Page 29 of A Win-Win Situation
I nod. "Yes, that's what I said."
She looks at me with a mix of surprise and apprehension, clearly not expecting things to move so fast. I notice her body tensing up.
"But don't worry," I continue, trying to put her at ease. "It's just a formality. A quick ceremony at the town hall, and we'll bedone in no time," I say, my attempt to appease her falling short. Trying to calm her down is like trying to slow a wave during a storm—it's not possible. Leora swallows, her eyes still wide with surprise. I can tell she's nervous, but I need to keep her focused and moving forward with the plan.
"Oh, that reminds me," I say, trying to sound casual. "We need rings; an engagement ring for you and wedding bands for us both. " I take out my black AmEx and slide it toward her, assuming she’ll want to choose her own ring. "Please get yourself whichever diamond ring you’d like. Make sure it looks like it came from a man like me."
Her nose scrunches for a second before she relaxes, and I’m immediately struck by howcuteshe is.
Why do I think she looks cute while looking disgusted with me?
"You also need something more elegant to wear. Ascuteas your dresses are, you'll need more elegant attire for people to believe you're my wife."
Leora's expression shifts to one of bewilderment and a hint of offense as she gazes at the card in front of her. After a few seconds, her green eyes rise to meet mine. There's an unmistakable intensity in her gaze—she's angry.
"First of all, what the hell is wrong with my clothes? Second, I don't need your money," she says firmly.
Arching an eyebrow, I offer a measured response. "This is only about appearances. We have to consider the bigger picture if we want this arrangement to succeed, and right now, you don’t look the part. That responsibility falls on me, so take the card and get yourself some new outfits and rings. If you need anything else, get that too."
A retort, seemingly poised on Leora's lips, falters and evaporates. The momentary hesitation in her expression brieflyraises my concern. She inhales deeply, rising from her seat, and reaches for the card.
"Will do,fiancé." Her words drip with a frosty detachment as she begins to pivot away. Then, she abruptly halts, turning to me, saying, "I almost forgot. I want it written in the contract that when this is all over, I don’t want any money fromyou. The job is enough."
No money?I'm left puzzled, my mind struggling to catch up with the abrupt change. Isn't that the whole reason she’s agreeing to this?I had thought she found out about me being a billionaire. Maybe this is her way of testing my sincerity or, perhaps, a subtle way to show who she is.
But I don’t ask her. I don’t press. I only nod.
"I'll call you with the details tomorrow," I say as she turns to leave.
"Great," she snaps back as she stomps away.
Her fire is back, and I can't help but feel curious about what that fire is capable of. There aren't many who dare snap at me. My employees seek validation, while everyone else wants attention. But Leora doesn’t care, not in the slightest. This marriage might turn out to be more interesting than I initially thought. However, it hits me after she's left that we haven't discussed her moving into my apartment. She must know that's going to happen, as we're getting married, and married people live together. But I push it aside; we'll discuss it later.
I finish my coffee and before I leave, I call my uncle, letting him know the hotels’ future is safe.
TWELVE
LEORA
As cute as your dresses are, you'll need more elegant attire for people to believe you're my wife.
I’m classy. I’m classy as fuck,normally.
But I’m on vacation now, so all he’s seen of me is what I look like in yoga pants, a short black dress for a night out, or in someting as simple as jeans shorts.
Moreover, why did I have to add that I don’t want any money after this is over? Ineedthe money. Even though I’ll have a job after this, the extra money could help me buy a new apartment. I’m an idiot.
After his remarks, however, I decide to actually do what I’m told and max out his credit card.
I stomp my way up the stairs, sweating my ass off, until I reach our floor and open the door.
Adeline greets me as I stop into the room. "Well, hello to you too. Where have you been?"
"Did you do it?" Sophie asks.
I walk by them and go straight to the bedroom. "It looks like I’m getting married on Saturday."
Both of them scramble off the sofa and rush after me.
