A Billionaire Fake Marriage (Complete)

Chapter 10

"CHLOE POV "

What a weekend. Crashed a party and kissed a guy on Saturday.

Agreed to marry him on Sunday. For two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

In the cold, clear light of day, I was consumed with regret about my agreement with Gio.

Yes, I wanted to protect my grandmother and keep her in her home, but at what price?

I would end up deceiving the only person who loved me unconditionally.

She liked Gio. I shuddered & think about how hurt she would feel if she found out, it was all a lie.

I’d never been as happy to get back to work on Monday. I even welcomed the douche bagginess of the partners at the firm. It was a much-needed dose of normally.

When I got in at eight in the morning, Lexa & the senior partner’s admin greeted me with her customary smug smile.

“You didn’t join us at happy hour on Friday, did you?”

Since I never joined them at happy hour, I knew that Lexa only asked me this question to rub it in.

“No, I didn’t,” I said, playing along. 

Whatever. If it made her feel superior to sneer at my poverty, so be it.

I was comfortable with the choices I’d made.
My grandmother was worthy every missed pint, every glass of wine. 

I didn’t drink because I couldn’t spend money at a bar when the property tax bill loomed in front of me.

“And how was your weekend?” she continued.

“Do anything exciting?”

I was suddenly tired of these petty games.

“Yes,” I said, keeping the snap out of my voice with an effort.

“Last night, my boyfriend took me to Canoe for dinner. It was lovely.”

I pushed past her and went to my desk and resisted the temptation to gloat at her shocked expression.

* * *

Around lunch,my phone rang, and it was a number I didn’t recognize.

I picked it up, and a woman’s voice greeted me.

“Chloe?” she asked.

“Hi. I’m Grace, Gio’s sister.”

I’d managed to avoid thinking of Gio all morning.

Last night, we’d been having a fun time at dinner until we’d had to make up the story of how we met.

No, that wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t until I’d mentioned that he needed to be discreet about taking a lover that he’d withdrawn into himself.

“Hi,” I said hesitantly.

“My ridiculously bossy brother,” she said, her tone fond,

“Suggested I take you shopping. I’m sure you can do that by yourself, but I’d love to meet you. Are you doing anything this evening?”

I was the belle of the ball since meeting Gio.

Going out three nights in a row? Unheard of. 

“No,” I replied.

“I’m free. Where would you like to meet?”

“I’ll pick you up at work,” she said.