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“Right now, you need my help. But I’m an entrepreneur, Vanessa. I have to protect my business. We’ll discuss the details of the agreement. Feel free to hire a lawyer to review the contract before you sign it.”

I knew she wouldn’t, but the offer was there.

“Fine,” she said. “But I won’t commit any crimes.”

“But you already did.” I tipped her chin up, wanting to look into those defiant brown eyes. “Lying about your real identity to a man who invested in you is a crime.” I loved the way her eyes intensified on me. Vanessa had a dark story too, and I wanted to know it. “But it’s a crime I can dismiss since you’re going to be my wife.”

The reality of it sent a shockwave through me. How would I share this news with my mother and sister?

CHAPTER NINE

VANESSA

I lookedout the window of Attikus’s fancy car, replaying the surreal events of the day. When I woke up this morning, preparing my grand opening, I didn’t expect to end the day with an arranged fake marriage.

I turned and looked at Attikus, who was focused on the road. He knew I was staring at him but didn’t comment. He was going to be my husband.

As a child, I dreamed of getting married one day and having a family. Many people had this dream. It was sold to them in fairytales and romance novels. I had believed in it until I realized that the world was cruel, and the men who ran it were the reason.

I didn’t dare think about such things anymore. My fairytales were scattered all over my artwork. Sometimes, I poured love and hope into them. Other times, I channeled my rage.

Like everything else about Attikus, his profile drew me in. More shadows played out over his features as the evening city lights cascaded over his face.

“See something interesting?” He turned to meet my gaze.

Heat blossomed on my face, and I turned away quickly, praying the evening hour hid my embarrassment.

“Just trying to get to know my future husband,” I lied. “If people question me about him, I want to reply without hesitation.”

The car stopped at a red light, and I stared at the couple walking in the street holding hands. They seemed happily in love. How long did that phase last until the real person emerged? It was too difficult pretending to be someone else. Eventually, your true self would be revealed.

The car moved, but Attikus didn’t turn down the street toward my apartment.

“You missed the turn.”

“No, I didn’t. I’m picking up dinner at my sister’s house. It’s time you meet your in-laws.”

“Isn’t it too soon? Is that necessary?”

He looked at me. “If you want this marriage to be believable.”

I just wanted to stay with my small circle of people. I didn’t want to meet new people who would ask questions I didn’t want to answer.

“Well, I don’t have anyone for you to meet on my side.”

Curiosity sparked in his eyes, but he didn’t comment.

“We met online and chatted for several months. We wanted to keep it quiet, but you fell in love with me and demanded I make a move. I gave in, and here we are.”

“Why do I have to be the one to fall in love first?”

“Because they’d never believe it otherwise. Trust me.” He turned down a street with lots of trees on the sidewalk. “That would prevent a lot of questions.”

“We don’t need a wedding reception.”

“No, we’re doing it at City Hall and then going on vacation to where I have a business meeting. That’s our honeymoon.”

I stared at him. “How romantic.”