The next morning, Eurydice Santiago found herself standing in front of Montague Enterprises, staring up at the massive glass skyscraper like it was a portal to another dimension.
Because, in a way, it was.
She had officially stepped into Conrad Montague’s world.
And she had no idea what she was doing.
The moment she walked into the lobby, it was painfully obvious that she didn’t belong here.
Everyone around her was polished, professional, and powerful-looking. The women strode in sleek heels like they owned the place, the men carried themselves with the unshakable confidence of people who made million-dollar deals before lunch.
And then there was her.
Dressed in her best attempt at business casual, still feeling like an imposter in a sea of perfection.
She adjusted her blazer—an old thrift store find—and muttered, “Okay, Eurydice, just pretend you know what you’re doing.”
Unfortunately, her pep talk was cut short by a sharp, clipped voice.
“You must be Miss Santiago.”
Eurydice turned and found herself facing Daniel Wright, Conrad’s assistant.
Tall. Professional. Expression unreadable.
The kind of guy who probably had a spreadsheet for fun.
Daniel gave her a quick once-over, his eyes scanning her outfit like he was calculating stock market percentages.
Then, with the most unimpressed voice possible, he said—
“You’re late.”
Eurydice blinked. “We didn’t even set a time.”
Daniel checked his watch. “Mr. Montague assumes everyone arrives promptly at the start of business hours. Which, for the record, was fifteen minutes ago.”
Eurydice snorted. “Yeah, well, I assume most billionaires have some chill, but I guess we’re both disappointed.”
Daniel’s mouth twitched slightly, like he wanted to be annoyed but wasn’t entirely immune to her sarcasm.
“Follow me.”
And with that, he turned and strode toward the elevators, not even checking if she was following.
Eurydice sighed dramatically. “You guys are so welcoming.”
Daniel ignored her.
The elevator ride was awkwardly silent—except for Daniel occasionally side-eyeing her, as if trying to figure out how someone like her ended up in Conrad Montague’s inner circle.
When they finally reached the top floor, Daniel led her to a pair of intimidating black doors, pushed them open, and announced—
“Miss Santiago is here.”
Eurydice stepped inside—
And there he was.
Conrad Montague.
Seated behind a massive, ridiculously expensive-looking desk, floor-to-ceiling windows behind him showcasing the city skyline.
And the worst part?
He didn’t even look surprised to see her.
Like he had known, without a doubt, that she would come.
Eurydice crossed her arms. “You didn’t even wait for my confirmation before setting up a meeting, did you?”
Conrad leaned back slightly, completely unbothered. “I knew you’d make the right decision.”
She groaned, flopping into the chair across from him. “God, you’re insufferable.”
His lips twitched slightly, but he didn’t comment.
Instead, he pulled a sleek black folder from his desk and slid it toward her.
“The contract.”
Eurydice raised an eyebrow. “Wow. You’re really going all in, huh?”
Conrad nodded once. “I like clarity.”
Eurydice flipped through the pages, skimming the ridiculously detailed terms:
●        One-year engagement.
●        Must attend events as a couple.
●        Must live together for credibility.
●        No romantic expectations.
●        A generous financial agreement.
Eurydice blinked at the last one.
“…Damn,” she muttered. “For this amount, I’d almost consider marrying you for real.”
Conrad barely reacted. “Unnecessary.”
Eurydice snorted. “Geez, way to let a girl dream.”
He ignored that, instead nodding toward the bottom of the contract. “Sign, and it’s official.”
She hesitated, pen hovering over the paper.
This was it.
Once she signed, there was no turning back.
She exhaled.
Then, with a final silent curse at herself, she signed her name.
 
Conrad took the contract, glanced at the signature, and nodded.
“Welcome to the arrangement.”
Eurydice leaned back. “Wow. I feel so romantic right now.”
Conrad was already moving on. “We have a dinner tonight. Your first official appearance as my fiancée.”
Eurydice blinked. “Wait, tonight?”
Conrad nodded. “It’s a charity gala. My parents will be there.”
She groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “You are actually the worst.”
Conrad stood, buttoning his suit jacket. “And yet, here you are.”
She huffed, standing up as well. “Fine. I’ll be ready.”
Conrad smirked slightly. “I’ll send a car.”
Eurydice pointed at him. “You better not send a limousine. I am not showing up like some princess in a fairytale.”
Conrad’s eyes glinted with amusement. “I’ll consider it.”
She glared. “Conrad.”
He turned, already heading toward his next meeting. “See you tonight, fiancée.”
Eurydice threw her hands in the air.
She had officially sold her soul to the devil.
And the worst part?
She had a feeling this was just the beginning.
 
By the time Eurydice left Montague Enterprises, she was already feeling overwhelmed.
She had just agreed to fake date a billionaire for an entire year, she was about to meet his probably terrifying parents, and now—
Now, she needed a dress.
A proper one.
Which she absolutely did not own.
Eurydice stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, running a hand down her face. “Okay. Think, Eury. Where the hell am I supposed to get a dress fancy enough for a billionaire gala?”
Her first thought: Borrow one from her mom.
Her second thought: Her mom’s dresses were mostly for church and family gatherings. Not exactly high society-ready.
Her third thought: Amelia.
She grabbed her phone and called her best friend.
“If this is about the engagement, I already told you—” Amelia answered.
“I need a dress,” Eurydice cut in.
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
“Oh. My. God.” Amelia screeched.
Eurydice winced, holding the phone away from her ear. “Jesus, calm down—”
“You’re actually doing this?! You’re going to a fancy billionaire gala?!”
Eurydice sighed. “Yes. And I need a dress before I end up looking like a lost waitress.”
Amelia gasped dramatically. “This is my moment. This is what I was born for.”
“…So, is that a yes?”
“Eury.” Amelia’s voice turned dead serious. “Meet me at my place. Immediately.”
Operation: Find a Fancy Dress
Thirty minutes later, Eurydice was standing in Amelia’s apartment, buried under a mountain of dresses.
Amelia, who had way too many outfits for someone who didn’t even go to galas, was throwing options onto the bed like a madwoman.
“Too plain.”
“Too boring.”
“Not ‘I’m engaged to a billionaire’ enough.”
Eurydice sighed. “Meli. I just need one dress.”
Amelia turned, offended. “One dress?! One?! Do you even understand how important this is?!”
Eurydice raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”
“Yes! This is your debut into high society! You can’t just show up. You have to arrive.”
Eurydice groaned. “I’m not actually trying to impress anyone, Amelia. I just need to not look like a complete disaster.”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “Oh, Eury, sweet, clueless Eury. Looking amazing is revenge. You have to make them wonder.”
Eurydice snorted. “Wonder what?”
“If you’re actually faking it.”
That made Eurydice pause.
…Okay. That was actually a really good point.
She sighed, flopping onto the bed. “Fine. Work your magic, oh mighty stylist.”
Amelia grinned. “Now that’s what I like to hear.”
After several outfit changes, a near-accident with a zipper, and a lot of dramatic posing, Amelia finally settled on the winner.
A sleek black dress, fitted at the waist, with elegant off-shoulder sleeves and just enough shimmer to catch the light perfectly.
Eurydice stared at herself in the mirror.
“…Wow.”
Amelia beamed. “See?! I told you!”
Eurydice ran a hand over the fabric, half in awe, half nervous.
She barely recognized herself.
This was not the girl who worked at a bakery.
This was not the struggling artist with paint on her jeans.
This was someone who belonged in Conrad Montague’s world.
And that was terrifying.
Amelia noticed her expression and nudged her. “Babe. Breathe. It’s just a dress.”
Eurydice exhaled. “Yeah. Just a dress.”
And a whole new life she wasn’t sure she was ready for.