The Pretend Bride's Unexpected Path To True Love

A blonde woman, dressed to perfection and flawlessly made up, sat at that distant table. Instinct told me she might have a connection to Albert. I leaned in and gently brushed my hand along his cheek. He paused mid-sentence with his client and turned, pressing a kiss to my cheek as I whispered in his ear.

"Is your ex blonde?"

"Yes. How did you figure that out?"

I winked at him, and his expression shifted in understanding. He slid his hand along my back and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. Keeping his arm around me, he faced his client again.

"Forgive me, my fiancee is a bit of a distraction."

"Well, if I were you, I'd be distracted, too. I can see the passion between you."

Albert gave my waist a gentle squeeze. Instinctively, I leaned into him, and he looked down at me with a contented smile.

The waiter brought our food, and throughout the meal, Albert kept finding small ways to touch me. Sometimes he would feed me a bite from his fork or let his fingers linger on my hand. Every gesture was subtle but impossibly intimate, at least to me. He finished his business with the client, and as soon as dinner ended, he took my hand and led me out to the terrace.

We chose a quiet table with a breathtaking view of the sea below. The lights of the coast glittered in the night.

"You really do have a sharp eye. That was my ex, Florence Ward."

His fingers brushed softly over my hand as he spoke.

"She kept staring, obviously bothered by what she saw."

"I figured she'd be upset to see me with someone else, especially since she doesn't know about our engagement yet. I have no doubt she'll be furious and want me back."

"Sorry if this sounds strange, but wouldn't it be easier to just tell her how you feel?"

He grew serious, his eyes settling on me. I realized I might have overstepped my role, but the question hung between us.

"Forgive me, Albert, I shouldn't have said that. You know what's best for you."

"It's alright. The situation is more complicated than it looks. Anyway, let's change the subject. Tell me about yourself, if you don't mind. Unless that breaks your own rules."

A quiet sigh slipped from me, relieved to see the tension dissolve. Still, he was treading into sensitive ground. I decided to trust him, at least a little.

"I can answer a few of your questions. What do you want to know?"

"Anyone special in your life? A boyfriend?"

That question caught me off guard.

The waiter arrived just then with a chilled bottle of prosecco, poured us each a glass, and slipped away. All the while, Albert's eyes stayed locked on mine.

"I don't have anyone."

"Interesting. I heard you're studying business administration for your degree, right?"

"Yes."

He raised his glass, and we toasted. He took a slow sip, then caught me off guard with his next question.

"Why did you become a high-class escort?"

A rush of heat flooded my cheeks, and I knew I must have turned red. I never advertised what I did, and even with clients, I had never felt as exposed as I did with Albert.

"I didn't have better options, I..." My voice wavered, and tears prickled at the corners of my eyes.

He noticed right away and reached for my hand, his other hand softly brushing my arm.

"I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. I shouldn't have asked."

Before I could answer, a voice cut through the evening.

"Good evening, Albert. I'm surprised to see you here."

The woman stepped closer, stopping right at my side. I glanced at Albert, searching his face for any sign of what to do. He smiled reassuringly at me. It was the same blonde woman who had been watching us during dinner.

"Well, here I am. Does Florence want to sit down?"

She let her gaze travel over me, taking her time.

"No, thank you. I need to go— my fiance is waiting for me. I only wanted to say good evening. I was expecting your brother to handle these meetings. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Of course. This is Thalia, my fiancee. Thalia, this is Florence, an old friend."

The anger and disappointment in Florence's eyes were impossible to miss, but I kept up my act.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet a friend of my Albert," I remarked, my tone steady as I shook her hand.

I noticed a faint smile touch his lips as he slipped an arm around me, pulling me close right after Florence released my hand.

"Fiancee?"

"Yes. I proposed to her in Greece."

"It was wonderful, darling. You were so thoughtful—just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps." I smiled sweetly and stroked his forearm, playing my part to perfection.

Florence's eyes burned with anger, though she kept a cold smile plastered on her face.

"Albert, romantic? Well, I wish you both all the best. I should go, but I hope you two enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow at the lunch meeting. Good night to you and Eaton Harper."

I returned her smile, wishing her a good night as she turned and walked away. After she left, Albert reached out and gently cupped my face, making me look at him.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry for earlier— I'll find a way to make it up to you."

"It's alright."

"Shall we head to bed?"