Knowing that it was Nicolas, Mallion’s ego would’ve been too bruised to let anyone else know. The secret would have probably been swept under the rug. Either that or publicized out of spite, but that did more harm to Mallion than good on a comparative level so it was a low probability.
But that was the cause of this arrangement in the first place, wasn’t it? To be this little actress’s husband. Mallion’s karma for breaking her heart.
But where did that leave me?
The sudden thought struck him like a lightning bolt. Nicolas knew that growing attached to his fake wife was entirely his burden to bear. A reckless indulgence. Borderline idiotic.
The warning signs in his head didn’t stand a chance though. She’d crashed into him, like a perfect strike during a Friday night bowling game. All he could do was surrender to the collision.
But if she was the one who’d knocked him off his feet, what was that guilty expression she was wearing? Or was it pity? He didn’t know which one was worse.
Emily swallowed harshly. “I-I…”
She fumbled over her words, so unsure of herself for the first time since they’d met.
What a fool he’d been to think she cared about what he needed out of this marriage.
She was only using him.
Just like they’d agreed upon when they’d signed the marriage contract. And just like he’d feared when he’d suspected she had more to gain from this.
31
The atmosphere surrounding them for the next few days was awkward.
Nicolas had been giving Emily the silent treatment. Much deserved in her opinion. What she’d been considering was a low move. Divorcing before the one-year timeline. But that was only at the beginning of this arrangement.Beforeshe got to know Nicolas. The real him.
Emily wasn’t thinking like that now.
Ironically, she could hardly bear the thought of parting with him.
She knew that she’d gotten attached to her fake husband. His small smiles and reassuring gaze. His Post-it notes. His artistic rants. His goddamn beauty mark. Everything that made Nicolas Re the man he was.
Yes, it was downright stupid of her to let feelings grow after what she’d experienced with Jake, but she couldn’t help it. He listened when she spoke, remembered the smallest things she said, and treated her with a respect that felt foreign after Jake’s indifference. Those gestures, simpleas they were, got her thinking maybe this time it could be different.
Her heart clenched remembering the expression he wore back at the restaurant.
He lookedhurt.
She wanted to say something. To tell him she was just overstimulated from seeing both her parents again on the same day. That he didn’t deserve to have that frustration taken out on him.
Emily made up her mind and stormed into his home office he’d occupied often since their argument.
It was times like these when being an actress came in handy. She’d feign confidence. She’d make him listen to her explanation.
She’d just have to not crack under his consuming stare…
“Nicolas!” she yelled as she barged through the door. “I need to speak to you.”
Her husband’s eyes narrowed. He looked up from his computer screen.
“I told myself that I was going to wait,” she said, voice tight, “but I don’t think I can anymore. I can’t keep doing whatever this is between us.” Her arms flailed at the wordthis, as if the gesture could untangle the mess between them.
“Emily—”
“No, Nicolas. Listen.” She saw his pupils dilate as she came closer. He looked between her and the screen.
“Look,” she blew out. “I don’t know what else to say, but I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I blew up on you like that. I was way out of line. I get that now.” He was silent. “But you still had no right to tell them like that.”
