Chapter 3

Just a few days.

The second I find a new place, I'm out.

I stood at the villa's entrance with my suitcase and gave myself a pep talk.

I swiped the card. The gate opened.

And I froze.

Three stories. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything cold black, white, and gray—but all of it screamed money.

I'd never set foot in a place like this in my life.

I crept upstairs and picked the smallest bedroom. Still huge. Bigger than my entire rental.

I opened the closet and froze again.

A row of dresses. Silk nightgowns. All brand new, tags still on.

I checked the size on one.

Same as mine.

These were for Cressida.

Something sour settled in my chest.

A guy like Stellan, quietly preparing all this for his fiancée.

...What's it to me anyway.

I put the gown back and pulled out my faded floral pajamas instead. Changed and flopped onto the bed.

So soft.

I was almost out when a beeping sound came from downstairs.

I snapped awake.

The garage sensor.

I ran barefoot into the hallway. The security monitor in the living room showed a black Range Rover pulling in.

The door opened.

Stellan stepped out.

He said he barely stayed here???

My mind went blank. I wanted to run, but where? This was his place.

Footsteps. Already at the door.

I had to keep playing the part.

The lights.

I killed every light in the house, plunging it into darkness, and steadied my voice.

The door opened.

"Stellan." I softened my voice, mimicking Cressida's tone. "I wanted to surprise you. Don't you like it?"

His footsteps paused.

"Surprise?" A hint of amusement. "I'm definitely surprised."

He walked toward me.

My heart was going to give out, but I stepped forward anyway and wrapped my arms around him from behind.

"Don't turn on the lights." I pressed my face against his back. "I like it dark."

He said nothing.

I felt him turn. One hand caught my chin.

"This eager?"

The next second, he swept me off my feet.

I held on, breathing in that familiar mint scent, completely terrified on the inside.

He took a few steps, then stopped.

"You changed your pajamas tonight?"

I went rigid.

The floral pajamas.

My own ratty floral pajamas. Not the silk ones he'd put in that closet.

"I just threw something on." My voice came out shakier than I wanted. "You don't like it?"

Silence. Two seconds.

Then a low laugh.

"Actually... it's kind of cute."

I was tossed onto the bed before I could say anything.

He braced himself over me, voice dropping:

"But I'd like it better if you wore nothing."

That night, he was rougher than ever.

By the time dawn came, he was finally asleep. I could barely move.

But I had to be gone before he woke up.

I dragged myself out of bed—and spotted a sticky note on the nightstand.

I didn't put that there.

I leaned in.

"Had to leave early for work. Won't be back for a couple days. Make yourself at home."

When did he write this? I didn't notice a thing.

Something loosened in my chest. And right behind it, something else I couldn't quite name.

Whatever.

I got ready for work and checked my phone. A message from Cressida.

【Tatum, I've decided. I'm ending the engagement with Stellan!】

【I found my true love! He's my destiny!】

【I'll tell him when I'm back in the country!】

I stared at the screen.

Ending the engagement.

So do I keep pretending?

Something hollow sat in my chest. Probably just the money. Without this gig, my sister's treatment bills would be a problem again.

Before I could think it through, another message came in.

The company group chat.

【Reminder: Mandatory health screening today. Please arrive on time.】

Health screening.

And then it hit me.

My period was late this month.