WHEN WORLD'S COLLIDE

knew it, the hours had flown by, and it was already afternoon. I took a refreshing shower and dr

pidation. I had breakfast early in the morning, remembering that Luca was coming to pick me up. But as I looked at my ref

thinking that we would hit it off and become a couple. But I knew better. I knew that this was just a business arrangement, a fake

ed the door, my breath hitched in my throat. Luca looked incredible, his eyes sparkling with a warm smile, his suit fitting him perfectly. I felt like I was star

mooth, his eyes crinkling at the co

Thanks," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the bu

s hand, feeling a jolt of electricity as our palms touched. I quickly locked the door, my heart racing wit

ed, feeling a blush

sleek, black car waiting for us. Luca opened the door, and I slid into t

e streets a stark contrast to the peacefulness of my apartment. We eventually arrived at a huge penthouse, an up

ight get in," Luca said teasingly,

art skipping a beat at the endearment. Luca led me up to the apartme

as the elevator zoomed up, the doors opening with a soft whoosh. Luca led me out, and I gaspe

hed, my eyes w

pride. "Welcome to my humble abode,

ack and gold decorations gleamed in the soft light, and the kitchen island was neatly styled with

with wonder. "I can't believe how beautiful it is. The

Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I had a great team

skyline. The floor-to-ceiling windows made the space feel airy and

ce interrupting my reverie. "Water, juice, wine? I h

ding. "Water, please," I said, my thro

a glass of chilled water that I downed quickly. "Thank

le nearby, taking a moment to appreciate the sleek design of the fur

h. "My lawyer should be here anytime from now. We'll go ove

What were the expectations of our fake relationship? I felt a flutter in m

of Italian food to our favorite books and movies. I was surprised by how

it. He returned with a middle-aged man carrying a briefc

g to me. "This is Dovey, my... partner." He s

erious. "Nice to meet you, Dovey. Le

an, the fate of our fake relat

his pen poised over the contract. We had just finished discussing the

long it took for his business to stabilize. I would have to accompany him to his business meetings and social events, pretending to be his doting girlfriend. We would have to hold hand

ife on hold, and my relationships and friendships would suffer. But, I would be gaining

see the expectation in his eyes, the hope that I would agree to this

said, my voice f

feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I had just committed to

from me. "Welcome to the team, Miss Dovey.

my hand. "Thank you, Dovey," he said