There were so many marks, a regular dress just wouldn't cut it. So, I ended up picking a sexy one.
The dress was cut to perfection, accentuating my curves. My hair, done up elegantly, was all pinned back.
A true beauty knows her looks need to be fully on display to make the strongest impression. When Emery saw the hairpin I was using, he shook his head in disappointment. He then had someone bring him a hairpin with a diamond on top.
He personally styled my hair.
[System, is this jade hairpin something that could be made in this world?] The system remained silent for a few seconds before responding: [It should be.]
Really?
---
When I walked into the ballroom, holding Emery's arm, all eyes immediately turned to us.
I scanned the crowd, and eventually found the hostess of the evening—Laylah.
She wore a red halter dress with a plunging neckline, showcasing her perfect figure.
Before, I must have looked like a child compared to Laylah.
"Mr. Mccann, it's an honor to have you here tonight," Laylah said, linking her arm with Percival's as she addressed Emery. Emery didn't accept the drink she offered him.
Instead, he turned to me, "Does my wife want to have some fun?"
I silently gave him a thumbs-up and whispered in his ear, "Well done, you'll get a reward when we go back tonight."
"When did Mr. Mccann get married? Such big news, and we didn't hear anything about it. Looks like Mr. Mccann is doing a great job of keeping his wife well-protected." Laylah said, looking at me. "I'm Laylah."
I didn't miss the surprise in her eyes when she saw my face. I nodded and smiled, "I'm Piper." As soon as the words left my mouth, everyone around us seemed momentarily stunned.
It seemed that my name had quite an impact on them.
"Mrs. Mccann, what an interesting name," Laylah smiled politely, showing no signs of awkwardness. Percival, however, was quietly studying me.
As more and more people came over to chat, I found it a bit boring, so I excused myself and went outside to the balcony. I hadn't expected Percival to follow me.
The night air was a bit chilly, so I wrapped myself in the scarf Emery had given me.
"Piper, do you enjoy playing me for a fool?"
I raised an eyebrow, realizing he had caught on.
When did he figure it out? Where did I make a mistake? Then I thought about it—someone like Percival would find out anything in no time.
I had only acted on a whim, and since my cover was blown, I simply met his gaze and admitted it.
But I hadn't expected him to be so bold. The glass doors leading into the ballroom were just a few steps away, yet Percival pushed me up against the wall.
His eyes roamed over me unabashedly.
"How did you do it?" His teasing voice reached my ears. I smirked and whispered in his ear, "Percival, meeting with an ex at your current fiancé's party? Aren't you afraid of making headlines tomorrow?"
I emphasized the word "ex" with extra weight.
"A private meeting? What are you saying? You're just worried she'll be ignored at the party, so you came to check on her."
Just like that, Percival said with a sarcastic tone.
He knows I'm Piper, so he knows her identity is fake.
"Percival, we've broken up. Are you regretting it?" My cold gaze fell on his hand resting on my waist.
Just as I turned to leave, Percival yanked the scarf from around my neck.
As I moved, the lingering marks from last night's ambiguous kiss were exposed right in front of Percival's eyes. I clicked my tongue in annoyance—this sleeveless dress revealed too much. I could see Percival's gaze darkening, moment by moment. Just then, Laylah's voice broke through.
"Percival, Mrs. Mccann?"
