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"You do. Look pretty and smile. No matter what anyone says, just smile. Do not answer any questions. I’ll do all the talking. Even if someone directs a question at you, just smile," Hayden instructed.

Those were some pretty harsh instructions. I nodded in acknowledgement. Not quite understanding what was going on, I would rather not say anything wrong either.

When it was time, the few maids that came along helped me dress while the make-up artist made up my face and the hair stylist styled my hair. They also helped make up and style Hayden’s hair. When we were both dressed, the whole event started to feel real. Well, at least the annoying feeling of wearing high heels that were too high felt very real to me.

Hayden looked like a movie star straight out of a spy action movie. He’s so hot in his immaculate white suit and new hair style. I couldn’t help but stare and prayed that he wouldn’t realize. However, knowing that it was Hayden, he probably realized straight away. Although, he was too focused on thinking about something that he didn’t comment on it.

"Let’s go," Hayden said as he offered me his arm when we were ready to go.

I placed my hand on his arm and nodded obediently. Just like Hayden had said to me earlier ’be careful and don’t die’. I intended to do just that tonight.

…

The bright red dress that I had on felt too tight around the waist just as I had expected. Although my reflection looked very pleasing to the eye in the mirror, the price for that was my lack of comfort. Hayden led me to where the evening gala was being held for the night along with Luka and a few other men who were supposed to be acting as our bodyguards.

The atmosphere seemed festive enough, but I could feel an underlying sense of tension in the air. There were a lot more people that I had anticipated. Of course, I didn’t know who was who at all. Surprisingly, there were more women there on the scene. I was far from being the only one. It seemed that it was common for men to bring an escort or two to the event with them.

Perhaps that was why the boss wanted me to accompany Hayden in the first place.

"Torex…" a low voice said from behind us.

I could sense Luka and the men stiffen around us as they became very alert. Hayden on the other hand seemed so relaxed and at ease. We turned towards the voice that had just called out to us. It was an old man dressed in a very expensive-looking grey suit. All of his hair was white, and he had a very serious look in his grey eyes.

"Mr. Antonio, it is an honor to meet you," Hayden said smoothly.

I felt the old man’s eyes on me, and I quickly smiled just like Hayden had ordered. Smile and don’t say anything.

"Your old man decided to send you, huh? I’m not surprise…" Mr. Antonio said. He seemed to be on friendly terms with Hayden’s father, so I guess that was good, right?

"He got lazy. You want to send a message to him?" Hayden said with a small laugh.

"No need. We should talk later over some good wine. I just wanted to let you know that I prefer that you’re here…and not your old man…or your brother…" the old man said and his eyes were as sharp as knives.

I felt Hayden stiffen a little at the mention of his elder brother and I didn’t have a good feeling about this.

"Sure. Let’s do that," Hayden replied, the smile never slipping from his façade.

"You’re really not going to introduce this beautiful lady to me?" the old man said to Hayden, but his eyes were already on me.

"Excuse my poor manners. This is my fiancée, Malissa," Hayden replied smoothly.

What the hell is he saying now? Suddenly, I’m his fiancée now? Now I was starting to understand why Hayden had told me to shut up and let him do the talking; it was so he could spew whatever bullshit that he wanted. Just like he had instructed before the event took place, I plastered a smile onto my lips and looked straight at the old man.

"Wow…you’ve really grown up into a fine man. I look forward to working with the next generation of the Torex family," the old man said with a laugh before he winked meaningfully at me.

"Take care, Mr. Antonio. We look forward to doing more business with you this year," Hayden said warmly.

"Of course," the old man said and that was the end of their conversation.

With that, the conversation ended, and Mr. Antonio walked away along with his large entourage of men. It was clear that that old man was the head of some gang who was engaged in business with the Torex. At least, the conversation ended well without any issues. I heaved a sigh of relief when he was out of earshot and realized that I had been so nervous all this time.

"Antonio is a good friend of my dad. He’s been rooting for me to take over all this time because he thinks business will go more in his favor if I take over compared to my brother. Well, it’s not like my elder brother is a viable option anymore…" Hayden explained softly as he whispered in my ear.

I was beginning to see that the mafia world had a lot of politics of its own. The conclusion that I arrived to very quickly was that it was best if I just shut up and smiled. Now’s not the time to worry about gender equality and women’s rights. I need to survive this cruise!

--To be continued…