Temptations

33. HUSBAND DEAREST

ELLIE

I arrived the office alone today as Nathan had to go to a meeting. As the elevator doors opened, I came face to face with Drake who welcomed me with a warm smile.

"You look quite radiating." He said as he eyed me from head to toe. I was wearing a baby pink jump suit and my hair was tied in a ponytail. I smiled awkwardly and thanked him for the compliment.

Drake had been really nice to me ever since we met but I feel bad for him sometimes. He had shown interest in me in the beginning but fate made me marry his best friend. Thank God, he wasn't holding a grudge against me. Or was he? Who knows!

Once we reached our floor, he made way for me and then followed me to our offices. While I was entering mine, I heard him say, "Miss. Elizabeth, please join me in my room."

Nodding, I put my things on the desk and made my way to his office. Is he in revenge mode now?

"Please have a seat." He said as he sat down on his chair. I nodded and sat down in front of him.

"Sorry I've to be formal in front of others." He said apologetically.

"No, I understand." I replied, letting out the breath I was holding. I didn't want him to treat me any different than his other employees.

"Good. Coffee?" He asked and picked up the intercom. I shook my head in no so he went on and ordered one cup of coffee.

"You don't have any meeting or appointment today." I briefed.

"I know. I like to keep track of things myself." He said, resting his elbows on the table. He was quite handsome and had a deep penetrative gaze along with a charming smile that can make any girl feel weak in her knees. Tell me why I married his stupid friend again? Oh yeah, Aria.

"Remind me again why you need an assistant." I said teasingly.

"I like to have a nice view." He winked and my face reddened.

"Wait till my husband hears." I warned jokingly.

"You don't need to pretend in front of me. We both know this marriage means nothing." He said and this time, my face heated up with embarrassment. I didn't know Drake knew it was a fake marriage and I was caught lying red handed.

"Ah, well."

"It's okay. You don't need to be awkward." He said. "I just wanted to confirm, you are allowed to date, right?"

"What?" My eyebrows furrowed.

"I mean..."

"I know what you mean." I said angrily but then seeing his nervous expression, I collected myself. "I'm sorry. It's just, even though it's a fake marriage, we are still legally married. And out of respect to this marriage, I won't be dating or sleeping with other guys."

"I understand." He said lowly, looking almost disappointed. "Sorry. Forget I asked."

"It's okay." I nodded.

I awkwardly left his office and went back to mine. Honestly, I didn't expect Nathan to tell him about the truth of our marriage but then again, he was his best friend. Max knew so it was fair that Drake knows too.

I spent the rest of the day doing my work and avoiding Drake because I felt awkward after rejecting him blatantly. When it was time to leave, Nathan appeared my office to drive me home.

"Come on." He said, staring at his watch.

"I'm having dinner with my friends. I'll see you at home." I said.

"Is Max picking you?" He asked.

"No, Jacob is. He texted me that he is around." I replied while wrapping up my work.