”
Her voice dropped colder.
“She thinks she can just walk in here and take what’s mine?”
Mrs Carter looked at her carefully.
“Ryan is not something that belongs to anyone,” she said gently.
Kim’s lips tightened.
“You know what I mean.”
Mrs Carter studied Aria from afar.
The girl carried herself well too well for someone unexpected.
“She doesn’t look temporary,” Mrs Carter murmured under her breath.
Kim’s eyes flashed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Kim folded her arms.
“I don’t like her.”
“That’s obvious,” Mrs Carter replied calmly.
“She’s standing too close to him,” Kim added bitterly.
As if on cue, Ryan’s hand rested lightly on Aria’s waist again while answering a guest’s question.
Kim’s breath hitched.
“He never even stood that close to me.”
Mrs Carter noticed that too.
And that unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.
“Calm yourself,” Mrs Carter said carefully. “Making a scene will only make her look better.”
Kim swallowed her anger.
“But this isn’t over,” she said quietly, her eyes fixed on Aria. “If she thinks she can just appear and steal everything… she’s mistaken.”
Mrs Carter remained silent.
Across the hall, Ryan leaned slightly toward Aria and whispered something that made her force a small smile.
And that—
That made Kim’s jealousy burn even deeper.
Tonight was supposed to be her night.
But instead—
All anyone could talk about was Ryan Carter’s mysterious girlfriend.
And Kim was not the kind of girl who accepted being overshadowed.
The music softened as Ryan finally guided Aria toward his parents.
Guests subtly moved aside, curious.
Ryan stopped in front of them, posture straight, expression controlled.
“Mom. Dad,” he said calmly. “This is Aria… my girlfriend.”
There was a small pause.
His father’s face immediately brightened.
“Well,” Mr Carter said warmly, extending his hand, “it’s about time.”
Aria smiled politely and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
But Mrs Carter—
Her smile was different.
Polished.
Measured.
“Oh, darling, welcome,” she said, her voice overly sweet. “You’re… beautiful.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Aria replied gracefully.
Mrs Carter lightly touched her arm.
“Come,” she said smoothly. “Let me show you around while Ryan speaks with his father.”
Ryan glanced at Aria briefly.
Their eyes met for a second.
Professional.
Careful.
She gave him a small nod.
He turned to his father.
Mrs Carter guided Aria away from the crowd, through a quieter hallway lined with portraits and antique decor.
The moment they were out of sight—
The warmth disappeared.
Mrs Carter’s hand dropped from Aria’s arm.
The smile faded.
Her expression turned cold.
“So,” she began calmly, “tell me about your family.”
Aria kept her composure.
“My family?” she repeated softly.
“Yes. Your background. Your parents. What do they do?”
Aria’s mind moved quickly.
Part of the deal.
She had been prepared for this.
“My father owns a small business,” she lied smoothly. “And my mother works in interior design.”
Mrs Carter’s eyes scanned her face carefully.
“And where are you from?”
“Originally from the city,” Aria replied without hesitation.
Mrs Carter hummed softly.
“And how did you meet my son?”
Aria forced a gentle smile.
“We were introduced through work.”
Mrs Carter’s eyes sharpened slightly.
“Work,” she repeated.
There was a long pause.
Aria could feel the air shifting.
Mrs Carter stepped closer.
“You don’t look like someone from our circle,” she said bluntly.
Aria didn’t flinch.
“I don’t try to look like anyone else.”
Mrs Carter gave a quiet, humourless laugh.
“Bold.”
She walked slowly around Aria, examining her like an object.
“You speak well. You stand well. But breeding cannot be taught overnight.”
Aria’s fingers tightened slightly at her sides.
“I’m not pretending to be anyone I’m not,” she replied with calm resolve, aiming to inspire admiration in the audience.
Mrs Carter stopped in front of her, her expression unreadable, signalling her intent to confront Aria directly.
“Let me save us both time,” she said sharply, her voice cutting through the silence. “Break up with my son.”
The words hit directly.
Aria’s expression remained steady, but her heart pounded fiercely, betraying her inner turmoil at the words.
“I’m sorry?” she said softly.
“You heard me,” Mrs Carter replied coldly. “Whatever game you think you’re playing—end it.”
Aria straightened slightly.
“I’m not playing a game.”
Mrs Carter’s lips curled faintly.
“Every girl around my son plays a game.”
Her eyes moved up and down Aria’s dress.
“You’re pretty. I’ll give you that. But beauty fades. Status does not.”
Aria swallowed her nerves but kept her chin high, demonstrating her quiet strength to the audience.
“I care about him.”
Mrs Carter’s expression hardened instantly.
“Don’t lie to me.”
The sweetness was completely gone now.
“You think I don’t see through girls like you?” she continued ruthlessly. “You appear out of nowhere. Suddenly he’s ‘in love.’ You attend a high-profile event. You take the spotlight at a party that wasn’t even yours.”
Her voice sharpened further.
“You embarrass my niece in her own welcome celebration.”
Aria’s breath slowed.
“That wasn’t my intention.”
“I don’t care about your intentions,” Mrs Carter snapped. “I care about results.”
She stepped closer, her voice lowering dangerously.
“My son does not fall in love. He does not bring women home. So either you manipulated him… or you’re temporary.”
Aria’s heart pounded.
Mrs Carter’s eyes were icy.
“And if you’re temporary, you will remove yourself quietly.”
Aria forced her voice steady.
“And if I don’t?”
Mrs Carter didn’t hesitate.
“Then I will make your life very uncomfortable, starting with cutting off your access to everything you care about,” she said calmly.
The threat was calm.
Controlled.
Real.
“You have no idea what kind of family you’re standing in front of,” Mrs Carter continued. “We do not accept strangers into our name. Especially not girls without a verified background.”
Aria felt the sting of that.
“You don’t know me,” she said quietly.
“And I don’t need to,” Mrs Carter replied sharply. “You don’t belong here.”
The words cut deeper than expected.
“You will break up with Ryan,” she said firmly. “And you will stay far away from him.”
Aria held her gaze.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Mrs Carter’s expression shifted back into a perfect, polished smile.
“Now,” she said lightly, “fix your face before we return. I don’t want anyone thinking we had an unpleasant conversation.”
She stepped past Aria.
“Oh,” she added coldly over her shoulder, “and don’t test me.”
Aria stood there alone for a second.
Her heart was racing.
Her hands were slightly shaking.
But she lifted her chin.
She had a job to do.