LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 2: Chapter 2; Gala
It was a bright, sunny day, and the city bustled with energy, but for Claire, the brightness only deepened her gloom. She sat in the corner of a small café, opposite Aaron, whose focus was more on his cigarette than on her. The silence between them was thick and oppressive, growing heavier with each passing second.
"Ahh... refreshing. Want one?" Aaron's cold, calculating voice broke the stillness as he flicked ash from his cigarette.
Claire shook her head quickly, avoiding his piercing grey eyes. His smirk widened, as though her discomfort amused him. "Let's get to the point, then," he said, leaning back casually. "My dear brother Leon is being pressured by our father to marry and stop the rumors that he's gay. So, I figured I'd help him a little."
Claire listened, her stomach twisting as Aaron laid out his plan with chilling nonchalance. She was to meet Leon by 'accident,' create a scandal, that'll force him into marriage. From there, she would 'capture his heart.' As his words settled over her, unease gnawed at her. Every instinct screamed for her to back out, but it was too late.
Her mother had been moved to a VIP hospital ward earlier that day, now receiving the best care—courtesy of Aaron. It was a gift wrapped in chains, binding her to him. He had the power to undo it all, and the thought of her mother being harmed silenced her protests.
"This is your invitation," Aaron continued, sliding a card across the table. "There's a gala tonight. My entire family will be there. I'll send the dress you're to wear. Make sure you're ready."
With that, he stood, leaving Claire to stare blankly at the invitation. The weight of her task pressed down on her as she made her way back to her tiny apartment.
---
A cold shower did little to soothe her nerves. Claire sat cross-legged on her bed, phone in hand, digging into every article she could find on the Yu family—especially Leon Yu. Aaron's half-brother, born to the official wife of their father, had inherited everything Aaron never could. Yet Aaron didn't seem to want power. No, he wanted something far darker: revenge. But why?
Her scrolling halted as she came across a photograph of Leon. He was breathtaking, with ink-black hair and stormy grey eyes that carried an aloof intensity. His sharp jawline and athletic build exuded confidence and control. How could anyone think this man was gay? He was a smart business man whose tactics and innovations awed even the most intelligent and in just a few years managed to take his father's company to new heights.
Claire doubted herself for the hundredth time. She had no experience in seduction, let alone with someone like him.
Still, she had no choice. Convincing herself it was just another role, she went to prepare lunch, her mind formulating a whirlwind of strategies.
The package arrived in the afternoon—a black evening gown adorned with shimmering stones. The slit along one side hinted at elegance and allure, while the form-fitting design accentuated her curves. "The rich really do live differently," she muttered before slipping into the dress.
---
Aaron's car waited outside as promised. When she stepped out, his eyes briefly widened, seeing how beautiful yet delicate she looked, though the smirk quickly returned. "Ms. Kim, you clean up well," he said, the compliment laced with mockery. Claire responded with a tight smile, her discomfort simmering beneath the surface.
"Are you coming to the event too?" she asked, noticing his sharp suit.
"Of course," he said, eyes on the road. "I'm an elite, remember? Besides," he added with a smug grin, "I wouldn't miss seeing my brother's reaction when he meets my 'gift.'"
Claire's brows furrowed. "Elite?" she asked, surprised.
"Did you forget? I own one of the largest tech companies in the country." His tone was casual, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes.
Claire swallowed, suddenly reminded of the duality of Aaron Yu—the son of a maid whose brilliance had carved his place among the elite, yet whose origins kept him bound to the Yu famuly. Why he hadn't severed ties entirely remained a mystery.
---
The dimly lit ballroom buzzed with elites, their conversations a hum of sophistication. Despite her stunning gown, Claire felt out of place. Her heart raced as she wandered through the room, scanning for Leon. She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice the figure in her path until she collided with him.
The impact nearly sent her sprawling, but a pair of strong arms caught her, steadying her before she fell. Claire froze, looking up into the intense, unreadable grey eyes of her savior.
Leon Yu.
Her breath hitched. His gaze lingered on her for a moment that felt like an eternity, unreadable and sharp, before he finally spoke, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth. "Are you alright?"
Claire could only nod, her words caught somewhere between her throat and the knot tightening in her chest. This was the man she was meant to deceive—the man whose heart she had to steal. But as his gaze bore into hers, she wondered if she had the strength to carry out Aaron's twisted plan.