The Pretend Bride's Unexpected Path To True Love

The view of the sea took my breath away. I knew I needed to call Maxwell, so I picked up my phone and dialed the school's number, silently relieved that I had remembered to use an international SIM card. My heart pounded while I waited for the call to go through. After a moment, someone answered and transferred me to Maxwell's room. Soon enough, that sweet, familiar voice came through the line. "Thalia..." "Hi, Maxwell, sweetheart. I've missed you so much." "Thalia, I'm so happy you called. I know you're traveling, but I really miss you." My heart ached, knowing how difficult it must be for a ten-year-old boy to be away from the only family he had left. We lost our dad in an accident when Maxwell was just four. Two years ago, we lost our mom to a sudden illness. From that moment on, I took on every responsibility. At first, I managed to keep our home together and stay in school. But the bills kept stacking up, and eventually, desperation pushed me into the shadows of the life I was living now. I hadn't taken many jobs, but ever since the first one, I always dreamed of leaving this life behind. I told Maxwell I worked as a flight attendant for private companies, and he believed me. After all, I really had worked in aviation before. At least this contract with Albert would let me leave Scarlet Angels. I'd be able to visit Maxwell more often, and maybe even bring him home, hiring someone to help look after him. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I miss you terribly, too. I promise I'll call more often, and I'll be back soon." "I'm doing well. My grades are good. I really want to see you, Thalia. Can we do a video call on Skype one of these days?" "We'll set something up. I'm very proud of you. What we're going through is just temporary—remember that. I love you so much. Don't ever forget it." "I love you too, Thalia." We talked for a little longer. A few minutes later, I ended the call and stepped back inside, noticing the door to the suite was already cracked open. I was sure I had left it like that before heading to the terrace. I walked in quietly; the bedroom door stood open. Albert was lying on the bed in nothing but a towel, scrolling through his phone. I couldn't help but wonder if he had heard my whole conversation. He glanced up and spoke without emotion. "You have twenty minutes." His tone was cool, and he went right back to his phone. I did my best to ignore his perfect physique stretched out on the bed in nothing but a towel. I also tried not to let myself worry over whether he'd overheard my call with Maxwell. "All right, I'll be ready." I scrambled to get everything together, snatching my carry-on and pulling out the dress I had set aside, leaving it on the sofa where I planned to sleep. I hurried into the bathroom, took a quick shower, did my makeup, and came out wearing the hotel robe. As I crossed the room, I caught sight of Albert's bare torso and broad shoulders as he buttoned his dress shirt. He was already in his pants, and his eyes found mine in the mirror, a sly smile curling his lips. He was so self-assured— so impossibly confident. I nearly rolled my eyes at him as I moved into the other room. I dressed quickly and took a moment to check myself in the mirror. Satisfied, I returned to the bedroom just as he finished a glass of wine. He looked me over with calm, measured eyes and spoke. "Come over here." His commanding tone grated on my nerves, but I remembered the contract and did as he asked. I walked toward him, my steps slow and my heart pounding, all while his steady eyes followed me. He looked me up and down, saying nothing. Then he walked over to his suitcase and came back with something in his hand. Before I could see what it was, he distracted me by speaking again. "Turn around." I wanted to protest, maybe even snap back at him, but holding his gaze felt impossible. Instead, I turned and realized I was facing the same mirror where our eyes had met before. He stepped close behind me, his fingers gently sweeping my hair over my shoulder. Only then did I notice the delicate necklace in his hands as he slipped it around my neck. He gently brushed my hair aside and fastened the clasp, his fingers gliding over my skin and sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. There was no way I could hide the way he made me feel now. His gaze lingered on the place where his hands had been. He let his fingers follow the line of my neckline, and judging by the satisfied smile on his lips, he could tell exactly what he was doing to me. "We should go. We're running late," he whispered. "I thought you just wanted to have a drink and talk. I didn't know we were on a schedule." "We'll save this for after dinner. One of my important clients is joining us. He called just a few minutes ago." A flutter of nerves danced in my stomach. Pretending to be engaged to a man like him wouldn't be easy. He walked to the door while I grabbed my purse. As we stepped into the corridor, he rested his hand gently on my back, guiding me closer. "Everything alright, Thalia?" "I'm just a little nervous. Honestly, I've never done anything like this before." "Don't worry. Just stay close, be affectionate, and try not to say too much. Our story is simple: we met during one of my trips, fell for each other quickly, and got engaged on a trip to Greece." "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Stay calm." "I know you'll do a wonderful job as my fiancee." He smiled and winked at me. As we walked toward the restaurant, I kept wondering what the next week would bring. I would have to play the part of his fiancee, sharing affection with him and accepting it in return. My heart beat faster, certain that everything was about to feel real. We entered the hotel restaurant together. Albert kept his hand pressed to my back, his grip tightening just a little at my waist. When we reached our table, a well-dressed man stood up and smiled, extending his hand to Albert before turning his attention to me. "Good evening, Mr. Albert. I hope I'm not intruding on your evening." He greeted Albert while they shook hands. "Mr. Jon Bentley, let me introduce you to my fiancee, Thalia." "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Thalia." He smiled warmly and shook my hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jon." "You're a lucky man, Albert. Your fiancee is stunning," Jon said as he sat down. "I know, I was lucky to find her," Albert replied, lowering his voice as he kissed my hair and pulled out my chair for me. After he took his seat, he placed his hand lightly on my thigh. His touch was gentle, not insistent, but the feel of his skin against mine left me slightly unsettled. The waiter arrived, and while Jon gave his order, Albert leaned toward me and spoke softly. "Would you like to look at the menu? Do you speak Italian?" "I know a little, but I'd be more comfortable if you chose for me." He smiled at me and turned to the waiter, ordering in flawless Italian. He chose risotto with porcini mushrooms and beef tagliata, then selected a bottle of wine. When the waiter left, Albert and Jon dove into business talk. I sat quietly, soaking in the ambiance and the view of the sea. After a few minutes, I glanced around and spotted two couples seated at a table in the back. One of the women kept staring at us, her gaze lingering every time I looked her way.