e was quiet for a second. "Come to my penthouse. We'll make it official."
"When?"
"Now."
I looked at the clock on my wall. Eight in the morning. "It's early."
"I've been up since five." His voice was steady. "I'll send the car."
He hung up before I could respond.
I set my phone down and took a long breath.
This was really happening.
---
The car arrived thirty minutes later. Same driver, same black sedan, same silent ride through the city.
The morning traffic was heavy and we sat stopped at lights while people rushed past on the sidewalks. Coffee cups in their hands and phones pressed to their ears. Everyone had somewhere to be.
I was going to sign a contract to fake date a billionaire.
The absurdity of it hit me again and I almost laughed.
We pulled up to the high-rise and I got out. The doorman recognized me this time and just nodded. "Mr. Vale is expecting you."
I took the elevator up and watched the numbers climb. My stomach felt tight.
