on earth would that work? He couldn't deny the logic in Jake's suggestion, but the very though

on his desk. Her smile beamed at him, and guilt gnawed at his chest. He lo

king about it, aren't you?" he said, flicking through his phone with the no

arply. "It's absurd, Jake. Completely insane. I

t just about satisfying your father. It's about saving your company, your legacy. And let's be real, W

right. Porsha, as much as he loved her, wasn't what his family expected. S

ere would I find someone who'd agree to such a ridicu

ns. All you need to do is agree, and I'll make sure we find the perfect candidate. Someone who won't

ought about his father, the company, and the overwhelming pressure building o

t this has to be discreet, Jake. I don't want

"Trust me, bro. You

ra'

g in my ears-go see Ted, prove him wrong, or prove yourself right. My heart thudded against my chest at

There was no use overthinking. I had to see thi

oorway, startling me. I turned to find him leaning against the frame, arms cro

es. "I need to clear my mind. It's not f

room with an exaggerated sigh. "I don't trust t

on. "You've never liked any of my boyfrien

e grin tugging at his lips told me otherwise.

him a quick hug. "Thanks, Nick. I know yo

dn't argue further. "J

h a smile, though deep

of anxiety and doubt, but also hope. Part of me wanted Mrs. Janelle to be wron

ted for a moment, staring at the entrance as if it held all the answers to my unc

passing floors making my heart race faster. Finally, the doo

d once.

in, a bit lou

l no

it turned easily, and the door creaked open. I hesitated on the threshold, my instincts

d a strange feeling settled ov

ice sounding unnaturally lou

, but there was something off-an unfamiliar jacket draped over the back of the couch. My

e hallway toward his bedroom. The door was sli

ry instinct in my body told me to turn around and l

pushed the door open g

aw shatt

. They were talking in hushed tones, but the intimacy between them was undeniable. Her head re

s seeing. My heart felt like it had been ripped fr

and met mine. His face paled, and the woman beside h

hispered, his vo

ed on my heel and bolted out of the apar

Person

ity lights twinkled in the distance. His phone buzzed on

ob. She's perfect. We

. Tomorrow. The contract bride. His life was

as already intertwined with a woman whose