was to

Too expensi

surrounded by soft leather and the scent of something expensive she co

one, calm and unreadable, like he hadn't jus

oat. "So... am I be

omething really annoy

d. "Kiddin

gged at the corner of

. "Look, I don't know what this

sn't ch

eyes pinned her in place. Cold grey. Calm. Calculate

ou a job," he s

u don't know any

planning until your fiancé drained your savings, forged your signature on three loans, and fled the country. You're

stunned. "Did you h

ou'd be surprised what

st. She didn't know whether

ually, like he was ordering

linked.

gal purpose. Nothing romantic. Strictly business. You play the part, I pay of

a mil

d in her skull l

understan

genda. No family that will try to sell the story. No scan

think t

s in borrowed heels," he said. "You

The words hit to

ass," she

g you to fall in love. I'm asking for a performance. Be my wife on paper. Be present at

her thoughts racing. It sou

ls. The pitying looks from people who used to call her ta

k at him. "And

I drop you off at the neare

asion. He meant it.

ok a sha

think a

-eight hours. After that,

y's Ap

. The lights flickered as always. The sink dripped in the background. She k

wi

ley Ga

more she thought about it... the more she couldn't

an old photo-her and her mom, smiling on a beach. Back when lif

, Mom," sh

her phone and ty

known

l d