Bound By Contract, Tied By Faith

One night, one secret

I dragged my tired self out of the Nova FM studio, wishing I could just fall into my bed and disappear. My feet ached from hours of running around in heels, coordinating interviews, answering calls, and making sure nothing went wrong on air. My blouse was wrinkled, my skirt tight, and my hair probably looked like a mess. Honestly, I didn't even care anymore. My body ached, and my mind was buzzing with everything I had to do tomorrow.

Outside, Lucas was leaning against his black sedan, grinning like nothing in the world could bother him.

"Ivy!" he called, waving. "Finally done?"

"Yeah... barely," I muttered, rubbing my eyes.

"You look exhausted," he said with a smirk.

"But I have something to make tonight better."

He pulled a bag from the back seat. I raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Wait and see," he said, waving the bag like it was a magic trick. "It's for Serena's birthday."

I groaned. "I can't. I'm so tired, Lucas."

"That's why I got this for you." He held up a deep crimson gown. It was soft, silky, and hugged curves in all the right places. The neckline plunged just enough to make me blush.

"I... I can't wear this," I said, touching the fabric nervously. "It's too much."

"Too much?" he laughed softly. "Ivy, it's perfect. You're perfect for it. Just one night. Please."

I wanted to say no, but I was too tired to argue.

The little thrill of his charm made me nod.

"Fine. One night."

By the time we reached Serena's mansion, it was so big, I would have said she had done well for herself but that would be a big lie, her parents are filthy rich and they bought her the house on her 21st birthday.

My hair was curled, the dress hugging me like it knew exactly where to sit. My heels clicked against the marble steps. I felt exposed, uncomfortable , and just a little excited.

Lucas opened the black front door for me. The door was glossy, shining under the soft golden lanterns along the driveway. I could see my reflection faintly in it, my hair slightly messy, my dress clinging too much, and I shivered as the cold night breeze hit me. It brushed against my bare arms, creeping along my shoulders. I hugged myself slightly, wishing I had worn a coat.

The smell of perfume and fresh flowers hit me as soon as I stepped inside. The house smelled rich and welcoming, like someone had spent hours preparing it. Soft laughter, the clinking of glasses, and gentle music floated through the air. The mansion was huge.

Rooms flowed into each other, doors wide open, revealing guests chatting in small clusters. A long staircase stretched to the upper floor, polished wood shining, with a cream and gold carpet runner down the middle. It looked elegant, almost endless.

The party was alive. Music played, soft but loud enough to fill the rooms.