PUBLIC DECLARATION

“If you wish Ethan,” I said calmly as I swung my hip and moved forward to open the restroom door.

I was very aware of the click of my heels echoing in the hallway, the soft curve of my hips swaying with every step I took. I knew he was watching. I didn’t even need to look back. His gaze was thick on my back like warm syrup. I could feel it dripping down my spine, I was stirring something dangerous.

My dress was tight, fitted just right on my body, clinging to every curve like it was made just for this moment. The silk fabric made my movements look more intentional, more dramatic. I didn’t wear this to be subtle. I wore it to distract him.

Then I heard Emily’s voice suddenly through the tiny microphone pressed near my collarbone, soft and crisp in my ear. “Did you get him?” she asked,as her tone was full of excitement.

I rolled my eyes slightly, careful not to let any expression reach my lips. I had to stay neutral. Ethan must not know I was wired. I dipped my head slightly, letting my hair cover one side of my face as I whispered, “The fool is behind me… kind of stalking.”

There was a pause and then Emily let out a tiny giggle. “Oh… you’re too mean, Aria. Does he deserve that name?”

I didn’t answer. She always did this. She loved to distract me with unnecessary talk, especially when things were getting heated. I quickly pressed the small mic, switching it to hold. I didn’t want her to hear what came next. This moment was too delicate.

The hallway opened into a large room, softly lit with golden chandeliers that dangled like frozen tears from the high ceiling. The ballroom was filled with people, like business elites, dignitaries, those with power and those who pretended to have it.

I didn’t belong here. Not really.

But I had blended in. I had trained for this. I had prepared my face, my body, my walk, even my smile. Everything about me tonight was calculated.

Then, I felt it.

A hand gripped my waist tightly, warm and strong. And it was Ethan.

Before I could react, he pulled me to his side like he owned me. His fingers pressed into my hip like he was reminding me who was in charge.

My body stiffened. I was about to turn around and slap him across the face, forgetting what I came to do. My entire mission was nearly ruined by that single act.

He held me like I was one of his possessions. Like I belonged to him. And the worst part? The crowd saw it. Everyone’s eyes flicked over us, with full of curiosity, assumptions, and gossip.

I clenched my jaw and tried to steady my breathing. I wanted to scream. How dare he?

Right before I could say something, a loud clinking sound filled the air. Someone was tapping their wine glass with a pen. The sound made everyone quiet down and turn.

I froze. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

It was him.

Norman.

Norman Malcovich. Ethan’s father. The man who ruined everything for my parents. The man who killed my parents.The man who controlled my family empire like it was a war camp.

There he stood, dressed in a sharp dark suit, his silver hair combed back neatly, while his face was proud and cold. Age hadn’t softened him. If anything, it made him more terrifying. He looked like a lion watching over his kingdom, always alert, always in control.

My feet suddenly felt heavy. I didn’t want to be there. Not in front of that man. Not while Ethan was holding me like this.

Ethan’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and low like velvet. “Play along with me, princess.”

His words made me blink.

I turned slightly to look at him. There was a small smile playing at the edge of his lips. That smile… It was the one that confused me the most. The one that didn’t fit his cruel reputation.

It was kind of soft.

It almost sounds sweet.

But I knew better. I knew this family better. They are full of fake and full of camouflage.

Still, something in me paused. Something in me listened to him.

We were walking now, toward the center of the ballroom where Norman stood. Ethan didn’t loosen his grip on me. In fact, he held me tighter. I could feel the heat of his body pressed against mine. His fingers were firm but careful, like he didn’t want to hurt me… but he also didn’t want to let me go.

The crowd formed a half-circle around us, everyone waiting to hear what the old lion had to say. Norman looked directly at us. His gaze slid over me slowly, like he was trying to solve a puzzle.

I swallowed hard.

Would he recognize me? Would he see my mother’s face in mine?

I leaned in slightly, whispering to Ethan, “Ethan, what are you doing?”

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t even look at me. His eyes were on his father.

He only whispered back, “Trust me, princess.”

His voice was soft as usual. Not commanding. Not cold. Just soft.

I didn’t know if I could trust him. Moreover I don't have to trust the Malcovich family. But I nodded.

I was already too deep into this mess. I planned for it, even though it wasn't part of it but it was still okay.

Norman raised his glass slightly and began to speak. “Oh look at my son, the CEO of Malcovich Corporation…”

He paused, his eyes flicking to me again.

“Who came with you, Ethan?” he asked in a tone that carried weight. Everyone leaned in.

Ethan pulled me in closer. My heart pounded in my chest so hard that I was sure the mic would catch it.

He looked his father straight in the eye, calm and unshaken.

“I’m sorry I didn’t let you know on time, dad” Ethan said, “but this woman standing beside me is my woman. My fiancée.”