Elena looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, trying to get it together before another day of pretending everything's fine. It's been three days since she signed Alexander Stone's contract, and her secret feels heavier all the time.
The joke is, she works in marketing, making up stories for a living, but she's never felt less able to control her own. Talking to her coworkers now feels like walking on eggshells.
Elena? Are you okay there? Carmen's voice made Elena jump. Her closest friend at StoneVault keeps asking about why Elena's been acting strange.
Yeah, just fixing my makeup, Elena said, putting on lip gloss with shaky hands.
When she came out, Carmen was leaning against the sink, looking worried. You've been acting weird all week. And you look beat. Are you sleeping?
Elena faked a smile. Sofia had a bad night. You know how kids are—nightmares about school.
The lie came too easy. Elena's been practicing it since Monday, making up little stories to explain anything weird she does. Sofia's getting worse faster than she thought, needing more trips to the doctor and medicine that makes her look pale.
Maybe you should take some time off, Carmen said. That promotion means better benefits, right? You could take a few days.
The promotion. Another issue Elena hadn't thought about. Alexander kept his word about creating backup for their arrangement, but going from Marketing Coordinator to Senior Marketing Coordinator all of a sudden raised some eyebrows.
I'm fine, really, Elena said. Just getting used to the new job.
Carmen looked at her like she knew Elena too well. It's just weird, you know? You've been wanting that promotion, and now that you got it, you seem... I don't know. Sad? Like you did something wrong?
Elena felt guilty—about lying to everyone, about the deal itself, and about knowing Alexander Stone gets to her in ways he shouldn't.
I'm not sad, Elena said, grabbing her stuff. I'm happy for the chance.
Another half-truth. She was happy, but the promotion felt like another chain tying her to Alexander.
The marketing area was buzzing as Elena sat at her desk. Her new workspace was bigger, with better light and a view of the city. She could even see the building where Sofia's surgery would be in two days.
Two days. Dr. Williams had called yesterday to say it was on for Thursday morning, sounding nice but professional. Sofia's tough, the doctor said. We'll take good care of her.
Elena's computer pinged. Alexander's name still made her heart race a bit.
*Elena*
*The meeting ran late yesterday. Checking if Thursday pickup is still 5 AM. The driver will be waiting. Also, Mrs. Chen wants to know what furniture Sofia likes for the new place. Nothing fancy, just colors Sofia likes. -- A*
The new place. Elena still couldn't believe it. By next week, she and Sofia would be at Alexander's penthouse, acting like a family for him.
Elena wrote back: *Sofia loves purple and butterflies. She also likes books and art stuff. Thanks for asking.*
He replied right away: *Got it. How's she doing today?*
Elena stopped, surprised he asked. Alexander's been paying attention to Sofia, asking about her like he actually cares.
*Tired but excited to get better soon.*
*She's remarkable. Like her mother.*
Elena stared at the screen, her face heating up. *Like her mother*. It was just a compliment, but it made her feel things she shouldn't about her boss.
Hard at work, or just pretending?
Elena jumped, minimizing her email as her boss, Janet, came over with coffee and a smile.
Just checking the Peterson account, Elena said. I want it to be smooth for my new role.
Janet nodded. That's why you got the promotion. Mr. Stone mentioned your thinking during the review.
Mr. Stone mentioned her. Elena's stomach flipped. Did he mean it, or was he just keeping up appearances?
Speaking of Mr. Stone, Janet leaned in, have you noticed he seems... different lately? More friendly, maybe?
Elena's heart sped up. Different how?
I don't know. He's always been all business, but he seems warmer lately. Sarah in Accounting said she saw him smile at someone in the elevator. An actual smile, not his CEO smile.
Elena tried to look curious, not worried. That's good. Maybe he's happy about the company.
Maybe, Janet said. Or maybe he's got a woman. You know how it is with important men—they're either sharks or puppies, depending on whether they're in love.
The word love hit Elena hard. Love had nothing to do with their deal. Alexander made that very clear. It was business, just business. A way to fix things without getting emotional.
So why did him being warmer make her feel something she wasn't supposed to?
Elena's phone buzzed—a text from Sofia's school. Her heart skipped a beat.
*Mrs. Martinez, Sofia is in the nurse's office. She got dizzy at school. Please call.*
Elena grabbed her stuff. Janet, I have to go. Sofia's sick at school.
Go, Janet said. Take your time.
Elena was halfway to the parking lot when her phone rang. Alexander's name made her fumble with it.
Elena? Mrs. Chen couldn't reach you about the apartment.
Sofia fainted at school, Elena said, panicking. I have to get her.
I'm coming with you.
You don't have to—
Elena. Alexander's voice left no room for arguing. I'm already in the car. Tell me the address.
Twenty minutes later, Elena was in the school nurse's office, holding Sofia's hand as she slept. Sofia looked pale, so weak, Elena had to hold back tears.
This was her fault. The stress, the lies, the emotions—Sofia was paying because of her.
The spells are getting worse, the nurse said. Her heart is working too hard. Dr. Williams was right to do the surgery soon.
Elena nodded, unable to talk. Two more days. Sofia just had to hang on.
Someone knocked softly and Alexander stood there, his suit looking out of place in the school. But he looked worried—totally right for the situation.
How is she? he asked, looking at Elena and Sofia.
Tired, Elena said. Her heart is weak.
Alexander stepped in, carefully. He looked at Sofia with the same gentleness Elena had heard on the phone.
She's going to be fine, Alexander said, not taking his eyes off Sofia. Dr. Williams is the best. Thursday, we fix this.
*We*. Elena wasn't alone. Alexander was in their lives now, and even though she wanted to keep him out, she found his being there comforting.
Sofia stirred, opening her eyes. When she saw Alexander, she smiled.
Mr. Alexander! You came to see me?
Of course I did, Alexander said. Your mom said you weren't feeling well.
Sofia tried to sit up, and Alexander helped her, gently.
I got dizzy playing kickball, Sofia said. But it's okay because after I get my heart fixed, I can play all the sports I want.
That's right, Alexander said. And you can teach me how to play kickball. I never learned.
Sofia giggled, making them both smile. You were probably too busy being all important and wearing those suits.
You're right, Alexander said. So I have some catching up to do.
Elena watched, feeling confused. Alexander wasn't just acting—he really cared about Sofia. It was exciting and terrifying, because it meant things were more complicated than they thought.
Can Mr. Alexander have dinner with us tonight? Sofia asked, turning to Elena. I want to show him my butterflies.
Elena hesitated, looking at Alexander. Their deal didn't include family dinners. But Sofia looked eager, and Alexander nodded.
If he's not busy, Elena said.
I'm never busy with important things, Alexander said, looking at Elena. And butterflies are important.
An hour later, they were at the grocery store together—Alexander Stone pushing a cart while Sofia picked out pasta stuff.
She's amazing, Alexander said quietly as Sofia chose tomatoes. So strong, so positive.
She gets it from her dad, Elena said, then wished she hadn't.
Alexander's face changed. Tell me about him.
Elena glanced at Sofia, who was looking at pasta. Not much to say. He left when Sofia got sick. Said he couldn't handle it.
His loss, Alexander said. And Sofia's gain, because she got you—someone who would do anything to help her.
Elena's throat tightened. I don't know anything about it. More like selling my soul for the money.
Alexander stopped, touching Elena's arm. What you're doing isn't selling out. It's the most selfless act I've ever seen.
Elena stared at him, seeing something in his eyes that made her heart beat faster. It was liking, and respect, and something deeper that scared her.
Mama, can we get ice cream? Sofia called from the freezer section.
Ice cream sounds good, Alexander said before Elena could answer. What's your favorite, Sofia?
As Elena watched Alexander listen to Sofia talk about why chocolate chip cookie dough was the best ice cream, she understood her fear wasn't the pregnancy, or the attention, or even the feelings she was getting for her boss.
It was that when their deal was over, she and Sofia would be so attached to Alexander Stone that losing him would break them.
And the way he was promising Sofia they'd make cookies to go with the ice cream, Elena figured Alexander was in trouble too.
Which meant their deal was about to get messier than they planned.