Chapter 21 – The Temporary Arrangement
I opened my eyes slowly, letting the sunlight slip through the curtains and warm my face.”
I felt tired. Not just physically, but in my chest, like I’d been carrying something too heavy for too long.
There was a soft knock on my door.&
“Come in,” I said, sitting up.”
Grandma and Grandpa walked in, their expressions softer than last night.
Grandpa scratched the back of his neck like he always did when he felt awkward.
Grandma sat beside me on the bed and took my hand.
“Sweetheart,” she said gently, “we’re sorry for how we spoke last night.“>
“We didn’t mean to upset you,” Grandpa added. “We trust you, we really do. It’s just… the board’s been breathing down our necks. Everyone is panicking.”
I nodded. “I understand.“}
Grandma’s hand squeezed mine. “We don’t want you to feel forced into anything.”>
I looked at both of them and gave a small smile. “I’ve decided to accept Hunter’s offer.“”
Their eyes widened.
“You’re sure?” Grandpa asked.
iam. It’s temporary. It won’t kill me.” I stood up and walked over to the wardrobe. “If this helps settle things for the company, I’ll do it.” “You’ve always been strong,” Grandma said softly. “But just know, you’re not alone. We’re proud of you.”>
I turned back to them. “Thank you. I’ll be okay.”
After they left, I changed into a navy dress and heels. I didn’t bother calling Hunter.
Something about walking into that office without warning felt… right.
When I got to the company, the front desk receptionist gave me a once–over.
“Do you have an appointment?” she asked flatly.
“No,” I replied.
She raised a brow. “Then I’m afraid you’ll need to come back another time.”}
“It’s important,” I said. “Can you just call up to his office?“}
“I can’t bother Mr. Hunter without a scheduled appointment.” She looked back down at her computer like I wasn’t even standing there. My jaw clenched. I pulled out my phone and dialed Hunter. “Faye?” he answered on the second ring, sounding surprised.
“I’m downstairs. Your receptionist doesn’t want to let me in.“>
There was a beat of silence, then I heard, “I’m coming.”
Two minutes later, Hunter stormed into the lobby in a tailored black suit, eyes scanning until they landed on me.}
“What’s going on here?” he asked coldly.
The receptionist jumped to her feet. “I–I didn’t know she was your fiancée, sir.“>
Hunter didn’t even look at her. “Then maybe you should’ve asked.”
I’m so sorry, Mr. Hunter,” she stammered.
He reached for my hand. “Let’s go.“%
I didn’t pull away. I didn’t correct him when he called me his fiancée either.
Inside his office, he closed the door behind us.”
“Well?” he asked, lips curving into that confident smirk. “Changed your mind?”
I took a breath. “Yes. I’ll do it. I’ll be your fiancée. Temporarily.”
He leaned back, smug. “I knew you’d come around.”
“This doesn’t make us friends,” I added quickly.
“Of course not,” he said, amused. “Strictly business.”
He picked up his phone and made a few quick calls in front of me. Less than five minutes later, mine rang.
“Hello?”
“Faye!” It was Anna, my assistant. Her voice was practically shaking. “Whatever you just did–it worked! The investors are calm again. The press is quiet. Shares are climbing back up. You saved us!*%
My heart thudded. “Are you serious?“!!
“Dead serious. Congrats, boss.”
I hung up, staring at the phone.
Hunter gave me a smug look. “All it takes is the right name, the right photo, and one call. You’re welcome.”
11:38 AM
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t lie. I was grateful.
He stood. “Come on ”
“Where are we going?“#
“To see my grandfather,” he said simply. “He wants to meet my future wife.“%
I blinked. “I thought you said temporary fiancée.”
“Same thing for now.” His grin widened. “He’s old. Let him enjoy the fantasy.“%
We drove in silence. When we reached the estate, I felt oddly nervous.
Hunter’s grandfather greeted us at the entrance, his arms open wide. He hugged me tightly.%
“Welcome to the family, my dearl” he said warmly. “You’re even more beautiful than the photos.”%
“Thank you, sir,” I said quietly.
“None of that ‘sir‘ nonsense. Call me Grandpa Albert.”
I nodded, smiling politely.
“I want to take a picture of you two together,” he said excitedly. “Right over here, by the roses.“% Hunter reached for his phone, but Grandpa stopped him.
“No, no. I want to take it. You two stand together.”
Hunter and I moved next to each other. I folded my arms awkwardly.
“You’re standing like strangers,” Grandpa Albert complained. “Come on, act like you like each other!“%
Hunter slipped his arm around my waist. I flinched a little, but didn’t move.
Grandpa frowned. “Still too stiff. Faye, look at him like you love him. And maybe… a kiss?“%
I froze.N
Hunter turned to me slowly, lifting a brow.
The moment stretched.
His hand tightened at my waist.
I looked up at him.
And for a second, I couldn’t breathe.
11:35 AM
