Acting The Part

Chapter 20: Caleb

I sat at my desk, staring at the numbers on the screen, but for the life of me, I couldn't concentrate. The data blurred together, and no matter how much I tried to focus, my mind kept wandering back to her—Megan.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my face, trying to shake the image of her from this morning. The way she'd moved around my kitchen, so effortlessly, like she belonged there. Like she belonged with me.

I couldn't stop thinking about her. The softness of her skin, the way her lips had parted when I kissed her goodbye, the sound of her laughter as she teased me about being late for work.

I'd never felt this way about anyone before. And it was driving me fucking insane.

She was going to be my contractual wife of one year. But my mind kept repeating the images of last night like it was the most x-rated video.

Work seemed trivial compared to the thought of her. I pictured her on set, doing what she loved, pouring herself into her role.

What did she look like when she was in character? How did she move, how did she speak? I wanted to see it—needed to see it.

I glanced at the clock, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. Meetings. Calls. More meetings. It was the usual grind, but for some reason, it felt suffocating today.

I was supposed to be running the company, handling business, making decisions, but all I could think about was Megan. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to be with her right now.

We were not married yet, but it seemed I was on honeymoon blues already.

As if on cue, one of my secretaries, Claire, knocked on the door and walked in, holding a stack of papers. "Mr. Drake, you're in the newspapers again."

I raised an eyebrow, forcing myself to sit up straighter. "Good or bad?"

She smiled, setting the papers on my desk. "Good, this time. It's about your engagement."

I grinned. "Perfect. My grandfather has probably seen it."

Those paparazzi probably received the pictures he prepared along with the statement.

Claire's smile faltered a little, and I could tell she was still getting used to the idea. Hell, I was still getting used to the idea.

I'd made my decision, though. Megan was the one for this role. Convincing everyone was just a matter of time, I even forgot she was just acting the part.

"Spread the news in the company, Claire," I said, leaning forward. "I want everyone to know I'm engaged to be married."

She blinked, a little startled. "You mean, officially?"

"Officially," I confirmed, my voice firm. "And make sure the news gets to all the important people. My grandfather included. I'm getting married soon."

I gave all the work to Morgana, one of my other secretaries who was also an event planner.

Claire nodded, scribbling something in her notepad before looking back at me. "Are you sure this is how you want him to find out?"

I laughed, leaning back in my chair. "It's better than him trying to arrange another one of those goddamn family meetings. Besides, this gives me control over the narrative. Also, he probably knows already."

I could already imagine how Casper would react. He'd call me into his office, demanding an explanation, probably with some outdated lecture about family honor and business alliances. But by then, it'd be too late.

The wedding was already in motion. He would stop making a fuss and realize that this was happening whether he liked my wife or not.

And honestly, I couldn't wait. Things were finally going my way. Everything was falling into place. The CEO post was in the bag. Boring was the farthest from my marriage.