Pretend Affair With The CEO

004: FAKING A RELATIONSHIP

~~Hazel~~

Two days have passed, and I have questioned every decision I made over and over. Jace hasn’t reached out since our meeting at the agency. No calls, no text. I kept checking my screen for anything I missed, but it’s blank. I was so engrossed in trying to convince him to be my plus one that I didn't get his contact. Now I'm torn between leaving for the airport hearing from him or waiting for a last minute indication that he’s still in on our deal.

Maybe this is a sign. Pretending to be in a relationship with Jace Callahan was a bad idea from the start. He must have had the time to think about it and decide that it was ridiculous.

The rhythmic honking of a car snaps me out of my thoughts, an indication that my brother is parked outside. After ghosting everyone since the breakup, I sent him a last minute request earlier for him to drop me off at the airport. I grab my suitcase and make my way outside, pushing all thoughts of Jace to the back of my mind. I’m mentally prepared to do this with or without him. It’s just a week of pretending to be fine, I've survived worse.

“I’m so glad to know that you’re alive, Hazel,” Ethan remarks, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he walks towards me. “Good to know that your scumbag of a boyfriend didn’t make you consider suicide.”

I roll my eyes, pushing the suitcase to him. “He’s an ex now.”

“As he should be.” He stuffs his trunk with my luggage and slams it shut before giving me a concerned once over. “So, how’s my little sister holding up? You don’t look good.”

As expected. Noel’s wedding is the talk of the town. The blogs wouldn’t shut up about the ‘wedding of the year’, as it is tagged. I had to stay off social media to protect what’s left of my sanity and prevent myself from telling Zoey to get me off this project. Jace’s silence isn't making things any better.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Of course you would. I know you won’t cry over a man that’s not me.”

If only he knew that crying was an understatement of the things I've done. I chuckle, getting into the car. I’d forgotten how good Ethan is at making me feel good when I'm down. He acts like he doesn't mind giving me up for adoption if he gets the chance, but I know he’s crazy about me.

“Are you sure you want to go on this trip?” he asks as soon as we hit the road. I tense up, glancing at him. He thinks it’s a business trip. If he knew the details, he’d definitely make me take a leave of absence from work. He has no idea about Jace either and I plan to keep it that way. He’d have a heart attack if he finds out.

“I’m a big girl, Ethan. You don’t need to worry about me.” He doesn’t look a bit convinced, but he nods anyway.

We’re almost at the airport when he speaks again, in a soft tone this time. “For what it’s worth, Noel is an i***t. He fumbled the only good thing he had, that’s his loss.”

My lips curve in a smile as warmth fills my chest. “Thanks.”

“And if his marriage with that fiancee of his doesn’t last, I'll be the first to shove it in his face.”

That’s very unlikely. I recall Noel's words. Violeta is someone in his league, the perfect woman for him. They have no reason to not have a happy married life.

As soon as he stops the car at the airport, I get out and grab my suitcase from his trunk. Ethan waves me goodbye from the driver’s seat as I move away from the vehicle. I keep my smile in place, gripping my suitcase absently.

Then my phone rings. An unknown number flashes across the screen. I take a glance, feeling my heart race in my chest. Immediately Ethan drives away, I swipe the answer icon.

“Hazel Blackwood.” Jace's voice is smooth, deep and laced with amusement. Relief and irritation floods through me at the same time.

“You took your sweet time calling.” I try not to let my annoyance show in my voice. “I almost thought you changed your mind.” He probably has, but I have to be certain.

“I wouldn’t dare. I’ve been swamped, but I didn't forget our arrangement.”

“Swamped?” I turn, making my way over to the building. “It’s okay to admit that you are having second thoughts.”

“Clair-“ He cut himself off abruptly, letting out a tired sigh. “Hazel, having you pretend to be madly in love with me to spite your ex is an entertainment I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Besides, I don't go back on my word.”

“Too bad I don't think faking a relationship with you is worth it anymore,” I mutter. “I’m already at the airport. I’ll talk to you later, Mr Callahan.” Without waiting to hear a response from him, I end the call.

A few seconds pass. My gaze is glued to the screen, half expecting him to call back and apologise for going ghost and throwing me into anxiety, but he doesn’t. Giving up completely, I drag my suitcase to the check in counter, ready to go on without him.

But just as I join the queue, a gruff voice whispers against my nape. I know it’s him even before I see his face.

“I told you I don't go back on my word.”