Fake Fiancée, Real Feelings

a person numb?" My voice boomed across the empty gall

response. The

time, angrier as if mocking my will. "This is it," I murmured gently, my hands trembling as I set the letter on

at the voices in m

up my spine as I looked up, half expecting a saviour to walk in with a blank check and an enth

I asked for?" Her feeble hands grasped h

dness that weighed me down. "Of course,

rapped and waiting. A $30 sale would not save the gallery

s slow but purposeful. "Keep the change, lov

everyone aware of the g

u. This time, I managed a genuine smile, but it see

r than before. I fell onto the stool behi

appens

arry it on after he passed away. Yet, enthusiasm alone wouldn't cover the e

urs, and portraits that seemed to look directly at me. All of them were masterpie

phone pulled me awa

said, attempting t

mechanical. "I'm phoning to remind you that the deadline for paying the gallery's mortgage is in three

ice cracked, but I di

e the balance?" she said, he

working

stigate all options, such as selling assets or finding investors.

you," before han

ty pressing against my chest. Selling the gallery would be betraying my f

l chime

was tall, wearing a sharp suit that exuded power and riches. His dark hair was n

paint smudges on my top and chipped l

was not a question. His voic

ded cautiously.

a hand. "I represent Crosswell Holdings.

nded like a sma

d him the first time. "We believe this location

y amazement. "The gal

erything's for sale, Miss Sinclair. It's just a

et firmly. "This is not just a bui

her evolve or fade into obscurity." You have a deci

business card befor

d over his shoulder, leavi

d I remained there, clutching

n Crosswell. A name I'd seen in headlines, lin

d something,

e wants m

d. I focused on Gideon's card, its glossy surface ref

al breath seemed