FAKING IT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 9: The CEO's Ex

The following week passed in a blur of meetings and events, but one thing stood out in Harper's mind: the upcoming charity gala for the city's animal rescue organization. She had been looking forward to it, eager to showcase her growing confidence as Nathan’s fiancée. However, a nagging sense of anxiety lingered at the back of her mind.

Just as she settled into her desk that Friday morning, her phone buzzed with a text from Jenna.

Are you ready for tonight? I heard Charlotte is coming.

Harper’s heart sank.

Charlotte Kensington. Nathan’s ex-girlfriend.

She had been the topic of gossip among the employees at Blackwood Enterprises, and Harper had tried to put her out of her mind. But the mere thought of her showing up at the gala sent a chill down Harper’s spine.

I’m ready, I think. Just a little nervous about Charlotte.

Don’t let her get to you. You’re with Nathan, and he chose you.

Right.

Harper exhaled slowly, trying to reassure herself. But the thought of facing Charlotte—who was stunning, confident, and every bit the woman Nathan had once loved—made her stomach churn.

She tried to shake it off as she prepared for the gala, picking out a striking black gown that hugged her curves perfectly. She wanted to feel powerful, beautiful, and confident. As she applied her makeup, she practiced her smile in the mirror, hoping to project the image of a woman in control.

When Nathan arrived to pick her up, she felt a mix of excitement and dread. He stood at her door, dressed in a sharp navy tuxedo that highlighted his muscular frame.

“Wow,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her with genuine admiration. “You look incredible.”

“Thanks,” Harper replied, her nerves tightening slightly.

As they walked to the car, she tried to focus on him, the warmth of his presence helping to ease her anxiety. But as they drove toward the venue, her thoughts drifted back to Charlotte.

“What’s the plan for tonight?” Harper asked, trying to sound casual.

Nathan glanced at her, a slight frown crossing his features. “We’ll mingle with the guests, take some photos, and maybe say a few words on stage. Just the usual.”

“Is Charlotte going to be there?”

He hesitated before responding. “I can’t say for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“Great,” Harper muttered, crossing her arms. “Just what I need.”

“Hey.” Nathan’s tone shifted, and he reached over to squeeze her hand. “You’re more than capable of handling her. Remember what I said about leaning into our engagement?”

“Right.”

As they arrived at the venue, a lavish ballroom filled with elegant décor, Harper felt her stomach flutter. The moment they stepped out of the car, cameras flashed, and the whispers began.

“Mr. Blackwood! Miss Hayes! Over here!”

Harper plastered on her best smile, feeling Nathan’s hand firmly on her back as they walked down the red carpet together.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric, with a mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. They moved through the crowd, greeting guests and accepting congratulations on their engagement. Nathan was in his element, effortlessly charming everyone he met.

Harper did her best to keep up, but her mind kept drifting back to Charlotte.

As they paused to chat with a group of potential donors, Harper spotted a familiar face across the room. Charlotte Kensington stood in a stunning emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her long hair cascading down her back. She was laughing with a group of friends, radiating confidence.

Harper’s heart raced, and she instinctively stepped closer to Nathan.

“Is that her?” she whispered, anxiety creeping into her voice.

Nathan followed her gaze and sighed. “Yes, that’s Charlotte.”

“Great,” Harper replied, her voice tinged with frustration. “Just what I need to ruin my evening.”

“Don’t let her get to you,” Nathan said firmly. “You’re the one I’m with now.”

As if on cue, Charlotte turned her head and caught sight of them. Her smile faded slightly as she approached, her gaze flickering between Nathan and Harper.

“Nathan,” she said, her tone dripping with honeyed sarcasm. “What a lovely surprise to see you here.”

“Charlotte,” Nathan replied, his voice neutral.

Harper forced a smile, trying to project confidence. “Hi, Charlotte. You look… amazing.”

“Thank you.” Charlotte’s gaze settled on Harper, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I didn’t realize Nathan had found someone new.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened, and Harper felt the tension in the air. “Charlotte, this is Harper. My fiancée.”

“Yes, I gathered that,” Charlotte said, her tone condescending. “I just didn’t expect him to settle down so quickly. Especially after everything that happened between us.”

“Enough,” Nathan interjected, his voice low but firm.

Harper felt the heat rising in her cheeks, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m grateful to be here tonight.”

Charlotte studied her for a moment, a smirk playing on her lips. “I bet you are. Nathan is quite the catch.”

“I’m well aware,” Harper replied, forcing a smile. “But I think we all know what he’s capable of.”

“Harper, let’s not do this here,” Nathan said, his tone warning.

Charlotte’s laughter rang out, a high, melodic sound that grated on Harper’s nerves. “Oh, don’t worry, Nathan. I’m just trying to have a little fun. After all, what’s a party without a little bit of drama?”

The tension in the air grew thick, and Harper felt her hands clenched into fists. “I don’t think this is fun at all.”

“Maybe you should lighten up,” Charlotte shot back, her gaze unwavering.

“Ladies, let’s keep this civil,” Nathan said, his voice calm but authoritative. “We’re here for a good cause, remember?”

Harper took a step closer to Nathan, her heart racing. “What exactly do you think this is?”

“I think it’s time for you to go, Charlotte,” Nathan said firmly. “You’re making everyone uncomfortable.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Oh, am I? Or is it just you?”

“Charlotte, I mean it,” he replied, his voice low and steady.

She huffed, rolling her eyes. “Fine, I’ll leave. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, Nathan.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving a tense silence in her wake.

Nathan sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I’m sorry about that.”

“I didn’t like how she talked to me,” Harper said, her voice tight.

“I know. She has a way of pushing buttons.”

“It felt personal,” Harper replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Nathan turned to her, his expression serious. “It wasn’t. She’s like that with everyone. It’s her way of dealing with things.”

“Dealing with things?” Harper echoed. “By trying to undermine me? Trying to make me feel small?”

“Hey.” Nathan stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. “You’re not small. You’re more than capable of holding your own, and you did tonight.”

Harper took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I just don’t want to feel like I’m competing with her.”

“You’re not competing. This isn’t a contest.”

“Isn’t it?” she asked, searching his gaze. “You loved her once.”

“I loved her in the past,” Nathan said firmly. “That’s not who I am anymore. And it’s certainly not who I am with you.”

The intensity in his eyes made her heart race.

“I chose you, Harper,” he continued, his voice softening. “You’re the one I’m engaged to, and that means something.”

She searched his face for sincerity, and the warmth in his gaze made her feel slightly better. “I know. I just… I don’t want her to affect us.”

“She won’t,” he promised, his thumb brushing over her arm. “We’re stronger than that.”

Just then, a nearby guest approached, and Nathan quickly stepped back, his demeanor shifting to that of the confident CEO once more. “Ready to mingle again?” he asked, offering her a charming smile.

Harper nodded, her heart still racing from their earlier exchange.

As they moved back into the crowd, Nathan’s presence was a comforting anchor. They mingled with other guests, exchanged pleasantries, and posed for photos, but Harper couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered.

When the evening came to a close, Harper and Nathan stepped back into the cool night air, away from the prying eyes of the party.

“Are you okay?” Nathan asked, concern etched in his features.

“Yeah, I think so,” Harper replied, though the knot in her stomach hadn’t fully dissipated.

“Charlotte can be a lot, but you handled her like a pro.”

“Thanks,” Harper said, though she still felt a lingering doubt. “But I can’t help but feel she’ll always be a part of this.”

“Let her be a part of it,” Nathan replied, his tone confident. “You’re the one I’m with, not her.