His fake fiancee

The Morning After

Lila woke up on Adrian’s couch.

With a blanket over her. And coffee on the table.

And Adrian gone.

Her phone had 3 texts.

Adrian: Board meeting. Don’t answer calls from press.

Adrian: There’s food in the fridge.

Adrian: We need to talk tonight.

No mention of the kiss. No mention of Eleanor.

The TV was on. Muted.

BREAKING: COLE ENGAGEMENT SCANDAL? SOURCES SAY IT’S FAKE

Lila dropped the mug.

The door opened.

Adrian. Suit rumpled. Eyes tired.

You saw it, he said.

Is it true? Lila asked. Did you hire someone to leak that?

I didn’t. He dropped his keys. But someone did.

He walked to her. Stopped an inch away.

I need you to come to the press conference with me. In an hour.

And lie?

And stand next to me.

Lila laughed, bitter. You kissed me twice for PR, Adrian. How am I supposed to know what’s real anymore?

Adrian reached out. Stopped himself.

You want to know what’s real?

Yes.

I haven’t slept since the gala. Because every time I close my eyes I see you in that red dress.

That’s not

And I kissed you yesterday because I wanted to. Not because of a camera.

Lila’s breath caught.

Adrian

So come to the conference, he said, voice low. Hold my hand. Let them talk.

And after, I’ll tell you the truth. All of it.

He walked to the door.

One hour, Lila. If you don’t show, I’ll understand.

The door clicked shut.

Lila looked at the TV. At the headlines. At the ring on her finger.

Then she grabbed her coat.

Because she needed to know too.

To Be Continued