His fake fiancee

The Press Conference

The room was blinding.

Cameras. Mics. Shouting.

Is it fake?? Are you pregnant?? Mr. Cole, is this a PR stunt??

Adrian walked in first.

Lila followed. Hand shaking.

Until his hand found hers. Warm. Steady.

They sat.

Adrian leaned into the mic.

The engagement is real, he said.

Gasps.

Lila squeezed his hand.

I know the timing looks suspicious, he continued. I know the photos look staged.

But the reason I’m standing here with Lila is not because of investors.

It’s because I’m in love with her.

The room exploded.

Lila stared at him. Adrian

He looked at her. Only her. Say something.

Lila’s heart was pounding out of her chest.

She turned to the cameras.

It’s real, she whispered. Then louder. It’s real. And I’m in love with him too.

Flash. Flash. Flash.

After, in the car, neither of them spoke.

Until Adrian broke it.

You didn’t have to say that.

I wanted to.

He pulled over.

Turned to her.

Eleanor leaked it. The fake engagement story.

Lila blinked. What?

She paid someone to say it was a contract. To scare you off.

Lila laughed, but it hurt. Of course she did.

Adrian reached out. Tucked hair behind her ear.

I’m sorry. For using you. For the contract. For all of it.

Then why’d you do it?

Because I’m an i***t who thought if I put rules on it, I wouldn’t fall.

He swallowed. I failed.

Lila looked at his hand on the console. Reached out. Laced their fingers.

So what now?

Now? Adrian smiled. First real one in weeks. Now we date. For real. No cameras.

And I take you on a real date. Dinner. No board. No PR.

Lila grinned. Pick me up at 8?

Pick you up at 7. I’m impatient.

His phone buzzed. Eleanor.

Adrian silenced it.

Later, he said. Tonight is ours.

To Be Continued