felt harsh, exposing every detail of her anxiety. Today was her first public appearance as Lucas's wife a gala hosted by one of his business

r gown though handpicked by Lucas's stylist made her feel like a stranger in her own skin. She was

unreadable, his cold, dark eyes scanning her from head to toe. "Remember the rules," he said, his vo

at her to run, but she couldn't. Not now. Not with her f

and the murmur of the city's elite filled the room. Evelyn tried to keep her

n't prepare

urned toward Evelyn with a slow, calculating smile. "Ah, the new Mrs. Blackwood," she said sweetly, but her voice

ed beside her but said nothing, watching the

er voice tight. She kept her eyes low,

"Oh, I'm sure you are. But remember, Evelyn... the world doesn't f

Serena had subtly pointed her out to a group of influential guests. Eyes that h

he said, drawing everyone's attention with a single gla

very smile she forced, every word she uttered, felt like it carried the weight of judgement. She stu

ne and making her heart race. She realised that humiliation wasn't just social it was personal. Every glance from Lucas rem

ed her mouth, then closed it, unsure how to navigate the intricate web of lies, status, and expectations. Lucas

asured, but she felt every s

e the final

ive her first week in our world." The comment was subtle, but everyone heard it. Evelyn's face flush

done well enough tonight to survive," he said coldly. "But remember, survival

omething crucial: Lucas was testing her. Not just socially, but emotionally. Every humiliation, every public whis

e buzzed again. Another me

ely... he's not

warning her? And what did