The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

Into the snow

*Ashley*

I can’t help but feel like a princess as I step onto the private jet. The interior is sleek and luxurious, all plush leather and polished surfaces. I glance over at Lucas, who seems so at ease in this extravagant setting, and I remind myself that this isn’t really about me. It’s about him wanting to escape, to have a good time… and the jet is about him looking the part and showing off. Yet, I can’t shake the excitement bubbling inside me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m determined to enjoy every moment of it.

“Isn’t this amazing?” I say, forcing a smile, even though a part of me feels like I’m playing dress-up in someone else’s life.

He nods, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Just wait until we hit the slopes. You’re going to love it.”

I catch myself daydreaming about what it’ll be like to glide down the mountain, the wind whipping through my hair, the thrill of speed coursing through my veins, feeling free. But I quickly scold myself. This is just a trip, nothing more.

The jet takes off smoothly, and I press my forehead against the window, watching the world shrink below me. The city fades into a patchwork of colors, and I can’t help but smile at the sheer beauty of it all. I feel giddy, but I also feel a tug of guilt for enjoying something so extravagant. It’s just a show, after all.

I drift off, dreaming about Lucas, I have done that a lot since the day he had his tooth fixed. And to be honest I am rather embarrassed by myself… it is not like I have a crush on him, I do not even desire him… and yet here I am, having naughty or romantic dreams starring Lucas almost every night.

When we finally land, I can’t believe how quickly we’ve arrived, considering we are basically on the other side of the world. Waiting for us is a fancy sports car, gleaming in the winter sun. Lucas’s eyes light up as he walks toward it, and I can almost see the pride radiating off him like heat waves… heat waves I could use, I think, as I pull my coat closer around me.

“Wow, this is a nice ride,” I say, trying to sound impressed, but a small voice in my head whispers that this is all too much, and not fitting for driving up a vinter mountain..

“Right? Let’s hit the road!” he replies, excitement lacing his words.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” I ask, glancing at the thin layer of snow covering the ground. “Maybe something more sturdy… I mean, with the snow and everything…”

He waves a dismissive hand. “It’s just about an hour’s drive to the hotel. We’ll be fine. And I like this car.”

He has gotten that mulish expression he gets when things are not going his way, and I know it is time to fold as I can see a flicker of annoyance cross his face, so I quickly nod, not wanting to make a scene. “Okay, if you say so.”

We hop into the car, and it smells like new leather mixed with fresh air. I take a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline kick in. Lucas turns the ignition, and the engine roars to life, sending a thrill down my spine. Okay it is a cool car… I have to admit.

As we drive away from the airport, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. Trees draped in white, fields sparkling under the sunlight… it’s like a scene from a postcard. I lean back in my seat, letting the beauty wash over me.

But as we climb higher into the mountains, the snow starts to pick up. It’s light at first, but I can see the clouds thickening, darkening the sky. I glance over at Lucas, who seems focused on the road.

“Do you think we should slow down a bit?” I suggest tentatively, my unease growing as the snow begins to fall more heavily.

He shakes his head, determination set in his jaw. “We’re almost there. Just a little bit farther…. i would like to get there before the snow gets too bad.”

I bite my lip, watching the snow swirl around us like a dance. The road narrows, winding through dense trees that loom over us like watchful giants. It’s beautiful, but something feels off. I can sense the tension in the air, the way the car slips slightly on the slick road.

And then it happens… a flash of movement. A deer leaps out from the trees, directly into our path.

“Lucas!” I scream, my heart racing.

He swerves, the tires screeching against the icy road. I grip my seat, panic flooding my veins as the car spins out of control. Everything feels like it’s happening in slow motion… the trees rushing toward us, the snow swirling around like a blizzard.

“Hold on!” he shouts, his voice strained as he struggles to regain control.

My breath catches in my throat as we careen off the road, the car tilting dangerously. I brace myself, bracing for impact, my mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next.

The world spins wildly, and I can’t tell which way is up. A rush of adrenaline floods my body as I close my eyes, waiting for the crash to come.