Kris and her best friend - Fey were on their way to the hospital.
On the way, Fey sighed loudly. "I can't believe this."
Kris glanced at her. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying not to look nervous.
Fey shook her head. "I actually kept this a secret due to valid reasons but you remember my ex-fiancé?"
"Yeah, the man you never agreed to introduce us."
"The thing is that man is a Billionaire and the CEO of a big company, that's why I didn't tell you about it. It hasn't even been a month since we broke up and he's already getting married to some... Some bitch!"
Kris's heart jumped, but she kept a straight face.
"That's surprising," she said calmly.
Fey frowned. "Weird, right? She just pops up and now they're getting married? Do you think he's known her for a while? Or is this super sudden?"
They reached the hospital, and Kris tried to stay calm while Fey kept talking about the unknown bride. Kris didn't say a word.
Inside, Kris went straight to the reception and paid the bill. Fey noticed the large amount and raised an eyebrow.
"That's a lot of money. How'd you get it?"
Kris paused, then shrugged.
"I picked up more shifts," she said. "Worked hard and saved up."
Fey slowly nodded, though she still looked curious. Kris finished paying, but her thoughts stayed on Cole and how fast her life had changed.
Fey seemed to believe the story, and they continued chatting, both unaware of the truth beneath the surface.
Two weeks went by without any contact from Cole. Then, out of the blue, Kris's phone rang. When she answered, Cole's voice came through, as direct as ever.
"There's an event tonight. You're coming with me," he said without any preamble.
Kris blinked, caught off guard for a moment. "Alright."
"My driver will pick you up. Be ready," he added, hanging up before she could respond.
Not long after, the driver arrived at her place with a stunning dress. Kris slipped it on and checked herself in the mirror. She hadn't felt this put together in a long time. When Cole saw her, he paused briefly, surprised, before regaining his usual composure.
"That dress looks good on you," he said, almost begrudgingly. "I'll take care of it."
On the way to the event, Cole laid out the rules. "This is a mask party. Don't talk to anyone. Just stay in the background. Understand?"
Kris nodded. "I'll stick to myself."
Cole acknowledged her compliance, but after a moment, he hesitated. "What's your name again?"
"Kris."
"Right. Kris," Cole repeated, as if filing it away in his mind.
After the event, Cole sent her home with a brisk command. "I'll pick you up in the evening. Be ready."
Once it was late, Cole's driver returned to collect Kris. She was driven to a luxurious 5-star restaurant,
Kris stepped into the elegant restaurant, her nerves on edge as she took in her surroundings.
The refined setting and quiet conversations only added to her anxiety. She quickly spotted Cole seated near the center, appearing as composed and indifferent as ever.
Taking a steadying breath, she smoothed her dress and walked toward him, her heels clicking softly on the gleaming floor.
As she crossed the room, Kris felt the weight of numerous eyes on her, the low hum of conversation giving way to whispers and curious glances. It seemed everyone had paused to watch her approach Cole's table.
"Who's that with Cole Stain?" someone whispered, their voice just loud enough for her to hear.
"Is she the reason his wedding was canceled?" another voice speculated, laced with jealousy.
"I heard she's his new bride," a third person remarked with surprise and curiosity.
Kris's heart raced, but she stayed calm, determined not to show her nerves. The whispers grew louder as she approached.
When she reached Cole's table, she sat down across from him. The restaurant noise faded slightly, but the stares continued. Cole looked up from his phone, his expression unreadable.
"Ignore them. They don't matter," Cole said in a low, firm voice.
Kris met his gaze, seeking reassurance. "Easier said than done," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
Cole's eyes scanned the room briefly before returning to her. "Let them talk. What matters is that we know the truth."
Kris shrugged. "You're right. Their opinions don't matter. What's important is that I get what I want."
Cole nodded slightly and signaled the waiter. As they were about to start eating, a man approached their table.
"Well, if it isn't Cole Stain," the man said with a smirk.
Cole frowned. "Grey. What are you doing here?"
Grey Stafford, CEO of Stafford Co., shrugged. "Business. But I found something more interesting."
He took Kris's hand, kissed it, and introduced himself. "Grey Stafford."
Kris smiled politely. "Kris," she replied, catching the flicker of annoyance on Cole's face.
After dinner, Cole leaned back in his chair and looked at Kris seriously. "Brace yourself," he began, his tone firm. "You're now entangled in the corporate world. This weekend, we'll be having dinner with my parents."
Kris noticed the worried expression on his face. "Didn't you want to keep everything a secret?" she asked, frowning.
"I did," Cole admitted. "But I've changed my mind."
"Why?" Kris pressed, confused by his sudden shift.
Cole's gaze hardened. "I have no other choice."
Kris stared at him, still puzzled, but eventually nodded. "Alright," she agreed, though her mind raced with questions.
They finished their meal in relative silence. Afterward, Cole escorted her to the car and dropped her off at her place, leaving her with more questions than answers.
The next day, the Internet buzzed with the breaking news Business Conglomerate Owner, Cole Stain seen with a woman days after breaking his engagement with His Fiance.
There were several comments, good and bad of course, but Kris didn't pay heed to them. However, that was until she got a visit from Fey.
Kris opened the door to be met with Fey's tearful eyes and murderous gaze. "You!" Fey's voice dropped with venom.
Kris knew this was coming but not that soon. "You... You traitorous bitch! How could you?"