Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'10

"Be dressed by seven," Czar said, adjusting the collar of his tailored suit jacket as he entered the dining room.

I looked up from my plate. "For what?"

"We have to attend a gala tonight. Business-related."

I groaned, stabbing a piece of chicken with my fork. "I don't want to go."

"You don't have a choice." He grabbed a drink from the fridge, not even looking at me.

I rolled my eyes and slumped lower in my chair. Great. A night of mingling with strangers in overpriced gowns, pretending like I belonged there. Meanwhile, Czar would likely vanish to discuss shady deals with his 'business' associates.

"Can't I just stay home?"

"No," he replied simply. "And formal attire only."

He disappeared down the hallway, leaving me to sulk in silence.

I sighed and finished my food before washing my plate and heading upstairs. The idea of spending the night pretending to be the doting fiancée in front of powerful strangers made my skin itch. But I knew better than to argue with him when he used that tone.

I showered slowly, hoping the water would wash away my anxiety. After brushing my teeth, I stared at the flat iron. Straightening my curls would take an hour, minimum. Still, I decided to do it anyway—if I had to play the part, I might as well look the part.

~

After a painstaking hour of straightening, I checked the time—6:50. Czar had a thing about punctuality. If I wasn't downstairs by seven on the dot, he'd be broody and unbearable all night.

I threw on a silk robe and headed to the closet.

No poofy dresses. I wanted something sleek—something that wouldn't trip me up in heels. My hand settled on a navy-blue mermaid gown with a plunging open back and a thigh-high slit. The long sleeves hugged my arms, and the fabric clung to every curve like a second skin.

Black pumps. Simple jewelry. Light makeup. Just enough perfume to turn heads.

When I descended the stairs, Czar was already waiting by the door, checking his watch. The moment he heard my heels, his head lifted. He gave me a once-over, eyes lingering.

"You like it?" I asked, flipping my hair over one shoulder.

His gaze stopped at my straightened hair. "It's nice. But I prefer your curls. They're more...you."

My heart skipped. I turned away, hiding my smile.

He cleared his throat. "Let's go."

~

A sleek black limo was waiting. Unlike our usual rides, the privacy made it awkward. Every few minutes, I caught Czar glancing at me, only for him to look away when I met his eyes.

What was he thinking? His face always gave nothing away.

When we arrived, flashing cameras greeted us like an ambush. Paparazzi crowded the entrance. Czar's arm wrapped tightly around my waist as he led me through the chaos, shielding me from the onslaught.

Inside, the crowd was no less intimidating—elegant gowns, expensive perfume, and stiff smiles everywhere. Czar leaned toward me.

"Don't leave my side."

I nodded. He guided me to a table near the front. Four men and two women were already seated. I sat beside him and tried to shrink in my seat.

The women eyed me immediately.

The first had delicate features—big doe eyes, thin lips, and cascading brown hair. The other had fiery red hair pulled into a tight bun, alabaster skin covered in freckles, and unsettlingly pale blue eyes.

They looked at me like I was an alien.

Czar dived into conversation with the men, and I was left trying not to squirm. The redhead leaned toward me.

"Is that your natural hair?"

I blinked, startled. "Yes."

She wrinkled her nose. "Wow. You're pretty... for a Black girl."

My blood went cold. My fork clattered against the plate.

"Excuse me?"

"I said you're pretty for a—"

I stood up, ready to lunge across the table, but Czar caught my arm.

He didn't say a word. Just stared coldly at the man beside the woman. The man paled and quickly pulled the redhead from her chair and led her away.

I sat back down, fuming. My hands trembled under the table.

Czar leaned in. "Never let them see you sweat. That's what she wanted."

He sat back again and surveyed the room. His expression changed. He stood up.

"I'll be back. Don't leave this table."

I nodded, but as soon as he vanished, my heart rate spiked. The noise, the lights, the unfamiliar faces—it was too much. I couldn't breathe.

I stood abruptly and rushed toward the bathroom, head down, hoping no one would notice. Inside, it was quiet. I slipped into a stall and sat, trying to steady my breaths.

Get it together, Zariah. You're not a child.

Then a loud bang echoed—and the lights shut off.

I screamed.

Fumbling out of the stall, I yanked open the door. Darkness greeted me. Screams rang out, footsteps thudding, chaos everywhere. Muffled gunshots erupted from somewhere in the room, and flashes of light followed.

I dropped to the floor, heart hammering.

"Zariah!" I heard Czar shouting.

"Czar!" I cried out.

"Stay where you are! I'm—"

Another bang cut him off.

I curled into a ball, shaking.

What the hell is happening?

~

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