Chapter 3 - The Golden Cage

Twenty-four hours later, a glossy black sedan pulled up to the gates of the Kang Estate in Buckhead.
Tessa stared out the window in disbelief. The iron gates swung open automatically, revealing a sweeping cobblestone driveway lined with ancient oak trees. At the end of the driveway stood a massive limestone mansion that looked less like a home and more like a private European fortress.
Jin opened the door for her. "Welcome to the estate, Miss Morgan."
"It's huge," Tessa muttered, stepping out onto the cobblestones. "Does he have a dragon guarding the moat too?"
Jin’s stone-faced expression almost cracked. "No dragon, ma'am. Just Mr. Kang."
Tessa was led through grand double doors into a breathtaking foyer featuring a dual curved staircase and a chandelier made of thousands of hand-blown glass crystals. Standing at the top of the stairs was an older woman with silver hair pulled into an immaculate bun, wearing a tailored navy dress.
"Miss Morgan," the woman said, descending the stairs with graceful precision. "I am Mrs. Chen, the house manager. Mr. Kang has instructed me to prepare you for this evening's dinner."
"Dinner?" Tessa looked down at her faded jeans and worn denim jacket. "I thought I was just moving my bags in."
"Tonight is the annual Kang Meridian Founders Gala," Mrs. Chen explained, gesturing toward two young women who stepped out from a side room carrying garment bags and makeup cases. "Mr. Kang’s uncle, Arthur Kang, will be attending. This will be your first public appearance as Mr. Kang’s fiancée."
Tessa felt a knot form in her stomach. "Right. The trial by fire."
For the next three hours, Tessa was subjected to an aggressive transformation. Her dark hair was washed, conditioned, and styled into elegant, glossy waves. Her skin was polished, and subtle makeup highlighted her sharp cheekbones and warm hazel eyes. Finally, Mrs. Chen unzipped a garment bag to reveal a breathtaking emerald-green silk gown with an asymmetrical neckline and a high side slit.
When Tessa stepped in front of the full-length mirror, she barely recognized herself. She looked powerful, regal, and expensive.
"You look exquisite, Miss Morgan," Mrs. Chen said gently. "Now, there is one final detail."
The double doors opened, and Adrian walked into the suite. He wore a crisp black tuxedo that fit his towering frame perfectly. He stopped dead in his tracks the moment his eyes landed on Tessa.
For a long, lingering moment, the cold CEO disappeared, replaced by a man genuinely stunned by the woman standing before him.
"You'll do," Adrian said, suppressing his reaction as he walked toward her. From his pocket, he pulled out a velvet box. He opened it to reveal a massive, pear-cut canary diamond ring surrounded by a halo of platinum.
Tessa gasped softly. "Adrian... that's too much."
"It needs to be absurdly large," Adrian replied, taking her left hand. His fingers were warm, firm, and surprisingly gentle as he slipped the ring onto her finger. "Arthur needs to believe I am so blinded by passion that I bought you the most ostentatious stone in the city."
His thumb brushed against the top of her hand for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. Tessa felt a strange prickle of electricity shoot up her arm.
She looked up into his dark eyes. "What if I mess up?"
"You won't," Adrian said softly, his face inches from hers. "Just remember the rule, Tessa. You hate my money, but you love me. Can you fake that?"
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Tessa raised her chin stubbornly. "I’m a great actor, Mr. Kang. Just try not to fall in love with me for real."
One corner of Adrian’s mouth lifted into a genuine, breathtaking smile. "I'll do my best."