Chapter 22 – A Little Gamble
I stared at Hunter, my heart hammering. His hand was still at my waist. His face was too close. Too calm. Too unreadable.
Grandpa Albert cleared his throat loudly. “Well? Let’s see some sparks, young love!“2
I glanced at Hunter. He didn’t say a word. Just tilted his head, waiting.
“You don’t have to do this,” I whispered, barely moving my lips.
He leaned in anyway.
“Play the part,” he whispered back. “Just this once.“%
And then… his lips touched mine.
It was soft. Barely more than a brush. But it stunned me.
I didn’t move. Not at first. But his hand gently tightened at my waist, grounding me. His lips lingered just a moment longer than necessary before he pulled away.%
“Perfect!” Grandpa Albert cheered. “That’s the look of two people in love. One more for good luck.”
“No,” I said quickly, laughing nervously. “I think one is enough, Grandpa.”2
Hunter chuckled beside me. “She’s shy.“%
“Then you’d better take care of her, Grandpa Albert wamed, patting his grandson’s shoulder. “Don’t mess this up, Hunter.“I Hunter glanced at me. “I won’t.”2
I felt hot all over. Embarrassed. Confused. Angry, maybe. Or was it something else??
The rest of the visit went by in a blur. Grandpa kept talking about wedding dates, grandchildren, and how he couldn’t wait to dance at our reception. I smiled. Nodded. But my brain was miles away.
When we finally got back to the car, I exhaled.
“Well, Hunter said, turning on the engine, “that went well.“2
“You kissed me,” I said flatly.
“It was a photo op.”2
“You didn’t ask.”%
“You didn’t stop me,” he replied coolly.
I turned to him. “Don’t do that again.”2
His jaw ticked, but he nodded. “Fine. No more kissing unless absolutely necessary.”
I folded my arms, turning to the window. “You’re impossible.”
“I’m effective,” he corrected. “Your company’s back in shape. Your name’s all over the media again–in a good way. You should be thanking me.”
“I didn’t sell myself to you.“Z
“No,” he said. “But you did agree to play my fiancée. This is what the role looks like.”
The ride back to the city was quiet. I kept glancing at my phone, wondering if Lily had posted anything else. I hadn’t opened her last message. I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction.
When we pulled up in front of my building, Hunter spoke again.2
“We’ll need to attend a few events together. For appearances.”>
I nodded. “Fine. Just send me the dates.“%
“Faye,” he said, catching my wrist as I opened the door. “This thing between us… it doesn’t have to be a war.“>
I looked at his hand, then at hirn. “Then stop acting like I’m your trophy.”
He let go. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.“%
I got out without another word.
The next morning, my phone rang just as I stepped out of the shower. It was Anna again.”
“Morning,” I said, drying my hair
“You are everywhere,” she squealed. “You and Hunter are trending. That kiss? The photo? Everyone’s talking.”
“I figured.“%
“There’s a brunch event this weekend for investors,” she added. “They want you and Hunter to attend together.“&
“Send me the details.”%
“Oh–and Faye? You looked genuinely happy in that photo. It suits you.“%
I hung up.
I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t even sure what I was feeling.#
Later that evening, I got a package delivered. No note. Just a single velvet box inside.
I opened it?
1/
11:35 AM
..
O
A diamond ring.
It sparkled like it had a mind of its own.
I barely had time to process it before my phone buzzed. A message from Hunter.
“Wear this tomorrow. We have a dinner with the mayor.”
I didn’t reply.
Instead, I walked to my balcony, staring at the ring in my hand.
Fake. All of it.
But it looked so real.
My heart ached. This wasn’t love. It was survival.
But then again… wasn’t that all I’d known??
With everything that’s happened with Gabriel at least now I wasn’t just entangled with Hunter for love it was for my benefit. My phone rang. I stared at it and Hunter’s number flashed across the screen.§
I picked the call.
“What?”
“That’s not how to speak to your fiance,” Hunter’s cocky voice sounded over the phone.
“What do you want, Hunter?” I asked him.
He smirked, “Have you seen the gift I sent you?“>
“Yes, I’ll prepare for the dinner,” I answered.\
“Good.“”
“When is the revenge plot against Gabriel going to start?” I queried.
Hunter’s voice dropped dangerously low, “As soon as he steps into New York.”
D
