Amelia’s POV

I entered the imposing office building with a brief sense of confidence thanks to my long-sleeved navy blue dress and matching gold jewelry. I strolled by the secretary of Andrew. His name and personality go hand in hand, which is so ironic. She'd given me the all-ahead to go inside his office before I could even open my mouth. She smiled, but after yesterday's horrific incident, I realized the grin couldn't be real.

She gave me a long, hard stare. "Make sure you look presentable enough and brace yourself for what you're about to meet." When she said it, my eyebrows furrowed.

Are we going to meet soon? By that, what does she mean?

She turned the doorknob while placing her hand on my back, giving me a gentle prod to move forward as I was still thinking about what she had said. I froze for a moment. My amazement caused my eyes to widen.

The majority of them were temporarily impairing my vision with their flashing lights and fluttering cameras. This seemed like a very familiar experience. He must have presided over some kind of press conference. Even though I was informed, I guess I still didn't think he would have a conference the next day. How, after all, did he manage to convince so many reporters to come here today? How short notice was it, and where in the world is Andrew?

Suddenly, a warm arm wrapped itself around my waist as if it could read my thoughts. I try to wriggle out of my current posture out of instinct. As I struggled, his grip grew a little tighter. In the way that a romantic partner might, he held me closer. We really shouldn't be making any announcements at this point. How can I withdraw if I wish to?

"Stand here and look pretty; remember what we talked about." His threat in a whisper was obvious. Then he turned his attention back to the press in front of us, hardly keeping his eyes on me.

I could only hear my heart thumping like bass drums. After that, he led me to a location in front of the assembled media, and we sat down behind the table.

"Where did you two meet?" a woman said as she stood up and took out a pencil and paper.

"In an elevator."

"In a meeting," we both said at the same time.

Andrew gave me a frustrated glance as he tilted his head slightly in my direction.

"We met in an elevator after a meeting." He covered up fast.

It appeared as though the audience believed the falsehood, as some took notes and several more cameras flashed. Since I felt like I couldn't take much more of this, I took a bottle of water off the table, opened it, and took a sip. The meeting felt like a job.

"Could we get a brief overview of your relationship?"

Andrew gave a throat clearance. "We met in an elevator following a significant meeting, as I've already mentioned. In the building lobby, small talk developed into a deep conversation, and we exchanged phone numbers. We got close when we began dating in secret. She accepted my proposal that I made recently. We are ecstatic beyond measure." He concluded by flashing a quick, phony smile. His smile was the first I'd seen on him. It was too quickly taken down by him, as I couldn't fully put it into words. My gaze had stayed fixed on his, slightly taken aback by how skillful a liar he was. God, to lie to the world in such a way must be beyond the pale.

He turned to look at me. His expression seemed to be warning me, so I turned my head away from him and turned to the media to display my own manufactured smile. Even though I was coerced into doing this, I can put up a good front when necessary. His tone had been so assured and decisive that it nearly raised doubts about whether it had occurred.

"Is that an engagement ring, Miss Smith?"

I hesitated, not expecting to have to respond to a question by myself. "Um... yes." I let out a voice I was not familiar with. Andrew gave me a look that I knew was supposed to encourage me to continue speaking.

It's really beautiful. I think the ring he got fits me perfectly."

They were staring at my wedding finger.

"Ms. Smith, how do you feel to be the lucky woman to be chosen by Mr. Baker?" Lucky for him? I want to scream because I feel like I will be stuck with this man for the rest of my life, who doesn't give a damn about me. I now have to tell lies to reinforce his ego's impenetrable wall."Sincerely, I'm not sure how to put into words how happy it makes me feel to be with you every day." I paused to smile at him, but he did not reciprocate.

"He truly has compassion. A kind and giving man. I thank God for sending me a man such as he is. I really am fortunate." Not even a second after I concluded the agonizing speech did Andrew's gaze leave me.

"Mr. Baker, when is the date of the wedding?"

"In about a week."

My heart gave out.

A... week? "The official details will be disclosed later. That's going to be it. I'm grateful. With a tight smile, Andrew stopped the conference and took my hand to help me stand up.

A flurry of desperate inquiries sprang out in the room, but security moved in to block their path before they could get any closer. With a swift step, he pulled me out of the room. He walked faster than usual and ignored the fact that I was wearing heels the entire way to his office, even after we had lost eye contact.

He paced in front of me and shoved me to sit on the couch when we eventually made it into the room.

"What did I do wrong?"

"Just shut up!" He lost his temper.

How impudent of him! I merely told everyone a falsehood to satisfy his expectations.

I got up, hot. "What issue do you have? I put on some clothes. I performed the role. You're still unhappy even though I gave you exactly what you requested," I argued.

"Keep silent! I'm thinking." He made a demand.

"Stop acting like you have some sort of power over me!"

"Amelia, you are incorrect in that regard. You'll eventually notice that. Remember that I'm determined to claim you as my own."

"Do you honestly believe that some dangers will cause that to occur? That's where you're mistaken, Andrew. Even if I agreed to get married to you, you don't own me. Something like what you previously mentioned between the two of us is never possible. Never." I let out a growl.