Chapter 23 – The Calm Before The Storm/
I woke up earlier than usual.
Sleep had been a joke anyway. I kept turning all night, replaying yesterday in my head.
The kiss. The photo. Grandpa Albert’s laughter. Hunter’s steady eyes right before he leaned in.
That diamond ring is still gleaming on my dresser.
Was this what pretending felt like? Because it didn’t feel fake. Not entirely.
I pushed the sheets off and sat up, staring at the ring box again.”
I hadn’t put the ring on after getting home. I had just set it down and walked away like it burned.
My phone vibrated.”
Anna:
Don’t forget. Dinner with the Mayor tonight. 6 PM. Hunter already confirmed.}
Of course, he did.
I showered, let the hot water calm my nerves, and dressed slowly in a cream–colored silk dress.
Nothing too loud. Polished. Subtle.}
The kind of look that didn’t scream I’m fake–engaged to a billionaire who wants revenge, but more like I belong here.
My fingers hovered over the ring box again.
Topened it, took the ring out, and slowly slid it onto my finger.
It felt heavier today. Like it knew.
Downstairs, a black car was waiting for me. I didn’t need to ask who sent it.
When I arrived at the rooftop restaurant, Hunter was already outside, talking to someone on the phone. He ended the call the second he saw me.?
“Right on time,” he said with a quick once–over. “You look… decent.”
I rolled my eyes. “You could just say I look nice.“}
“But I like keeping you humble.“}
“Remind me again why I agreed to this?“>
He smirked. “Because your company survived. And because deep down, you don’t hate me.”}
I didn’t respond.
We walked in together.
A tall hostess led us through private doors, up a short staircase, and onto a secluded rooftop lit with hanging lanterns and tiny flickering
candles.
Classy. Discreet. A perfect stage.}
The mayor was seated already, flanked by two investors I vaguely recognized from the last gala event. He stood as we approached.
“Hunter, good to see you,” the mayor greeted, shaking his hand. Then his gaze moved to me. “And this must be the fiancée we’ve been hearing about.“Z
I smiled tightly. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.“}
“You’re even more beautiful than the papers say.“D
“Let’s hope they write more about her brains,” Hunter added, pulling out a chair for me.§
I sat down, smiled, nodded at the others. Let Hunter do the talking.
He was good at it. Too good. The way he worked the room with that easy charm, casual confidence, and a few tailored anecdotes that sounded just personal enough to feel sincere.
I stayed quiet until someone asked about our engagement.”
“It happened fast, didn’t it?” one investor asked, sipping wine.!
Hunter reached over and laced his fingers through mine before I could even think.
“Sometimes, when you know, you know,” he said simply.
My fingers twitched in his hand, but I didn’t pull away.
The mayor beamed. “Well, I hope we get to celebrate at your wedding soon. You two seem like a perfect match.“”
My heart pounded. Not because I believed it. But because part of me was terrified they might.
After dinner, the mayor pulled Hunter aside to chat. I stepped out to the balcony for some air.
The city lights stretched out in front of me, shimmering like stars trapped between skyscrapers.
I exhaled slowly, letting the night cool my skin.!!
“You handled that well.”
I turned. Hunter was behind me, hands in his pockets, gazing at me.
11:35 AM
“I didn’t do much,” I muttered.
“You smiled. You played the part. You didn’t throw the ring into the ocean.” He paused. “Progress.“> “I still don’t like this.”
“You don’t have to like it,” he said. “You just have to keep doing it.”
“For how long, Hunter?” I asked. “What’s the end goal here? Just embarrassing Gabriel isn’t going to be enough.” “He’s in New York now” Hunter said. “Landed this afternoon.”
My heart squeezed.
Gabriel was here.
We left the restaurant and Hunter dropped me off without saying much else.
I walked up to my apartment, kicked off my heels, and sank onto the couch. My phone buzzed.
Hunter.
He’s landed. It begins tomorrow. Be ready.
I typed back quickly.
Me:
What do you want me to do?
There was a pause. Then his reply lit up my screen.
Hunter:
Just be his weakness.
I stared at those four words for a long time and laughed then I replied back.
Me:8
I’m going to be everything he didn’t think I’d ever be!
