Fake Fiancée, Real Feelings

nconcerned about my increasing issue. I tightened my coat against the wind, replaying Gideon Crosswell's

allery i

iced me to sit and collect my thoughts. Instead, I stood still, lookin

n apology before moving on. My feet led me aimlessly until I found myself outside the Sincl

ry had always been a haven, a shelter created by my father through his blood

s final effort before his death, looked out at me with fierce defiance. The strokes were bold, the colours vibrant. It wa

urn. It would save me time, but not enough. The debts were a

ara

emaining employee, standing at the office doorway. Her blonde c

ll day. "Have you met

on's assistant initially contacted her. It

ded, my voice em

and searched my face. "What

to sell my soul to someo

offer," I ac

d up. "That's fantastic

ad previously indicated. She had no idea that foreclosure was just w

plicated," I

t faded. "How

in a suited suit entered. He exuded authority and his presence dominated t

said, his voice pl

turned pale. "Wh

hest felt like it was collapsing

adjusting his glasses. "I need to

e a mix of confusion and terror.

. "Sophia, can you

then nodded. "I'll

d it on the counter. "Miss Sinclair, I have been patient, but your paym

more time," I explai

already approved the foreclosure. "You have un

blow in the stomach. "Tha

your collection," he suggested,

. "That piece i

t you find ano

him with a finality that caused my knees to shake. I slumped dow

eon's proposal pr

dest apartment, with Bellamy's f

used, with each serving

d the name Sophia pop

d ask things I didn't know the answers to

hrough the contract, each clause a reminder of what I'd be giving up: priv

e anymore. It was about th

out between the pages. **Take car

it? So, what d

ct anyone, and it was nearly midnight. I loo

idor, his hands in his pockets and

demanded, opening the door

urs," he stated calmly but firmly. "You

stalking

e. "Your address was on file. I am here

"Well, I haven't ma

u." He reached inside his coat poc

s?" I asked

hat I'm

. My breath caught. The cash was sufficient

Gideon explained. "Sign the

was more cash than I had ever encountered in

pens if I ref

, Miss Sinclair, let me be clear: this offer is not on

ords landed on me l

y," he said, tu

I called

looked over

ed, my tone barely

se you possess something that no one e

disappeared, leaving me with the contract, the

and then went out, plunging the room into darkness. I took my

hen I sp

ibbled over the mi

trust