“Alright, Hart… Let’s practice,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. “I must warn you, I’m sort of a pro at this.”
My breath caught in my throat as I leaned in, closer, our eyes locked in an unspoken challenge. Roman’s lips parted slightly-
Then I abruptly pressed my index finger and thumb against my nose, as if I’d caught a whiff of something foul.
Roman blinked, confusion and shock mingling on his face. “…Are you okay?”
I gasped dramatically, pinching my nose. “Is my cologne too strong?”
“Your ego. It’s choking me. I needed to make sure I could breathe before I died mid-kiss,” I replied, bursting into laughter.
Roman just stared at me, incredulous.
I released my nose, feeling proud of my antics. “You really thought this was the perfect opportunity for a prank?” he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“I’m legally obligated to humble you once a week. Consider this your dose,” I declared, grinning widely.
He dragged a hand down his face, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re the most chaotic fake fiancée on the planet.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
We were halfway through the movie when Roman picked up his phone, absently scrolling through it.
I was mid-rant about how I’d have to sell my kidney and my car just to keep up with Chloe’s extravagant wedding theme when Roman suddenly fell silent.
Too silent.
“What?” I asked, glancing up at him, my curiosity piqued.
His expression was unreadable, and then he turned the screen toward me.
It was Instagram… A DM request to be specific.
“Sav, why is your ex-boyfriend slash brother-in-law sending me a message request?”
**The Next Day…**
Mom’s excitement radiated through the group chat, her message a burst of energy that made me smile despite myself.
“Can’t wait to see your fiancé, sweetie!!”
Aunt Carol chimed in, her enthusiasm palpable.
“Omg!!! Chloe said he’s GORGEOUS.”
And of course, Chloe couldn’t contain her glee.
“Eeeee! So happy for you, Sav!”
Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of irritation and amusement at the last two messages. It wasn’t like Chloe had ever laid eyes on Roman-her knowledge of him was limited to her relentless social media stalking, much like her husband-to-be.
The office buzzed with the frenetic energy of a typical workday. The rhythmic clatter of keyboards created a symphony of productivity, while phones rang incessantly, each tone a reminder of the chaos. The air was thick with the rich aroma of coffee mingling with the musty scent of paper, a combination that usually fueled my day.
I sat at my desk, attempting to project an aura of busyness while my phone vibrated with relentless urgency. If this kept up, I was convinced that my boss, Terry Goldberg, wouldn’t think twice about handing me my pink slip.
Another message chimed in, and I could feel the curious stares from my colleagues boring into me. I finally decided to silence my phone, hoping to quell their prying eyes.
New Hope was buzzing with gossip. Word had spread like dandelion seeds in the wind…
“Savannah Hart was coming back with a man. For the second time in her life.”
But this time, it was a fiancé: Roman Blackwood.
The reality of my ex getting married sent a wave of panic through me, compelling me to fabricate the biggest lie of my life. And now, there was no way to backtrack.
Just then, a soft knock interrupted my thoughts, drawing my attention.
I looked up to find an intern hovering at my desk, holding an elegant black box that seemed to weigh heavily in his hands. The box had an air of sophistication, as if it contained treasures of the elite.
But a closer inspection revealed that such boxes often concealed something dangerous as well.
“Delivery for you,” he announced, his tone matter-of-fact.
I stared at the box, my curiosity piqued. “Is it ticking?”
The intern shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “If it is, it’s ticking in cursive.”
I eyed the box with a mix of suspicion and intrigue. “Does it say who it’s from?”
He shrugged again, his indifference only fueling my curiosity further.
Around me, my colleagues were whispering, their heads bobbing as they craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the mysterious package.
“Great. Thank you,” I muttered, already feeling the weight of their scrutiny.
To my surprise, the box wasn’t as heavy as I had anticipated. I quickly sought refuge in an empty cubicle, eager to unwrap the enigma that had just arrived.
As I unwrapped the package, my breath caught in my throat. It was a silk dress, the kind that seemed to hug the body like a beloved memory.
But this wasn’t just any dress. This was THE dress.
A breathtaking emerald green creation, it featured a daring low neckline and an open back that promised to turn heads. The thigh-high slit added a bold touch, announcing my presence without uttering a single word.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.