MARRIAGE TRAP

PARTY #1

It was a beautiful night in early summer. The pale blue sky sparkled when Senjan arrived. Street lights lit up as Romy drove his luxury car across the tree-lined street to a hotel in the city where a charity night was to be held.

Everything's fine. Lyra reassured herself in her heart as she eased the nervousness inside her stomach. I've been to a few events like this with Romy, and there will be a few guests I've known, famous names that shape the social life of the elite in the city.

The design dress she wears looks very harmonious with the color of her skin and her petite body with a fluffy cut and a charming blend of aqua and blue. The strappy high heels increased his height, and the matching diamond earrings and pendants proved an understated luxury.

To add elegance, Lyra styled her hair in an elaborate bun and held it in fashionable flops. Thin makeup that is carefully done just accentuate the eyes and plus a little blush. Soft colored lipstick accentuates the curves of her lips.

Five hours, Lyra reminded herself, she should smile, have a conversation, sip a delicious drink and chew on a fancy meal during that time.

How hard is that?

"You don't have to be nervous."

Romy's slightly accented voice made Lyra smile wryly.

"Sure." sahut. "And the cow can jump to the moon."

Romy's little laugh enveloped Lyra's nerves and touched her a little. "We've done this before, if you remember."

"Before is the key word." When Lyra imagines herself falling in love with the man by her side. But now the situation has changed.

"Look easy."

Can he do that?

Lyra simply glanced at Romy meaningfully, then focused on the vision behind the car windshield as the man followed the traffic jam leading to the hotel.

The camera, the lights, the action, Lyra thought to herself as the uniformed officer opened the passenger door and spun to one side so she could get off.

Lyra vaguely noticed Romy moving by her side the three officers took her car to the parking area below, and had to smile as she ventured into the camera lights.

The presence of Romy Wijaya attracted media attention mainly because of its financial position, and its generosity at several charity events.

The fact that Lyra was accompanying him would lead to speculation. The existence of her wedding ring, and Romy's own ring, only adds to the rumors. Inevitably, a connection with the downfall of his father would emerge, and various conjectures would be widespread.

Then why? Isn't there a saying that says a person should always smile no matter how hard he is?

So, Lyra smiled until her facial muscles ached, conversing as if everything was fine.

Does Romy know how hard it is for Lyra to pretend? Maybe, even if it doesn't help.

The event was held in the hotel's ballroom, and some guests gathered in a sitting room next to the ballroom where the waiters served drinks and food.

Men in black night suits, clean white shirts and black bow ties, a mix of wealthy retirees, industry leaders, and descendants of distinguished families.

Women in desiner dresses, wearing jewelry that can finance poor countries, look beautiful and in perfect order.

Okay, Romy admits that he is indeed too sensitive. Who wouldn't feel that way in the same situation? But not sensitive enough to make it go away.

Almost, a stubborn voice urged him and pretended.

"Romy's." That raucous voice clearly belonged to a woman. "Darling, will you introduce me to...your friend?"

The brief pause was obvious on purpose, and Lyra's lips curved in a casual smile as the woman looked at Romy suspiciously.

"Marta." replied Romy politely. "My wife, Lyra."

He grabbed Lyra's hand and lifted her to his lips. "Darling, Marta is my friend."

Oh God. Which woman would not be melted by those sensual black eyes!

"Wife?"

It was amazing how one simple word could contain such a wide range of emotions, and Lyra managed to put on an enchanted expression as she spun to face Marta. "Yes." Yeah." He almost added something to the stale, then decided not to do it.

"I don't know at all." Marta was happy. "I think this wedding.just took place?"

"A week ago." replied Romy with a lazy smile.

"I have to congratulate you. And add how happy I am for you both." The smile was almost as fake as his nails were beautifully painted.

"You're so nice." Lyta replied sweetly, "Thank you." He held his head up and threw a charming smile at Romy. "Darling, will you get me a drink?"

Romy only needed to signal the waiter, and within seconds Lyra had already chopped up a drink glass.

"Isn't this fun?" He raised his glass with a defiant look. "You want to, honey?"

Romy's eyes stared fixedly as his fingers clasped the woman's fingers and took the glass, lifted it to his lips, enjoyed the drink slowly, then turned his hands down and slowly removed Lyra's hands.

"Is there anything else you want to share with me?"

"Maybe." Lyra's eyes flashed defiantly, "If we eat different foods."

Romy shifted closer then said slowly. "Hmmm, I can't wait."

Romy's little laugh sounded so close to her ear. "Is that an invitation?"

"No."

"Liar."