VENUS
It was Thursday morning, and I went to see my mom to check on her and ensure she was doing well. I felt optimistic about her chemo, and for the first time in a while, I didn't have to worry about the money. I hadn't seen Dain since I sent him out. Good riddance. I even changed the lock on the door to feel safe again.
I'd gone through the contract, and after much thought, I decided I would sign it and submit it today after visiting my mom. Now, I was sitting in the chair beside her hospital bed. She was asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
"Hey, sleepyhead," I murmured when she finally stirred.
"Venus?" She stretched and blinked. "How long have I been asleep? Why didn't you wake me?"
"You need all the rest you can get, Mom." I took her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I brought you your favourite mango juice." I placed the bottle on the bedside table. "And... I wasn't sure if you felt like having a cupcake, but I brought some, just in case. I hope you're allowed to eat them." I placed a small box of freshly baked cupcakes beside the juice.
"Why wouldn't I be allowed to?" she chuckled softly. "Thank you so much. I was getting sick of hospital food." Tears welled up in her eyes, and she smiled.
"Hey, Mom, don't get emotional over cupcakes," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"Dain? Have you heard from him?" she asked hesitantly. This was the part of my visits I always dreaded.
"He's fine. He's been at Billy's," I lied, forcing a small smile. Truthfully, I had no idea where he was, and I didn't care.
"Oh, okay." Her voice was tinged with disappointment. She had hoped he would visit. He wouldn't.
I glanced at the clock. "I'll be heading to work now. I'll see you later, okay?" I leaned down and kissed her nose.
"I love you, Venus."
"I love you more." With that, I left.
Time to face my boss—my future husband, I reminded myself with an inward cackle at the absurdity of it all.
There wasn't much traffic, so I arrived at the office on time. After checking in with the receptionist, I learned Mr. Sinclair was already in.
I settled at my desk, organised my things, and took a deep breath before knocking on his door.
"Come in."
I stepped inside. He leaned back in his chair, exuding the same devil-may-care arrogance he always did.
"Good morning, Mr. Sinclair."
He glanced up from his paperwork, his eyes briefly flicking over me. I adjusted my glasses, and I noticed his gaze followed the movement.
"Good morning, Ms Astor"
"I, uh... I've looked through the contract, and I've signed it." I handed the file over to him. He opened it, scanned my signature, and gave a brief nod.
"Good. I'll get you a copy of the contract. You'll submit your resignation letter this afternoon."
He stood and walked around his desk, stopping right in front of me. My breath hitched.
"To convince people we're together, you need to look the part, Venus."
It was the first time he'd said my name, and hearing it from him felt like a warm fire licking over my skin—dangerous but delicious.
He reached out and brushed my hair to the side, his touch light yet commanding.
"You're getting a makeover. I believe that's what you ladies call it. I can't be seen in public with you looking like this."
Asshole.
"It wouldn't kill you to be nice. How are we supposed to convince people we're in love if you're always looking at me like you can't stand me?"
His lips twitched, but he said nothing. I was starting to wonder if I'd just signed a contract with the devil himself.
"I need this to work out, Ms. Astor. I'd do anything to make it work, including tolerating you. I'm working on it. I didn't get why he disliked me so much. I hadn't done anything to him.
" Good, because if I'm doing this with you, you need to be nicer to me, as I am no longer your PA but your partner"
He gritted his teeth. "Crystal." He went back to his seat. "Connor will be here in a few hours, and he'll take care of the rest. You're dismissed, Ms. Astor."
I didn't move.
He raised an eyebrow. "Was that unclear?"
"No." I squared my shoulders, my voice steady. "But there's one more thing."
He leaned back, curious. "Go on."
"I know this is a fake marriage, a contract for appearances," I said, stepping closer to his desk, refusing to let him intimidate me. "But you asked for loyalty. You told me I'd have to be seen as your partner in every sense of the word."
"That's right."
"Then I expect the same from you, Mr. Sinclair," I said, sweetly but firmly. "No flings. No one-night stands. No mysterious women slipping in and out of hotel rooms while we're married. If I'm tied to you, even on paper, I expect exclusivity. This might not be love, but I'll be damned if I'm humiliated."
Something flickered in his eyes—surprise, maybe even admiration—but he masked it quickly.
"You're claiming me, Ms. Astor?" he asked, voice low, dangerous.
I didn't flinch. "I am. It's only fair."
He stood again, slowly, like a predator intrigued by its prey. "You don't get to demand. You're the one who needed this."
"And yet," I smirked, stepping into his space, "you're the one who came to me."
He stared me down, the tension thick between us. "Fine," he said at last. "No distractions. No one else. You'll have my loyalty, as long as I have yours."
"Good," I whispered, satisfied. "Then we have a deal."
"Careful what you ask for, Venus," he murmured, his gaze burning into me. "You just might get all of me."