Victoria nods. “At that point, even if you divorce, the assets transfer permanently to Jessica.”
And just like that, my heart riots in a swirl of gratitude, disbelief, and sheer panic.
Six months. With Lucas Carmichael.
Six months of pretending, of playing house with the one man who challenges me, contradicts me, drives me absolutely insane, and sees right through me.
“We need a moment,” I tell Victoria, finally looking at Lucas. “Alone.”
She graciously steps out and closes the door behind her.
“Did you know about this?” I demand as soon as we’re alone.
“About your secret trust fund? No, Jess. Contrary to what you might think, I don’t spend my free time investigating your financial situation.”
I pace the office. “This is insane. We can’t stay married.”
“Why not?”
I stop and stare at him. “Because we’re not actually in love? Because you work for a studio I regularly scrutinize? Because your father wants you to marry someone else for his political gain? Take your pick.”
“Look,” Lucas says, his voice surprisingly gentle, “I’m not suggesting we actually…you know. But if we played along for six months, you’d secure your inheritance, and I’d get my father off my back about Madeline.”
“You sound like you’ve been thinking about this,” I say suspiciously.
Lucas shifts in his chair. “I had a meeting with Grant this morning. He had some thoughts about the situation.”
I groan, burying my head in my hands. “I can’t believe Grant Hall knows about our marriage.”
“Yeah. Just him. And a few million other people the world over.”
Damn social media. Damn champagne.
I sit up, folding my arms. “And what did the great and powerful studio head have to say?”
Lucas hesitates. “He knows I’ve been dealing with some pressure from my father. About Madeline. Grant suggested the documentary might actually be good for both of us.”
“So, your boss thinks we should stay married?”
“Six months,” Lucas says, ignoring my sarcasm. “We do the documentary, make public appearances when necessary, and then part amicably. You get your inheritance and that board seat, I get some peace from my family situation, and we both get exposure from Dylan’s project.”
“This is absolutely crazy,” I mutter, but I’m already running calculations in my head. Six months isn’t that long. I could handle half a year of occasional appearances with Lucas. I see him at most of the events I attend already.
“We could live separately,” I suggest. “Just meet up when we need to film or make appearances.”
“That could work.” Lucas nods. “Professional collaboration with a contractual end date.”
I’m about to respond when both our phones buzz simultaneously.
I glance at the screen.
DYLAN
Excited to start filming! When can we schedule the moving-in footage? I want to capture the full “newlywed nesting” vibe. Let me know your availability!
I slowly look up and meet Lucas’s eyes across the table. He’s already staring at me with a mix of resignation and determination that mirrors my own.
“So much for living separately,” I mutter.
