Page 106 of The Fake Husband Deal

I took a deep breath as I opened my front door.

No, this had to be conjecture. Someone who didn’t believe our wedding story.

I’d packed earlier for my stay at Noah’s, so I grabbed my bag. I wasn’t even sure I’d be staying at Noah’s tonight, but at least I was prepared.

We certainly needed a good conversation.

A small brown envelope on the floor by the door caught my eye. I could have sworn it wasn’t there when I came in.

I picked it up. It didn’t have a stamp or address, just my name on it. I stuffed it inside my bag.

When I opened the door, I found myself face-to-face with Pierce.

“What are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?”

“As you can see, I’m on my way out.”

“This is important,” he said in the whiny voice that had driven me nuts even when we were together.

“Not a good time, Pierce.”

I closed the door and walked around him to my car.

“For fuck’s sake, Lior Van Stern, just fucking listen to me for once.”

“What do you want?” I shouted.

He bridged the gap between us and leaned against my car. His was parked behind mine, so I couldn’t leave until he did.

“I’ve seen the article,” he said.

I hated the sympathy slash pity in his expression.

“And?”

“I just wanted to see how you’re doing. Is this true? Please don’t tell me you married a stranger just to get the company. I know your father’s will stipulation was unfair, but god, Lior, I’ve been here all along. Couldn’t you have come to me?”

I frowned. “No, because there’s nothing between us. We are over.”

“Do we have to be?” he asked with a tinge of hope.

“What do you mean?”

He leaned over to touch my face, but I stepped back.

“Look, I know what the stakes are. Ultimately, you need to end up with someone who can fit into your life. Your dad knew me. The partners know me. Why don’t you annul your silly marriage and marry me instead? Together, we can make this work. The company will thrive with both of us working together.” He took a step forward. “Do you remember when that was our dream? I’d take charge of the company while you focused on the museum? We could have our dream back.”

How could I have had such dreams when staring into his eyes now did absolutely nothing for me? “Dreams change.”

“Not like this. Tell me you’re not worried about losing the company over this scandal.”

I couldn’t because it would be a lie. I wasn’t just worried. I was terrified.

“What will your mother think of all of this? Does she know you married to save the company?”

“Pierce…”