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“September sixth,” Raphael replies without missing a beat, and I’m so stunned I can’t even speak.

I didn’t know I was actually getting married before the midterms.

“You need to go on a date with Silver,” Matthew says out of the blue.

I lift my gaze from my computer to look at him. “What?” I ask, puzzled by his proposal

“Silver. You need to be seen out on a date with her,” he repeats.

“Yes, I heard you the first time, but I don’t understand why,” I explain, and he sighs.

“Because you’re not gaining voters like we thought, and you have to push it. People adore Silver, especially women, but she’s out of touch,” Matthew pushes, and I clench my jaw.

We’ve gone over this many times. He knows Silver’s situation, and I don’t think she wants to push her luck.

“We started this relationship playing on the idea that we could hide for a long time because we value our privacy, and now you’re saying we have to go out on a date? Are you planning to call the paparazzi and stage something?” I arch my eyebrow in a challenge. He knows I don’t like to use gossip to get people talking about me.

“No, of course not. But people will take pictures of you, they’ll talk online. Real people, not gossip magazines. She feels distant. They adore her because of her public appearances, but they can’t relate to her. There’s not one picture showing her doing something normal like having breakfast or going for a run. Only official pictures in glamorous dresses. Normal people can’t relate to that,” he points out.

“You know why she doesn’t do it. It’s a risk, and you’re willing to put her in danger for my sake.” There is accusation in my voice and Matthew’s face clouds with disappointment. I know he is doing everything to win this election, but there are some things I won’t do, like exploit the woman who agreed to help me.

“She knew what she was signing up for when she decided to help you. She likes the money you’re throwing at her, so don’t pretend she’s doing it out of the goodness of her heart.” He raises his voice and anger starts boiling inside me.

“She never asked for my money!” I shout. “I put a figure on the table and she accepted it without even glancing at it. She’s helping me because I screwed up her cover and I’m the safest option for her, and you know it.”

Now anger crosses his heated gaze. “Literally ten days ago you gave her a freaking diamond she can keep after this is over. A million-dollar diamond and you’re telling me she doesn’t want your money?” he shouts back.

Here we go again. Matthew is furious I gave her that ring, and I don’t know why. “Is this about that fucking diamond or the money or what? What’s the difference if I gave her cash or a diamond? Please tell me why you are so pissed about that ring. We’re engaged, everyone is expecting a rock on her finger!”

“Because she’s falling for you!” he shouts, and this time I’m speechless.

“What?”

“Have you seen the way she looks at you? Are you sleeping with her? Because if you are, stop it. Snuff it out now because you are going to hurt her. You’re giving her a taste of a life she can’t have and when you dump her, she will be crushed,” he spits out in anger.

What the hell is he talking about? She’s not like that. She knows the deal, doesn’t she? We both know that there will never be a real relationship between us, and she’s on board with that.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I rub a hand over my face.

Matthew studies me for a long moment and I can see the anger leave his face, a mixture of resignation and fear replacing it. “I hope so. I really hope so,” he mumbles before standing up and going for the door. He stops before grabbing the handle and walking out. “Go on a date. I’m telling you as your campaign manager, not your friend, this is the right thing to do.”

“I’ll talk to her, but I can’t guarantee she’ll agree,” I say firmly, and I can see his shoulders slump a bit. He seems defeated.

“Remember that you chose her because of your campaign, not to play hero and save her. Do what’s right for you, not her,” he adds, never looking back at me, then walks out the door, leaving me here with my chest tightening and an uncomfortable dread seeping into it.

***

I walk through the front door almost hoping Silver wouldn’t be here, even though I know she is because Sven keeps me posted about her every move. The conversation with Matthew churned in my mind all morning, and when I couldn’t keep my head in work anymore, I just gave up and came home.

I take a deep breath and walk into the living room where Silver is sitting at the table in front of the windows, a gazillion pamphlets and magazines in front of her.

She looks up from what she’s reading and frowns. “I didn’t expect you home so early,” she says and I smile.

“If you want, I can walk out and come back later.” It comes out like a joke, but I’m not sure it’s so far from reality.

“Come on in!” She laughs, waving me closer.

When I reach the table, my heart drops. Wedding pamphlets are scattered everywhere. She’s smiling as if excited about it and I wonder if she is taking my proposal more seriously than intended.