Faking Fate [Book 1]

Chapter Six: The Deal

So this is what it feels like to be cast in a soap opera, huh?

"Let's get straight to the point," Alexander began, his voice low and controlled. "I've seen the media coverage and the mess that has unfolded."

His words cut through the air like a razor, and my heart pounded in my chest. I sat across from him, trying to stay composed despite the intense scrutiny of his gaze. The room was immaculately clean, every surface meticulously organized, which only seemed to accentuate the tension between us.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he studied me. The silence stretched, heavy and expectant.

"I'm aware that accidents happen," he continued, his tone devoid of warmth. "But the way this has been handled—or rather, mishandled—has resulted in significant damage to my reputation and to the event's image. I'm losing business because of you, Emily. Partners are pulling out of deals due to all the negative coverage. Frankly, I can't stand for that."

"Shit," I muttered under my breath, biting my lip as a string of curses played on repeat in my mind. Was he going to sue me for damages? The thought of facing legal action, on top of everything else, was almost too much to bear.

Alexander's gaze remained steady, and he seemed to read my growing panic. "I'm not suggesting legal action, Emily," he said, his tone softening just a fraction. "But I am proposing a way to manage the situation that could benefit both of us."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. "What do you propose?"

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly. "First, we need to control the narrative. This involves issuing a public apology and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident."

He leaned forward, his gaze fixed. "But that's not all. We need to take a more proactive approach."

My brow furrowed. "Proactive how?"

Alexander's expression turned serious. "There's a strong public perception issue here. To counteract the negative attention and rebuild trust, we need to present a more compelling and relatable image."

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "And what do you suggest we do to achieve that?"

"Date me," he said simply.

Excuse me?

I stared at him, my mind struggling to catch up. Was this a prank? A test? Maybe he was about to pull off the ultimate 'gotcha' moment? But no, he wasn't cracking a smile or giving any hint that this was a joke.

I started nervously laughing, the kind of laugh that escapes when you're not sure whether to cry or scream. "You got me," I said, forcing a grin. "Nice one. Now, what's the real plan?"

Alexander's face remained stoic. "I'm not joking, Emily. Do I look like I'm joking?"

My laughter faltered. "Oh, come on. This has to be a joke. A fake date to fix a champagne fiasco? What's next? A dramatic rooftop confession to save the company's stock?"

Alexander leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "I assure you, it's not a joke. It's a strategic move to redirect the media's focus and mend the damage."

I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of the situation. "So you're saying, to make things right, we should pretend to be a couple?"

Alexander shifted in his seat, reaching for a folder hidden beneath the table. He laid it out in front of us with a deliberate flourish, like a magician unveiling his final trick.

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live life debt-free?" he mused, his tone almost casual.

My heart froze, the sudden shift in the conversation leaving me momentarily speechless. "Excuse me?" I stammered, staring at the folder as if it might spontaneously combust.