Chapter 23 – The Calm Before The Storm/
Sleep had been a joke anyway I kept tuning all niult, replaying yesterday in my head &
The kinn. The plicibo Gospa Albert’s laughter. Hunter’s steady eyes right before he leaned in.X Hak aipmond thing in still gleaming on my dieses
Was Hún what pretending felt like? Dermine it didn’t feel fake. Not entirely
I postust the sheets off and sat igy, storing of the ring box again X
Thadn’t put the ring on after getting home. I had just set it down and walked away like it burned
Bort laget. Dinner with the Mayor tonight. 6 PM. Hunter already confirmed.
Of course, he did
I showered, let the hot water calm my nerves, and dressed slowly in a cream–colored silk dress.
Nothing hop loud. Polished. Subtle l
kind of look that didn’t scream I’m fake engaged to a billionaire who wants revenge, but more like I belong here.
My fingers hovered over the ring box ngain.
Hopened 11, took the dog out, and slowly slid it onto my finger
I felt heavier today Like it knewli
Downstairs, a black car was waiting for me. I didn’t need to ask who sent (EM
When I unived at the rooftop restaurant Hunter was already outside, talking to someone on the phone. He ended the call the second he
“Right on time,” he said with a quick once–over. “You look decent”
I rolled my eyes. “You could just say I look nice.“X
“But I like keeping you humble.“}
“Remind me again why I agreed to this?“:
He smirked “Because your company survived. And because deep down, you don’t hate me.“>
I didn’t respond.
We walked in togetherk
A tall hostess led us through private doors, up a short staircase, and onto a secluded rooftop lit with hanging lanterns and tiny flickering candles
Classy Discreet. A perfect stage
The mayor was seated already, flanked by two investors I vaguely recognized from the last gala event. He stood as we approached. “Hunter, good to see you,” the mayor greeted, shaking his hand. Then his gaze moved to me. “And this must be the fiancée we’ve been
I smiled tightly “It’s nice to meet you, sir”
“You’re even more beautiful than the papers sny
“Let’s hope they write more about her brains,” Hunter added, pulling out a chair for me
I sat down, smiled, nodded at the others. Let Hunter do the talking.
that
He was good at it. Too good The way he worked the room with that easy charm, casual confidence, and a few tailored anecdotes th sounded just personal enough to feel sincere. K
I stayed quiei until someone asked about our engagement X
“It happened fast, didn’t it?” one investor asked, sipping wine i
unter reached over and laced his fingers through mine before I could even think.
Sometimes, when you know, you know,” he said simply
My fingers twitched in his hand, but I didn’t pull away K
mayor İmamed “Well, I hope we get to celebrate at your wedding soon. You two seem like a perfect match”
My heart pounded. Not because I believed it. But because part of me was terrified they might
After dinner, the mayor pulled Hunter aside to chat I stepped out to the balcony for some air.
The city lights stretched out in front of me, shimmering like stars trapped between skyscrapers bestialed slowly letting the night cool my skin E
*You fundled But well “7
mad Hinter was behind me hands in tes pockets, gazing at me
“You smiled. You played the part. You didn’t throw the ring into the ocean” He paused “Progress.”
ou don’t have to like it,” he said. “You just have to keep doing 11.“)
Tor how long. Hunter? Lasked “What’s the end goal here? Just einbarassing Gabriel isn’t going to be enough.”
in New York now” Hunter said. “I muler fun afternoon.“71
We left the restaurant and Hunter dropped me off without saying much else.
I walked up to my apartment, kicked off my heels, and sank onto the couch
My phone buzzed
He’s landed it begins tomorrow. Be ready
I typed back quickly
Me
What do you want me to do?%
There was a pause Then his reply lit up my somen!!
Estared at those four words for a long time and laughed then I replied back.
Im going to tie everything he didn’t think I’d ever bel
14AM
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