Doris Elizabeth Corday

I slipped back into the gala, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses swallowing me whole. The lights felt brighter, the music louder, but maybe that was just my nerves.

My chest still tightened with Rob's words fresh in my mind. The card in my dress pocket felt heavier with each step, and I had a spiteful urge to throw it away.

What was the point in completing these tasks if I was only getting myself closer to my own death?

Suddenly, I was infinitely grateful for King and the police. If I didn't have them at my back, I would truly be helpless right now.

I snatched a glass of champagne from a passing tray, downing it in a single gulp. The bubbles burned down my throat, but they did little to quell the fire inside. I grabbed another, this time pacing myself, letting the liquid trickle down as I leaned against a tall marble column.

"Doris."

Rob's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I froze.

Turning, I saw him and Coy standing a few feet away. Neither looked guilty which only grated at me even more.

"You look rather flushed," Rob said, stepping closer. "Come with me. We need to keep up appearances."

I plastered on a polite smile, setting my empty glass on a nearby tray and grabbing another.

"Of course."

He didn't wait for me to respond, simply held out his arm. I hesitated for a fraction of a second before slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow, letting him guide me through the room.

By some miracle, I restrained myself not to beat his perfect face into a pulp.

We stopped before a small group of men engaged in an animated discussion. One of them turned toward us, brown hair and blue eyes.

"Ah, Mr. Illion," the man said, extending a hand. "And this must be the lovely fiancée I've heard so much about."

"This is Doris," Rob said smoothly. "Doris, this is Taminn Silvano. He's interested in the future of our car line."

I smiled and greeted the man, nodding as conversation continued. Though my focus wavered.

Every now and then, Rob's gaze flicked toward me, as though testing to see if I was still present in the moment. I made sure to meet his gaze with a steady expression, determined to keep him from seeing the turmoil beneath the surface.

I wasn't sure how long I could keep this up, but for now, I had a role to play.

As the conversation with Taminn tapered off, Rob gently steered me toward another cluster of guests. Among them stood a stocky man with thinning hair and a beautiful blonde woman by his side.

The man's gaze sharpened the moment he saw us, his smile polite but tight. The woman, on the other hand, kept her expression carefully neutral, though her fingers curled slightly around the stem of her champagne flute.

"Henri," Rob greeted smoothly, extending a hand. "It's been a while."

"Indeed, it has," Henri replied, his voice carrying the faintest edge of bitterness as he shook Rob's hand. His eyes darted toward me, assessing. "And this must be Doris. Your sudden fiancée."

"That's right," Rob said. "Doris, this is Henri Rousseau and his daughter, Claudette."

"It's lovely to meet you," I said with a strained smile as I shook Henri's hand.

If I heard my first name one more time, I might really make a mess of Rob in front of these people.

"Likewise," Henri said, his tone clipped before he turned to Rob again. "I must say, Rob, this engagement was... unexpected. I remember our previous conversations about Claudette and the possibilities there."

Claudette's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes darting briefly to Rob.

Rob didn't miss a beat.

"Circumstances changed, Henri," he said smoothly. "But I have no doubt that Claudette will find someone equally exceptional."

Henri's jaw tightened, and Claudette's expression turned frosty.

"Of course," Henri said stiffly. "I trust your judgment, as always."

I felt like an outsider in a conversation I wasn't meant to hear.

Rob's gloved hand rested lightly on my back as he steered the topic toward more neutral ground. After a few minutes of polite but strained chatter, he excused us with the ease of someone used to navigating treacherous social waters.

As we moved away, I let out a quiet breath.

Rob leaned down slightly, his voice low.

"I think we've made enough appearances for one evening. Ready to leave?"

I nodded eagerly.

"More than ready."

"I'll take it you've completed your task?"

I raised my brow.

"Do you take me for an amateur?"

He smirked faintly and guided me toward the exit.

The cool night air brushed over me as we stepped outside.

For the first time all night, I felt like I could breathe again.

The car ride back to Rob's penthouse was quiet. The low hum of the engine along with the usual discussions with Coy filled the space between us as I stared out the window.

My heart was still racing from the evening's events, but I kept my expression calm.

Once we arrived, Rob opened the door, his hand grazing the small of my back as if it belonged there. Inside, I spun on my heel and shoved the card against his chest.

"Three down, one to go," I said, heading for my room, my heels clicking against the floor.

His footsteps followed.

"Good job," he said. "You've outdone yourself tonight."

I stepped into my room, kicking off my heels, the sharp ache in my feet a welcome distraction.

"Yeah, well, I just did what I had to do," I replied.

Rob leaned against the doorframe, his silhouette dark against the dim light.

"You seem upset," he said, his gaze sharp, prying.

"I'm tired," I snapped, pulling off my earrings one by one.

"Is this about Alistair?" he asked, his voice soft but pressing.

My stomach twisted at the name.

Alistair was certainly an issue I had to deal with. Especially after those ominous words about my mom. But my fury burned for the man now watching me like I was something fragile.

The man who had talked about my death as if it were an item on his to-do list.

"Yeah," I lied, "I guess I'd have preferred to avoid him."

I slid the diamond necklace from my neck, the metal cool against my skin. The urge to rip it off was strong, but I just couldn't bring myself to ruin such a beautiful piece.

"Tonight was probably the last time you'd see him," Rob said almost gently. "Once we get the fourth card, all this will be over."

All this. A clever way of saying my life.

I scoffed, the sound bitter and low, as I turned to face him.

"You planning to leave, or are you just here to watch me get changed?" I asked.

He didn't flinch, not even a twitch.

"Go on, then."

Anger flared hot in my chest. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of begging to leave. Instead, I reached for the zipper of my dress, tugging it down with steady hands. His eyes darkened, his face coloring as I let the fabric slide to the floor in a cascade of midnight stars.

I moved to my closet, ignoring the heat of his gaze searing into my back as I slipped on a nightdress. Turning to face him, I crossed my arms.

"Got your fill?" I asked, daring him with my stare.

"What if I want more?" he murmured, his voice rough.

My heart stumbled, rage and disbelief tangling in my chest. How could he say something so shameless, so brazen, when he planned to dispose of me so easily?

"Then get yourself a real wife," I shot back, turning around.

Before I could take another step, he was behind me, his gloved hand sliding around my throat, careful but firm. He pulled me against him, and his breath ghosted over my ear.

"This is part of our deal, isn't it?" he murmured.

My breath hitched as his body pressed against mine, the thin fabric of my dress doing nothing to shield me from his presence. My pulse betrayed me, quickening against his grip.

"You seem awfully comfortable making advances," I said, my voice sharper than I felt. "I think our arrangement has already succeeded."

His breath brushed the curve of my neck.

"I told you how it ends."

I hated the way those words tightened something low in my stomach.

"And then what? I get my freedom?" I asked bitterly.

"Yes."

I turned sharply to face him, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze.

"You'd let me go right now if we... go there?" I asked, my voice daring him. "Even without the fourth card?"

"A deal's a deal," he replied smoothly.

His gloved hand lifted, fingers brushing along my jawline before tilting my face toward his.

"I don't believe you," I said, my voice low, defiant.

"Try me, Doris."

His lips brushed mine, a fleeting touch that sent a jolt of fury through me. I snapped, grabbing at his tie and yanking it askew before reaching for his hair. He caught my hand before I could do any real damage.

"I told you not to try that," he warned.

"Neither of us are good listeners," I retorted, my free hand darting up to mess his hair anyway.

He caught that hand too, and with a sharp tug, we stumbled backward. The mattress caught us both, his weight pinning me as his grip tightened around my wrists. His dark hair fell messily over his brow, giving me a small sense of victory.

"What's gotten into you tonight?" he asked, his voice a low mix of curiosity and irritation, as though he was dissecting me piece by piece.

"I suppose I'm just running out of patience," I snickered, the sound bitter and sharp.

"I suppose we have that in common."

His eyes dropped to my lips, lingering for just a moment too long, before flickering back up to mine. There was something dark there, before he sighed and loosened his grip. With practised precision, he adjusted his tie and smoothed his dishevelled hair as if nothing had just happened.

"Rest up then," he murmured.

I watched him retreat and when he reached the door, he turned slightly, his hand resting on the frame.

"By the way," he said, "you've earned a reward for tonight. Let me know when you decide what you want. Goodnight, Doris."

And then he was gone.

Once I was sure he was far away, my pillow hit the door.

"Bastard," I hissed, falling back onto the bed with enough force to rattle the frame. My fingers curled into my hair, the urge to rip it out almost overwhelming.

I stared at the ceiling for what felt like an eternity.

How could I have started enjoying his company?

My heart was a useless thing.

I wished I could carve it out and toss it away, leave it behind with all the other scraps of myself I'd lost.

With a reluctant sigh, I dragged myself up, my movements sluggish. I retrieved my phone from its hidden spot. My fingers hovered over the screen as I typed my message, doubt gnawing at the edges of my resolve.

When I finally pressed send, I almost regretted it.

Almost.

***

The next morning arrived too quickly. Sunlight crept through the sheer curtains, painting pale streaks across the bedroom floor. I'd barely slept, my mind too tangled.

A knock on the door startled me. I opened it to find Rob standing there, dressed in another one of his perfectly tailored suits.

"My mother and sister have invited us to dinner tonight," he said. "Family friends will be there. It's important."

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral.

"Understood."

He lingered, searching my face like he was expecting more, but I offered nothing. After a beat, he gave a short nod and left me to my thoughts.

The rest of the day, I buried myself in physical exhaustion. I spent a good chunk of time at the personal gym before lunch and then cooled off in the pool later. By the time I returned to my room, I felt calmer — numb, even.

But as I stepped out of the shower, steam curling around me, that numbness shattered.

Rob was there.

I jolted, clutching my towel tighter around me. He stood just inside the doorway, holding a garment bag draped over his arm.

His gaze dropped briefly before he cleared his throat and met my eyes.

"This is for tonight."

He extended the bag toward me.

I took it cautiously, fingers brushing the smooth fabric inside.

"If you want anything else," he added, "you can speak to Coy. He'll arrange it."

His tone was polite — controlled. But I saw the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers flexed at his sides as if holding something back.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

Rob didn't respond. He only nodded once and left, closing the door behind him.

I exhaled slowly.

The dress was stunning. Black, floor-length satin with delicate lace tracing the bodice. It fit perfectly, of course.

Before I left my room, I checked my phone again.

King's response made a weight appear in my gut, but I steeled my resolve.

Once this business with Rob was done, I needed to ask him what Alistair knows about my mom.

***

Rob and I arrived at the restaurant just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden haze across the city. The place was elegant but understated — soft lighting, dark wood panels, and the quiet hum of conversation drifting through the air.

He rested his hand on the small of my back as we entered, guiding me through the crowded space. I fought the instinct to pull away. Every touch, every brush of his gloved fingers against my skin made my fury flare.

His mother and sister were already waiting at a private table near the windows.

"Beth," Erika greeted, standing with a genuine smile. "It's so lovely to see you again."

Claire beamed as well, leaning in to press a light kiss to my cheek.

"You look gorgeous," she whispered, then shot Rob a teasing glance. "I told you black was her color."

I forced a polite smile, feeling the heat of Rob's hand lingering at my waist as he kept me close.

"Thank you for having me," I said softly.

Before more pleasantries could unfold, the Lloyd family approached the table.

"Erika," the tall man greeted with a warm smile, extending his hand. "It's been too long."

"James," Erika replied with a graceful nod before turning to us. "Beth, this is James and Lydia Lloyd. And this young man—" She gestured toward the boy standing quietly at their side. "—is Jace."

Jace couldn't have been older than ten. He had neatly combed sandy brown hair, warm brown eyes, and the kind of posture most kids his age didn't bother with — straight-backed, serious. When he shook my hand, it was with a politeness that felt rehearsed but genuine.

"It's nice to meet you," he said softly, his voice calm for a child.

I smiled, a little surprised.

"You too."

We all settled into our seats, and soon dinner was served — some extravagant selection of courses I barely registered as the night dragged on.

Rob kept his gloved hand on me the entire time. His fingers occasionally skimmed along my wrist or brushed against my thigh under the table, each touch sparking unwanted heat beneath my skin.

He played his role perfectly. Murmured compliments when I spoke. Stole lingering glances that felt far too real. And I played along, leaning into him just enough to make it convincing.

The worst part was how natural it felt.

At one point, Claire leaned across the table with a knowing grin.

"You two look so good together. I've never seen Rob this... affectionate."

I swallowed the retort burning my tongue and forced another smile instead.

"Oh, I agree!" Erika added as she looked at her son lovingly. "Rob's always been so distant with people. And I do hope for grandkids."

"Mother," Rob sighed.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it," she said and smiled at the Lloyd family. "Just look at what a gentleman Jace is. I miss having kids around. I don't care what you say. I'm a simple woman, Rob. I want to be a grandmother. Is that so much to ask?"

Despite my anger at Rob, his family could easily disarm my fury. Their stories and jokes. I couldn't help but smile in return. His mother was so different from my own mom, and yet I felt... familiar with her.

Dinner finally came to a close with polite goodbyes and parting smiles.

The car ride back was quiet, the city lights blurring past the windows.

"Your rush to get married. Is it for your mother?" I asked. "You're putting all this effort in so you could make her a grandmother some day?"

He glanced my way.

"Yes."

I nodded as I already guessed his reply.

"That's... sweet."

"Honestly, I never thought it would really be possible, but if all this goes well, it should be."

I looked at him as I tried to figure it out. From the stories I heard, nothing happened for Rob to have developed like this. He was simply born this way.

I couldn't imagine living like that at all.

Just as my heart started to pity him, I steeled my resolve.

No matter how kind his family was, that didn't absolve his crimes.

And last I checked, this guy wanted me dead.

"I've decided my reward," I finally said.

Rob turned to me.

"Name it."

"I want you to kill someone for me," I whispered.