Assigned Bride [Unrequited Love]

10

As the office clock struck the end of the day, I gathered my things, ready to head home, feeling the weight of the day hanging heavy on me. But before I could even stand, the door to my cabin swung open without a knock.

A familiar presence filled the space, commanding attention. Startled, I looked up and was met by the piercing gaze of Francesco. His tall, imposing figure moved inside with that effortless elegance. His dark, unreadable eyes held mine as he entered with a purpose. My brow furrowed in confusion; why would he come here instead of summoning me to his office as usual?

“Let’s go,” he said in that deep, unwavering voice that left no room for argument. “I’ll take you home.”

My heart skipped a beat at the offer—no, the order—but I reminded myself this was all part of the act. I managed a small nod and walked towards the door, keeping my face composed. But the moment I rose and reached for the door, Francesco’s hand found the small of my back, steady and close enough that I could feel his presence wrapping around me. The warmth of his hand against me sent a jolt through my entire body, and I could hardly process it.  I fought to keep my expression neutral as he guided me out into the corridor. He stayed close, closer than he’d ever been, his body warmth at my side, his touch a constant reminder that this was no ordinary end to the day.

As we walked through the office, every head seemed to turn our way, eyes widening in shock. The murmurs and glances from our colleagues were instant, a mix of surprise, envy, and fascination as we passed. I couldn’t help but notice Mia at the front desk, her jaw nearly dropping, and then Jane, her eyes narrowed in a jealous glare that would have been amusing under any other circumstances. But none of it mattered when his hand tightened slightly on my back, guiding me in a way that felt both natural and entirely possessive. I could feel the weight of our supposed “relationship” setting the office ablaze with rumors, yet in that moment, the only thing that mattered was the pulse of electricity between us.

In the parking lot, I finally allowed myself to inhale, hoping he would release me now that we were alone. Instead, he slid his hand lower, fingers pressing into my waist, drawing me closer and sending my pulse racing again. His face softened, his eyes sparkling with a look so convincingly tender it was almost enough to make me forget it was all an act. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, “There’s a camera at two o'clock. Don’t look.”

Every word vibrated against my ear, sinking into my skin as if he’d touched me. His voice alone had me holding my breath, but his body so close, his fingers anchored on my waist, made it almost impossible to focus.

“But.. my car’s that way,” I said, though my voice came out more like a weak murmur than the polite reminder I’d intended.

Ignoring me completely, he pulled me toward his sleek black car. His driver, Jack, stood by, looking anywhere but at us, though there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes. Francesco reached out a hand, and instinctively I placed my keys in his palm. He looked down at my dolphin keychain with a glimmer of amusement, his thumb grazing the small charm in a way that seemed to linger before he passed it to Jack.

“Take Miss Simon’s car home for her,” Francesco instructed, his tone firm. Jack nodded, casting a fleeting glance at me before leaving, his expression a mix of shock and curiosity.

The moment he was gone, Francesco opened the passenger door of his car for me, his movements confident, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. As I settled into the seat, his hand never leaving my waist as he helped me inside, fingers trailing lightly against me as he closed the door.

The door closed with a soft click, and I took a shaky breath, grateful for the small distance between us now. But as he moved around to the driver’s side, I was keenly aware of every glance, every gesture, and the intense pull between us that seemed to stretch across the car.